Interview with director Ashton Avila (HAVE A LITTLE FAITH)

Ashton Avila’s short film played at the April 2017 Los Angeles FEEDBACK Film Festival. Part of the best of Female Director’s showcased.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Ashton Avila: I wanted to tell a story about a girl that I understood but most people don’t. Faith was that girl.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

In total the film was made in about 5 months. We spent about a month with the script, 3 months in pre-production, shot for 3 days and were in post production for about two months.

How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Bible Comedy

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Probably trying to get everything we needed at such different locations in 3 days (especially finding a church that would let us shoot there with the subject matter).

What were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was very flattered by the man who spoke about how much he loved the film and could see it being a feature. He very much understood the bold statement we were going for. I also appreciated the man who just didn’t get it… I get him. That man reacted in the way many adults do when they witness teen angst… just a lack of understanding (and often times rightfully so). Faith (our main character) doesn’t even know why she’s behaving the way she is… she just knows she’s angry at the world.

How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

I spent a lot of time in Bible school and a lot of time as a teenage girl, so when it came time to make a short character driven film… this seemed like the way to go.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

That’s a tough one. I watch a lot of my favorites over and over again.

What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

Probably something by Green Day or Taylor Swift… what a combo, right?

What is next for you? A new film?

My next film will be starting the festival circuit soon… it’s a 1960s period piece called I Got You Babe. Check out igotyoubabefilm.com for more information or “like” our facebook page facebook.com/igotyoubabefilm