Review Fix chats with director and actor Darien Sills-Evans who discusses ‘One Bedroom’ and its appearance at this year’s Kew Gardens Film Festival in Queens New York.
Review Fix: How did you feel the first time you read the script of this film?
Darien Sills-Evans: I can’t remember. As the writer, I read and re-read scenes so many times as I wrote them, all I felt was that I wanted it to be funny. However, the first time we had a table reading I felt that we had something that had the potential to be surprising, unique, and a lot of fun.
Review Fix: What was the feeling like on set?
Sills-Evans: With the cast, very light. I’m not a micro-manager, I enjoy working with people for what I think they can bring to a project and once they’re hired, I try to just let them do whatever it is they do, unless a scene isn’t working. There were pressures, sure, not enough money, not enough time, but overall, the experience was very good.
Review Fix: What makes this film special?
Sills-Evans: This film is special because it’s not often we see complex stories about African Americans that are about love and feelings. Most films about African Americans seem to fall into two categories: Historical tragedy and broad slapstick comedy.
Review Fix: Who will enjoy it the most?
Sills-Evans: The beautiful thing about touring with this film has been that all audiences have thoroughly enjoyed it. The leads are brown, sure, but the themes and situations are universal. The characters in One Bedroom only discuss their lives and feelings. There are no politics and there is never any talk about race. I think that has allowed a very diverse audience to enjoy the film. Everyone sees themselves or someone they know in the film and that’s been rewarding to see.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of the Kew Gardens Festival?
Sills-Evans: Kew Gardens is our Queens premiere and it feels great! I lived in Brooklyn my whole life until a few years ago and anytime I get to come back to New York is special to me. Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world it’s quintessential New York. This is going to be a blast.
Review Fix: Bottom Line: Why must someone see this film?
Sills-Evans: Do you like to laugh? Hate predictable plots, stories, and characters? Have you or anyone you know had a really messy breakup? One Bedroom is for you.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Sills-Evans: More film festival touring and I’ll be announcing my next film soon film. I’m also developing some TV projects, but in the meantime, I will next be seen in City of Lies with Johnny Depp and in dozens of US Cellular commercials.
Leave a Reply