Review Fix chats with “Asia A†With Director Andrew Reid who discusses the film, how his real-life circumstances affected the film and the impact he’d like it to have on audiences.
About the Film:
ASIA A tackles the subject of sudden disability and stars London Brown (Ballers), Pruitt Taylor Vince (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D), Paulina Bugembe (The Good Place) and Elizabeth Keener (The L Word). Just having begun its festival run this live-action short is already a semi-finalist at the 45th Student Academy Awards, has been selected for LA Shorts International Film Festival and HollyShorts.  ASIA A was created by director Andrew Reid, writer Roberto Saieh, and producers Jake Katofsky and Eric Baird.
Review Fix: How was this film born?
Andrew Reid: The idea for this film spawned seven years ago when at the age of 21, I became paralyzed from the chest down. A malformation of my blood vessels (AVM) resulted in a rupture which compressed my spine while I was sleeping, leaving me completely paralyzed. I was told by doctors I would never walk again. I was a T3 complete paraplegic but with dedication and perseverance, I regained movement. Today, I walk again and continue to progress in strength and health.
Review Fix: How has it changed from the initial concept?
Reid: The concept of film has always been to show the first steps of recovery. Often times we see people outside the hospital struggling with recovery but usually a lot of psychological conflict arises when you are given the initial prognosis.
Review Fix: What are you most proud of when it comes to this film?
Reid: Its authenticity. We wanted to create a film that was true to its subject matter that showcased universal themes. I believe we succeeded.
Review Fix: What helped inspire it?
Reid: Besides my personal experiences with the subject matter. I have connected with the spinal cord injury community to fully understand how others cope with their injury. Every person responds differently to adversity, and some of the strongest, most talented people I have ever met have had immeasurable hardship.
Review Fix: What was the feeling like on set?
Reid: Amazing, Stressful. Exciting.
Review Fix: What stands out the most about your cast?
Reid: Their dedication to the subject matter and the characters they portray. The actors trusted me to guide them on this journey and that’s all you can ask for in a director/actor relationship.
Review Fix: What makes this film special?
Reid: This film has heart. You will laugh, cry and reflect on your own life. I don’t know what else you want in a movie.
Review Fix: Who will enjoy it the most?
Reid: That’s a tough question. I feel like everyone is faced with great hardship at some point in their lives. If it has happened recently. This would be a good movie to watch!
Review Fix: Why is the subject matter of this film important?
Reid: The subject matter of this film is extremely important because it deals with our self-image as individuals and how we as a society define those with disability.
Review Fix: Do you connect with it in any way?
Reid: I connect with it in every way.
Review Fix: Bottom Line: Why must someone see this film?
Reid: People should see this film if they want to be put on a genuine emotional rollercoaster.  It might be a short film but it packs a punch!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Reid: Recently, I finished the short film Road to Zion, which tells the story of an illegal Jamaican immigrant who finds his life in LA shaken by forces outside his control. Next, is the feature to ASIA A and the Road to Zion TV series which are both in development.
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