Review Fix chats with “Asia A†with producer Jake Katofsky who discusses the film, the kinetic on-screen chemistry of the cast 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?
Jake Katofsky: This film was inspired by unfortunate events that occurred in Andrew Reid’s life that left him paralyzed from the chest down, told he would never walk again. Today, he walks with a cane. This story is born from the decision to persevere each day regardless of the adversity thrust in your path.
Review Fix: How has it changed from initial concept?
Katofsky: The story has fluidly evolved throughout the process, but has remained relatively true to original inception.
Review Fix: What are you most proud of when it comes to this film?
Katofsky: I am proud that our team was able to tell a compelling three-act story in a short period of time, predominately in a single room.
Review Fix: What helped inspire it?
Katofsky: The underlying inspiration for ASIA A is in the ideal that we all have a choice to make every day: do we get out of bed and stare adversity in the face or do we back down to the challenge to be greater and give up?
Review Fix: What was the feeling like on set?
Katofsky: Organized chaos, however, filled with excitement and a drive to do the story justice. We started off a little shaky, but it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish – and we finished strong as a team.
Review Fix: What stands out the most about your cast?
Katofsky: We could not have asked for a more talented, respectful, and dedicated cast. They are true professionals in every sense of the word. Our leads, London Brown and Pruitt Taylor Vince, brought more to their characters than we could ever have hoped for.
Review Fix: What makes this film special?
Katofsky: This film is unique because it gives us a snapshot into that initial decision to get out of the hospital bed, a portion of recovery we seldom see on screen. It is special in the way it can immerse a viewer and drive deep into an emotional core with universal themes.
Review Fix: Who will enjoy it the most?
Katofsky: This film will really speak to those 20-40, especially those who have had a life-altering event they had to overcome.
Review Fix: Why is the subject matter of this film important?
Katofsky: ASIA A is important because it illuminates who ASIA patients are, and what they have to go through to get back out into the world with confidence in themselves.
Review Fix: Do you connect with it in any way?
Katofsky: Of course! Being an athlete my whole life, I have had my fair share of injuries, some of which could have ended my career if I did not decide to rehab relentlessly. But on a deeper emotional level, ASIA A represents that moment when you know everything is, in fact, going to be ok, that your life is just entering the next chapter, and that tomorrow is not something to be afraid of.
Review Fix: Bottom Line: Why must someone see this film?
Katofsky: Incredible performances.  An emotional roller coaster.  A story that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Katofsky: We are currently working to adapt ASIA A into a feature-length film as the short was always intended as a proof of concept. Beyond that, I am constantly looking for new voices and compelling stories to bring to the screen in an exciting and moving way.
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