INTERVIEW WITH SARA POMERANCE,
DIRECTOR OF "RELAX AT HOME"

By Rooftop Films on 10/31/2008

One of the misfortunes of old age is revealed in this simple slice of life at a relaxing brunch..

Sara Pomerance's short Relax At Home, played as a part of Rooftop Film's "Home Movies" Program this past summer. We were happy to be able to ask her a few questions about her short film and her filmmaking process.

Q & A

RT: So tell us little bit about this film. What was your inspiration for the film? Were these people you knew personally?

SP: My lens observes the behaviors and psychological coping mechanisms of people around me. Rather than psychoanalyze, I use the material to construct a narrative. Through stories, I ask questions such as: Does thinking positively actually change people's lives? Relax At Home, is a portrait of my mother, as she continually reassures my grandfather. She repetitively affirms the positive. He responds non-verbally.

RT: Obviously, you captured some very intimate moments here. How did you approach your subjects about the film?

SP: I always ask permission before filming. The relationships of people around me are a rich territory in which to study contradictions found in everyday interaction.

RT: Did you shoot a lot of footage? And how did you know that these few short minutes were the ones you wanted to become the film?

SP: I do shoot a lot, but only show the moments most relevant to the subject of each piece. By constructing and revealing my characters I form a critique of social mannerisms and routines. My video pieces are intended to function as shorts, but together, when shown in sequence, portray the complexity of individual and family relationships.

RT: How do you feel about growing old?

SP: I hope that life get easier as I age.

RT: What is your current/next project?

SP: I prefer not to talk a lot about projects before they are complete. Currently my fascination is teenagers and I am also interested in autism.

RT: What excites you about having your short film on Rooftop Films at IFC.com?

SP: I am honored and look forward to having a larger audience.

RT: Do you have any questions for the viewers? They'll post comments.

SP: What do you think is the function of reassurance? Does thinking positively actually change people's lives?

To view more of Sara's work including videos and photography, visit her website.