In The Name Of Freedom

– April 17, 2010Posted in: Films/Documentaries

“In The Name Of Freedom” is a seventeen minute short which takes a good look into the female soldiers perspective when facing capture, torture and interrogation. Watch the trailer by clicking here.

Filmed on a microscopic budget, and supported by friends Isabel Cueva Wrote, Directed and Acted lead role in this heart pounding drama.  Join us now for an interview with Isabel as we discuss the creation of the film.

(I.M)  Isabel, While multi-tasking with writing, directing and acting in your own features, How do you combine all three roles for shorts like “In The Name Of Freedom”?

(I.C) IT WAS A LOT OF FUN REALLY. THE WRITING WAS TAKEN CARE OF IN PREPRODUCTION, AND THE DIRECTING, PRODUCING AND ACTING WERE THE ONES LEFT FOR PRODUCTION. I’M VERY GRATEFUL TO MY PARTNER DOUGLAS TAIT, WHO HELPED ME A LOT THROUGH IT ALL, I COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT  WITHOUT HIM.

WHEN I WAS SETTING UP A SHOT, I HAD A STAND IN, AND THAT HELPED.  I SET UP THE SHOT AND THEN I’D JUMP IN TO ACT.  WITH DIRECTING THE OTHER ACTORS, I KNEW WHAT I WANTED AND I HAD SUCH GREAT ACTORS, THEY BROUGHT SO MUCH TO THE TABLE  THAT I WAS ABLE TO ORCHESTRATE WITH WHAT THEY BROUGHT TO LIFE.

I ALSO HAD AN AWESOME TALENTED DP, ALEX LEHMANN, WHO ALSO HAD MY BACK-WE SAW EYE TO EYE.  I TRUSTED HIM WHEN I WAS ACTING AND DID NOT LOOK  AT THE MONITOR.  SO MUCH OF THE FILM IS MADE IN THE EDITING ROOM, AND I’M GRATEFUL TO DENNIS DOORNBOS FOR HIS AMAZING PATIENCE AND TALENTS.

(I.M)  Where did you study production and acting?

(I.C) My family life is my best training, I attended the Cal Arts Acting Program, and worked in many different projects as an actress for years.  That gave me the production training. I absorb everything.

(I.M)  ”In The Name Of Freedom” focuses on the capture of American soldiers in battle on foreign land, and deals with a soldier (your character) who has simply had to face the fact that she is going to die.  What are your inspirations for this edge-of-your-seat creative style?

(I.C) I researched many of the men and women’s P.O.W stories, but I created my own story since I didn’t have their rights at the time. I wanted to tell the story of a soldier’s perspective, I  wanted to give tribute to those who lay their lives down for all of us, and inspire a message of hope and humanity, since our nation desperately needs that.  It also became a great opportunity to show my chops as a dramatic actress.

(I.M)  Where was “In The Name Of Freedom” filmed?

(I.C) In Santa Clarita we shot the exteriors, and Tony Swansey built my beautiful, amazing set in my garage for all the interiors. It was the cheapest way to do it, and I could be close to my two little ones.

(I.M)  Working with you on this project were Douglas Tait, who shared the title of Executive Producer with you, and also worked as Editor, Alex Lehmann- Cinematographer, Matt Anderson- Producer, Ted Wood-Producer, Ryan Williams-Co Producer, Rod Blythe-Co Producer, Max Di Carlo-Composer, and Ellis Burman-Sound Designer.  You also worked with Dennis Doornbos- Editor, Academy Award winner Barney Burman, and Kevin Kirpatrick-Key Make-up.  What was it like working with such great artists?

(I.C) IT WAS JUST A DREAM COME TRUE. I DON’T THINK YOU CAN MAKE A GREAT FILM WITHOUT THE COLLABORATION OF A TALENTED TEAM LIKE THOSE THAT HELPED ME. EVERYONE HAS TO BE GREAT AT WHAT THEY DO, OTHERWISE THINGS JUST WON’T COME TOGETHER THE WAY THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO, AND THEN YOU HAVE A SINKING SHIP.

I’M SO GRATEFUL TO ALL THESE TALENTED PROFESSIONALS THAT BELIEVED IN ME AND MY PROJECT, AND NOW THEY HAVE MY PROMISE THAT WE WILL DO MORE TOGETHER.

(I.M)  Has “In The Name Of Freedom” acquired any awards since it’s debut?

(I.C) YES!  Recently we WON “Best Short Film” at The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival! This is our second win. Our first win was the prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award (This was Steven Spieldberg’s first Big award, and other recipients are Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, George Lukas, Mel Brooks, and many more accomplished Directors).

(I.M)  Are you working on any projects now, if so what are they?

(I.C) I HAVE SEVERAL PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT, BUT I’M FOCUSING ON FINISHING “MY BROTHERS, MY ENEMIES” WHICH IS A FEATURE SOMEWHAT INSPIRED BY ‘IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM”.

(I.M)  What are your goals as an artist?

(I.C) I WANT TO BE THE NEXT CLINT EASTWOOD, THE NEXT MERYL STREEP OR CATE BLANCHETT, OR THE EQUIVALENT TO SEAN PENN!

For more information about Isabel’s work visit her on Facebook.