BBFF2023 Meet the Filmmaker: Kym Staton
The Trust Fall:
Julian Assange
Discover the gripping story of Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks controversy in 'The Trust Fall.' This powerful documentary takes you on a global journey of truth, exposing government secrets, personal sacrifice and the battle for press freedom. Join us for a riveting exploration of a modern-day hero's quest for transparency.
We had a chat to Kym Staton about the making of ‘The Trust Fall - Julian Assange’ and his process of bringing this journey to the screen.
Screening at the Brunswick Picture House
Saturday 21st October at 5:00pm
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How did you come to discover the story in your film?
I have been following the story loosely since about 2010, when I saw the Collateral Murder video on the news. From around 2017, I started watching various documentaries on the topic and became quite fascinated and impressed by the bravery and vision of Julian Assange towards ending wars and bringing about justice and transparency while revealing the truth.
Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker?
In 2014 I started ‘Films For Change’, which was initially an events enterprise. Organising social events around documentary films in 90 cities of the world, including Byron Bay. Making a documentary of our own eventually was always in the back of my mind. In 2020 we pivoted into online streaming with FilmsForChange.Stream, and then in 2021 began making our first documentary.
Can you tell us a bit about your film and what inspired you to create it?
The inspiration for the film was borne out of a determination to help raise awareness of the plight of Julian Assange, and ultimately add weight to the campaign for his freedom by educating people on the issue and inspiring them to take action.
What elements or aspects of your filmmaking style can audiences expect to see in your film?
This is not a typical political documentary, audiences can expect to see my style through experimental elements including a chapter where the audience reaction can be recognised due to the inserted periods of silence. Another break in convention is that it is not following a chronological timeline. It also contains eight stunning animations and some powerful poetic, speech style narration. This allows us to spend more time delving into the "WHY" rather than being stuck in the "what" and "when".
Did you face any challenges when making or developing your film and if so how did you over come them?
There were huge challenges that we had to overcome, including funding the film, getting in touch with the high-profile interviewees and making sense of a very complicated and intricate story to present it in a way that can easily be interpreted.
The theme of BBFF2023 is ‘Anything is possible’. How does your film align with this theme?
Anything is possible. By coming together to push for the release of journalist Julian Assange, we can help safeguard free speech for the future generations and work towards functioning democracies.
Can you elaborate on the significance of the subject matter in your documentary and what motivated you to bring this particular story to the BBFF audience?
There has been almost a blackout in mainstream media of this story, and when they do pipe up, it’s usually with false narratives, defamation and smear. What motivated me to direct this film was a desire to break down the essential elements of the story into an easily digestible yet comprehensive and revealing exposé. This would help people understand the shocking persecution of this journalist, the precedent that it sets, the intention to scapegoat Assange as a deterrent to ward off future would-be-whistleblowers. Mostly, to add weight to the campaign for his freedom.
What are you most looking forward to in terms of audience reactions and engagement during your screening?
At our world premiere at MDFF in Melbourne, the audience clapped six times during the film and then gave it an uproarious standing ovation at the end. We're excited to see if the audience at BBFF has a similar response to this very powerful, shocking, inspiring and emotional film.
What advice would you offer to aspiring filmmakers to help them get their films recognised and selected by festivals like BBFF?
Choose a topic that has a wide interest and universal relevance. Get to the heart of the story, especially the emotion. Edit until your brain hurts and then edit some more, and when you're tired of editing do a little bit more. Apply to festivals that align with your vision and always take the time to include a friendly cover letter.
My favourite quote by Julian Assange is: "If wars can be started by lies, peace can be started by truth".
Wikileaks was about revealing the truth about the world. This film is about the truth. Let's all be brave enough to explore the truth and then take action accordingly.
- Kym Staton