Shame, 5min., USA
Directed by Kelly Lynn Warren
When a woman is sexually assaulted by a mutual friend the night before, her confrontation with her best friend leads to tragic consequences.

https://www.instagram.com/shametheshortfilm/

Get to know actor/writer/produer Ashna Sharan:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was a peer counselor in college and know of people in my life who have been sexually assaulted. I wanted to raise awareness of the issue and show it from the perspective of two friends instead of focusing on the assailant. The ultimate goal of Shame was to take it to universities and spark dialogue among students.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

9 months

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

must-see, impactful

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

One of our actors had an emergency and had to back out of filming on Day 1, so I had to recast the same night because we were shooting the next day. Our actor, Sophia Cofino, stepped in and nailed the part.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was grateful to see the positive responses. The audience understood the message of the film and felt the emotions that the director, Kelly Lynn Warren, and I were hoping people would feel when watching it.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I was an actor first and then learned how to make films in the pandemic. I realized very quickly that after directing several projects that I would prefer to attach a director to my projects instead. Collaboration is what filmmaking is all about! Kelly Lynn Warren did a great job directing the short film, Shame. I could not have done it without her and the rest of our amazing crew.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Jurassic Park

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Your festival is unique in that we actually got feedback which is always nice to know. It's useful and it helps us see what resonates with people who are watching it for the first time. Other elements of festivals that we've enjoyed are physical screenings and well-moderated Q&As where we get to network and meet other filmmakers afterwards.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Film Freeway makes it easy to apply and it's convenient.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan

11. What is next for you? A new film?

My next short film, Reminisce, is a proof-of-concept for a feature film. I have submitted it to film festivals and am waiting to hear the results.