Interview With ‘Mishka’ Director Cleo Tellier (@CleoTellier)
We recently had the chance to chat with ‘Mishka’ direction Cleo Tellier about directing the film, getting feedback from viewers, upcoming projects, and more.
- How did you get involved on the film Mishka?
I wrote the film when I was in 1st year at York university. I wanted to direct it in 3rd year but my school told me that the script wasn’t good enough. So, I dropped out of school and directed & produced film that summer. Best decision I ever made!
- What is the film about?
MISHKA tells the story of a conflicted 13-year-old and her teen pregnancy. In the face of an unsettling reality, Mishka makes an alarming decision in a desperate attempt to revert her childhood self.
- What was it like directing the film? Is this your directorial debut or have you directed other projects?
This is my second short film. My first film The Silence was a short documentary about child abuse.
- What is your favorite thing about the film?
The actors! They are simply incredible. I also love the ending of the film! I love shocking people with an ending that they didn’t expect.
5. This film has gotten a huge response on YouTube. Why do you think it it resonants with people?
Three reasons mainly: the story is important and needs to be told. The film brings out emotions and the ending is shocking, which makes people want to share the movie with their friends and family. Finally, the topic of the film. Child sexual abuse is not something that we see a lot in movies. However, statistics shows that millions of children are getting abused every year across the world. Therefore, it’s a subject matter that a lot of people can relate with.
- What has the fan reaction been like to the project so far? Do you have a lot of direct messages about the Film?
The fans are incredible! They are the reason I want to make a Part 2! I got so many messages by email or on Instagram / Facebook about the film. People from all over the world are sharing with me their stories of child sexual abuse… It’s because of all this feedback that I’m able to say without any doubt that this subject matter NEEDS to be in talked about. Filmmakers need to make stories like that, even if it shocks some people.
- What is something most fans wouldn’t know about the film or a behind-the-scenes secret you could share with us?
Kiki Hammill (the main character’s friend) was actually in my first film The Silence, but ended up being cut out of the movie. I liked her so much that i gave her a role in my second film, MISHKA. Originally, Arcadia Kendal was my first choice for the main character, but she had another shoot at the time and was unable to do both. That’s when I was introduced to Matia Jackett. I felt in love with her acting right away, I knew she was the right fit for this character! I’m so glad I found her. She is truly incredible.
- What can fans expect to see from part 2?
Part 2 is going to be a multiple episodes project. In the first episode of Part 2, we find Mishka 2 years later, still living with her father. However, she finally speaks up about the abuse and gets removed from her home by child services. Part 2 is about the foster care system and overcoming sexual abuse.
- Are there any other projects your fans can look forward to?
Not right now, right now, I’m 100% focused on MISHKA Part 2. The series is a long term commitment.
- What are your social media accounts?
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cleotellier
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cleotellier
Snapchat: @cleotellier
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cleotellier/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/telliercleo
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/cleotellier
Subscribe to see more of Cleo on our channel!