We caught up with aspiring young film producer and screenwriter Ariela Rozentul following the screening of her debut film, Butterfly. The rising star has been acting on stage and in front of camera since she could first walk she explains. Inspired by her acting coach and mentor during the pandemic, Ariela embarked on a journey that would see her write and produce her own films, and hence Butterfly was born. Exploring the reasons behind dying young, with the character discovering that sometimes our sacrifices are in actual fact the biggest gifts to the people we love and care for.
The Challenges of Filmmaking
It is by no means an easy feat to pursue a career as an independant film maker, especially at 12 years old. Ariela explains how due to her age, many people expect her to create films that are fun and upbeat. Yet the truth is in light of the immense suffering caused through the pandemic, more and more young people are willing to discuss the serious topics of death and loss, which historically has been deemed more appropriate in adult led conversation (pre-pandemic). The reality of her age made harder by the fact of getting people in the industry to take her seriously. Followed by the need for funding [GoFundMe] and lastly finding the right people to help create and promote her work.
