Barbara Film Spotlight

Today’s film spotlight focuses on the short film Barbara directed by Aidan Lesser as part of the Pendance Film Festival.

What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?

The title of my film is Barbara. The inspiration for the title, beyond it being the protagonist’s name, is that Barbara was the actual name my mother gave when she was a crisis line operator. For safety, operators would give fake names.

Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.

One night, my mother and I were talking about her life in the 90s and (eventually) she divulged to me, for the first time, that she was a crisis line operator. I was shocked it hadn’t come up before, and we chatted about her experiences, good and bad, and how she did it as volunteer work (which also surprised me). I was moved by her story, and the fact that after so many rough nights she would still go into work the next day. This movie is a culmination of several nights (though mostly based on one caller in particular that haunts her to this day). She still doesn’t know what actually happened to this one particular caller, as everything was anonymous.

Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?

Memories of Murder by Bong Joon-Ho (particularly the long-take in the karaoke bar) and funnily enough In the Backseat by James Salmon (my friend and DP on Barbara). I wanted to capture the reality of the moment and let the tension play out in real time, so I thought it best to limit our coverage of the scene.

What is the goal of the film for you?

Many people struggle with mental health and I wanted to make a movie about the realities of that struggle and the people who tirelessly (and often futilely) try to help them. The idea of this motherly/caring crisis line operator trying and failing to save somebody but then having to try again immediately after felt like the perfect metaphor for the cyclical nature of mental health and the treatment of mental health. I was particularly lonely during the making of this film and wanted to make something about two lonely people trying and failing to connect.

What has the journey been like getting the film into production?

The film was made during the pandemic for my 2nd year film project at University. My friends James Salmon and Andrew Balint were my crew and supporters. The two of them helped me to realize my vision and always trusted the idea (and risk) of doing it all in one shot (though we did end up using two). My film professor, Alireza Khatami, was also an avid supporter of the film after we screened it in class and helped to give me the confidence to submit it to festivals (such as Pendance).

Before shooting, I was worried that people would find the story exploitative or inauthentic. I wanted to honor both my mother’s experiences and that of others who are vulnerable enough to call a crisis line. I still have this fear, though I’ve yet to receive any backlash.

We could only have three people on set as crew and two actors separate from one another (again because of COVID). Due to the natural constraints of the story, the minimal actors on set were fine as is. However, working with such a small crew increased our individual workloads and the number of hats we each had to wear. I am proud of how well the film turned out despite the crew limitations.

One thing you learned from this project?

Due to the COVID-19 lockdown in the city and at our school, we made this movie with almost no equipment or crew (it was just me, James Salmon, and Andrew Balint on set with two actors). Yet the film turned out! This movie and story reassured (and this is especially true of short films) that simplicity is often king, and that story is more important than extensive financial backing or expensive equipment.

How can folks find you and your film online?

The film is currently playing at Pendance on March 11! If for any reason you want to find me, I’m on Instagram at @lesseraidan.

Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?

I strive to be an oxymoron: being rigid and specific in my vision but also being open enough to recognise when someone else has a better idea for the story. Trust your instincts and surround yourself with good people. It’s important that you trust your collaborators and they trust you.

The Pendance Film Festival runs from March 10-13, 2022.

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