00:00:00: Hi, Gail Blainry Jones and Peter Brunner.

00:00:02: We were here with the whole team as it feels of your home to talk about down-the-armor thought.

00:00:07: It's a very collaborative movie And it really stands on the shoulders of each other.

00:00:11: and also Here is India cross Marie who plays Raven?

00:00:15: Yes She's next to me.

00:00:16: then there is Bart Guthrie Yeah Who was a veteran and I was like an advocate for The Homeless and have also liked a lived homeless experience when he was younger.

00:00:23: Then There Is Like CEO Of Homeless Heroes Christopher Israel Was Also Lived Homeless Experience and Played in movie.

00:00:29: And then there's John P.B Jones, who is a veteran and plays John in the movie.

00:00:33: It took a long time to find the right people and the right geographic environment where we responsibly can collaborate with nonprofits To build a framework Where People are met With their needs during making The Movie.

00:00:45: Maybe Chris wanna talk A little bit as well.

00:00:47: I

00:00:47: mean There was a lot that went into the initial Finding those perfect people Who could tell the stories authentically.

00:00:54: The lived experience Folks living on the street are super important to this film.

00:01:14: to really see if we romanticized anything or how is it in those encampments?

00:01:32: Like, We did outreach with different non-profits and then meeting the people in the encampment trying to understand How To Tell Their Stories.

00:01:40: And more and more found that we cannot do a movie With famous actors of any thing That were suggested by potential financiers at the beginning But we have to tell It with People Who Really Have A Lived Experience.

00:01:50: Sekti!

00:01:50: How Did You Come On By?

00:01:51: Just as...we've made a film together and been trying to work together ever since but..it was important for us with this script and write something that would fundamentally not change when it comes to the structure or the spine of this thing.

00:02:02: But we didn't want put words into anyone's mouth, We wanted create a space where people could say for themselves how they felt what they thought in real time.

00:02:12: In the instance were all together And so much.

00:02:15: everyone who participated in the film dictated What the film ended up being.

00:02:19: The film couldn't have happened without us.

00:02:22: One of the most remarkable things within making this film was working with unha... and seeing that with the responsibility given to them, To play in this

00:02:44: film.

00:02:52: And that's what people are carrying away.

00:02:56: It's not an exploitative film, we just allowed them to tell their story.

00:03:01: Everything comes from real experience of living in a encampment and living moment-to-moment.

00:03:09: That really the piece that wanted us show was getting that message out there.

00:03:14: Kip

00:03:14: who is an advocate for the homeless.

00:03:16: he drove around so much and introduced it So many people.

00:03:20: how was this process?

00:03:21: I thoroughly enjoyed being part long before the movie was made.

00:03:26: It was most honest, accurate portrayal I believe possible as far as homeless in Amarillo.

00:03:30: but with that said i'm the least...in a sense..i am the least qualified person to talk about it and im not into industry at all!

00:03:37: I lived in LA so now its called The Industry.

00:03:38: Im NOT IN THE INDUSTRY AT ALL AND NEITHER HAVE I EVER BEEN HOMELESS IN AMARILLO BEFORE.

00:03:44: I WAS HOMELLESS IN LOS ANGELIS, FITTERS APPLES AND ORANGES MAN.

00:03:47: I'd rather be ten years homeless in LA than one winter in AMARILO.

00:03:50: With that said these people on daily basis are feeding.

00:03:53: I'm their friends, i'm friends with the homeless and couldn't think of any way to get this more real than what during The Crew had done.

00:04:00: Double plus good job.

00:04:01: To get back to you guys how did you prepare for a role Caleb?

00:04:05: And How long that preparation take?

00:04:07: Well

00:04:07: we struggled to find financing For almost six years So We Had That Amount Of Time To Work On The Film To Really Question Every Aspect Of It.

00:04:16: Peter Is Very Precise In His Planning.

00:04:18: He's very precise in his research.

00:04:20: I don't work With Anyone Who Goes to the point that Peter does when it comes really understanding what he's getting into, so that he can honestly provide something within this space of film.

00:04:32: So knowing Peter in his kind-of way is only reason I know i can trust working with someone like we are about to work because its going be difficult and maybe one of the hardest if not the hardest thing we've done.

00:04:44: you have been able to have that trust very much for peter who knew without a shadow doubt to the people involved in this project.

00:04:53: You don't see that much at all, and especially in this climate where the film industry is nearly impossible to make a film like this as it almost was for us.

00:05:02: It wasn't our producer who gave us money to make the film while we were working to understand reality of what we're trying do.

00:05:10: That's preparation unto itself.

00:05:12: Its almost impossible not become invested yourself To not be.

00:05:15: come involved yourselves once you understand whats happening.

00:05:19: The problems are occurring within ourselves And it's not a simple solution because it is an individual problem.

00:05:25: We both felt that with this film, we could maybe create the opportunity to really break down some of these stereotypes even I myself have had in the past for people who didn't know but breakdown these stereotypes and created conversation where there isn't enough one cause.

00:05:39: what were seeing America as truly an epidemic after COVID became kind of land-of-the-walking dead seeing so many displaced families And they found themselves in that position with all of their shit underneath a bridge and learning how to survive for the first time In our lives.

00:05:57: The more you understand about it, the harder It is to look away and the harder Is not do something.

00:06:03: Peter

00:06:03: this theme of religion had already occurred in your work Lucifer which was the last film That You Have Here at Locarno.

00:06:09: What does This Mean For You?

00:06:11: More or less like finding real stories Of pastors and advocates who were very much kind of identified With Christianity who stepped up to do something about it.

00:06:22: And like there were certain role models that we found and true stories where we felt this is a beautiful blueprint, to give the stage of people whom you want to invite as part of them.

00:06:30: Also I mean for me It's also a microcosm when you can see how ideology works Where i don't judge Christianity or Quran Judaism Taoism.

00:06:41: What Is There?

00:06:41: So imminent in western societies?

00:06:45: The Christian aspect.

00:06:46: You know its just too texas.

00:06:48: And

00:06:49: when you look at Christianity, You're looking at activism.

00:06:52: The

00:06:52: Bible is asking for a Christian to be active in their pursuit and Their relationship with Christ.

00:06:57: so we've got this kind of conundrum

00:06:59: Of

00:07:00: bible your God telling you to do one thing But they are not doing it!

00:07:03: When you

00:07:03: see how torn people Are who live on the Bible belt or Who were very like brought up In certain faiths They are confronted With folks that are living in encampment Then have prejudice then find out That all those guys Have strong roots into their own spiritual connection.

00:07:19: You don't have to believe in whatever God it is, you need like a connection with higher power.

00:07:23: and its not about judgemental stuff.

00:07:25: I thought that was very beautiful thing to bring together the people from small town of the encampment.

00:07:30: And then there are people who touch coins where they meet on eye level.

00:07:35: Then humanity takes over.

00:07:36: But how for them as conflict when something what i want help suddenly potential danger in back yard When comes their kids?

00:07:43: It's very complicated.

00:07:44: We found out trying be loyal both sides One side or another side and the pastor is in the middle In a certain mirror to us making The movie where we wanted To provide a certain dream And help all the unknown folks that We're working with an ass running into obstacles just producing Or Making That Movie.

00:08:01: when it's about Liability When It's About hot how to hire people They don't have IDs How to make it work With production companies, then they are your friends.

00:08:09: You Have All This Responsibility.

00:08:11: Can you Make it Work?

00:08:12: Then with Just the realities like the bureaucratic system of

00:08:16: You shoot on-site in Amarillo.

00:08:18: and how was the atmosphere like shooting there?

00:08:22: In this actual small town Bible Belt that we see in the film as very hostile.

00:08:26: So, How Was It To Shoot There?

00:08:27: it

00:08:27: was definitely Explorative for me...it was a dynamic That I was Very Familiar With.

00:08:33: i'm from Philly so i'm From Like A City.

00:08:35: Amarillos Has More of Like A Country Feel And I Really Didn't Expect For There to Be A Whole Group Of Homeless People At All!

00:08:42: And I Think My Unconscious Bias Like I Had To Face That just come into set, like realize.

00:08:47: I'm like oh this could happen anywhere.

00:08:49: It's affecting people all around the world.

00:08:51: so i think it was just like explorative...I think it revolutionary..i think it very challenging.

00:08:56: you had to meet people where they were....you have talk them in a way that they understood You had that constantly being state of compassion and empathy.

00:09:05: And there is thing of compassion fatigue.

00:09:07: sometimes its gets very tiring when you have to culture yourself mentally because the presence is important.

00:09:13: So i think evolutionary It helped me to grow, not only as an actor but also a person.

00:09:18: That's the great point that you made of compassion fatigue because we have so many things that call for our attention.

00:09:23: there are wars There is climate catastrophe They're famous and then we have terrible politicians.

00:09:28: it seems like We don't know where to turn on that.

00:09:30: we don't have enough Compassion would you say?

00:09:33: The situation with homeless people has gone worse since homelessness is always there.

00:09:37: Homelessness isn't used

00:09:38: Like not catchy enough sometimes I guess or not catastrophic enough even though we all know this happening in.

00:09:44: I think there's a level of insensitivity around homelessness because it happens so much and so prevalent in our society.

00:09:51: We see all the time, It is no big deal but its really heinous.

00:09:54: There are weird parallels where we know what going on or bad also might be like mild indifference Because how often you see it And not you.

00:10:06: But these types of films that open up conversation at least get us back conscious.

00:10:13: This matters and this isn't okay.

00:10:21: veteran to go say, well why is he doing this?

00:10:45: Why is he homeless?

00:10:46: Why can't he get

00:10:47: help?"

00:10:47: And then saying I'll help.

00:10:48: That was a really good connection and having the fights within the film with other veterans brought in a whole lot of different pieces even though whenever i was my professional career building houses for veterans in Philly nobody talked to eachother.

00:11:02: all organizations large ones in America they don't want collaborate together because either you're too small or your'e too big.

00:11:10: what's It's to solve the issue and go out of business.

00:11:14: Solve another issue, if they would do that how it is meant be then we wouldn't have all these issues around the world.

00:11:20: And its a global issue not just an American issue.

00:11:24: Its part why you don't see on news like.

00:11:26: there are more things happening in this world.

00:11:30: I definitely think theres a level of cognitive dissonance.

00:11:33: You know what was wrong?

00:11:34: You should do something but you keep going about your life.

00:11:40: The film for me has Definitely just heighten that level of sensitivity.

00:11:44: I never just walk past homeless people even if i look at them and smile to concrete their humanity like the smallest effort, im so conscious of it.

00:11:51: So think its just a whippedy doo.

00:11:54: you see all time what's the big deal?

00:11:56: And it is huge deal.

00:11:57: John spoke about those different silos.

00:11:59: they are not really working together.

00:12:00: We found out on state levels when we researched and also in city levels like Austin or Dallas Then in microcosm like Amarillo those different organizations.

00:12:12: Our movie is not a solution, it's a movie where we try to create the stepping stone and what we partner now with The Art of Elysium which is an on-profit that is going to help us create like a social impact campaign Where we have curriculum for a lot of activists in people who do state wide screenings.

00:12:27: We tried to bring people together.

00:12:29: use them movies to reflect about What Is Going On There because It really About People Coming Together And Just Using Their Possibility To Talk With Each Other.

00:12:37: Every Movie Is Trying to Create But really, I'd like the curriculum that they developed with those questions.

00:12:44: It's a beautiful tool to use the movie as upon

00:12:46: reflection.".

00:12:52: And

00:13:07: this is what I'm living in.

00:13:10: On the flip side of that, they are infiltrating my community and their tearing up and tearing it up rather than understand... They don't have education or resources to know how live.

00:13:22: a regular environment.

00:13:23: So homeless people.

00:13:24: The encampments have a tendency to destroy area therein.

00:13:28: When you see homelessness our culture is us & them & when THEM get too close to US & creating problems like my role in movie with the

00:13:49: mayor.

00:13:53: We were

00:13:53: mixed up a little bit, but we weren't too far from each other.

00:14:03: based on by a guy later found who allowed us to build the encampment there.

00:14:11: But we built the encamped and that's the point, which I still love so much with So many of our unhoused friends Who became part of The project like years before And stayed With Us till We have the money On That Property.

00:14:23: They Built Something Where they would really live in reality.

00:14:26: So it was not made By you know Like Production Designers During The shoot We were Sleeping There In Pre-Production.

00:14:31: Then When We moved To A Small Town We Also Created Laces That We Rented.

00:14:35: Were Some Of Our Unhoused Friends supervised with social worker or like some of our advocates who used to be homeless and play in the movie, Like a version of themselves earlier on.

00:14:43: Supervised.

00:14:44: Some of those housing units were for people live together And so it was very much kind...like a synergy Of helping each other out because It could have been.

00:14:52: no they are only allowed To live In the shelters while we're shooting you know.

00:14:55: then We picked them up from the shelters and we felt as injustice.

00:14:58: A lot of

00:14:58: People wanted that!

00:14:59: And when we were pushed in pre-production The situation where we both Felt like so torn Because some folks From You Know Democratic representation of the movie said we cannot do that because of liability.

00:15:10: and then We felt like the main character, you know?

00:15:24: Yeah.

00:15:35: What it needs to be like as a conversation tool and the thing if is not Deniable that he's interesting two people to hear those voices.

00:15:43: People will step up and want to share it.

00:15:45: show you, but what we're trying To do here.

00:15:47: That's why We are so grateful.

00:15:48: I saw between this interview from two to one two three four five six seven please.

00:15:53: maybe You can see there's a stance Like how we made them movie?

00:15:56: No It's not about that way.

00:15:57: have to be nice to run did they get a voice?

00:15:59: But at least over your ear its all of us who didn't

00:16:01: think yes like in the u.s And public hunger for like more social realist stories that actually talk about people's lives and not just some superheroes or marvels.

00:16:10: This

00:16:10: is what you always said, like do want to see the real people?

00:16:13: Yeah

00:16:14: I absolutely believe so.

00:16:15: this was a realist thing...I've never seen a movie with issues being dealt with actual things they face Being homeless With relationships Family members With police With church People.

00:16:27: It's highly realistic And i know it will sound like plug But im gonna tell u I couldn't imagine anyone putting their neck more than Peter did for the whole cast.

00:16:35: and The Homeless of Amarillo as far is making sure they got More Than Fair And Ad Quit A to make Sure They Were Getting Fed Long Before The Movie Was Shot.

00:16:43: Long After The Movie We Shot Making Sure That Good Hot Meals Went Out.

00:16:47: I Mean, The Guy Really Care.

00:16:48: Everyone Really Cares.