Hamish Downie’s Five Questions With David Bobrow
Editor Note: Hamish has another in his series of Five Questions With…
Hamish came up with this idea because he was accumulating too much material for his Famous News Sushi column and asked if he could do these mini-interviews. Why would we say no?
Thank you Hamish for being such a trooper for us. We really appreciate all for your hard work.
Let us know what you think of these interviews in the comments below.
TGG: Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
DB: I’m a therapist and I work with children who come from difficult histories. I’ve published several short stories and have won screenwriting awards at Oaxaca Film Fest, Rome International Cinefest, and New Renaissance Amsterdam.
TGG: Could you tell us about your short film, “Country People”?
DB: Looking for a second act, a gay writer moves to a small town. He meets a strange group of local misfits who hold secrets. As their mysteries unfold, he finds he has secrets of his own. I first read Country People by Richard Hall when I was coming out in a small city in the Midwest in the 80’s. It’s a love letter to gay literature, and to endless second chances.
Trailer:
Country People from Filmhub on Vimeo.
TGG: What is your favourite memory from the making of the film?
DB: I was able to work with the actors to develop the characters and find clearer meaning in the story. When an actor brings their personality and their insight to a character, it broadens my understanding, and it’s a creative rush like no other. I was also able to talk with the original author’s sister at length about his life, to see pictures from years ago, and to learn about the genesis of the story. And- scouting cemeteries and old Victorian homes that summer to find the best locations!
TGG: Could you tell us a bit about Richard Hall, for those who don’t know him and his work?
DB: Richard Hall was a pioneer of LGBT fiction who wrote stories, novels and plays in the 80’s and 90’s. He died of AIDS in 1992 at the age of 65. He wrote for the New York Times, The Advocate, and The San Francisco Chronicle. He was the first gay person elected to the National Book Critics Circle. He was involved in starting the first LGBT Studies program in the U.S. A recent article in the Gay and Lesbian Review called his story collection “Fidelities” a forgotten masterpiece, and noted that his stories are polished until they shine with depth and wisdom. In hospice, he poured over the images of his life and wondered how joyful memories can vanish without a trace. Writing during the worst years of the AIDS epidemic, he wanted us to know that story transforms, that history is strength, and that all plagues end in time.
TGG: Finally, how can we best support you (where can we watch the film, and follow you on social media), and what’s next for you?
DB: Most importantly, watch here and share if you can:
www.countrypeoplethefilm.net
On that site, you can also see interviews with the cast, outtakes, BTS shots, and more info on Richard Hall.
Review it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5479284/
Follow for updates: https://www.facebook.com/countrypeoplethefilm
Learn more about Richard Hall: https://glreview.org/article/richard-halls-forgotten-masterpiece/
Read the original story in Fidelities: A book of Stories.
email me if you want to know more: countrypeoplethefilm [at] gmail dot com
