"I create to raise awareness and open a debate"

Quiet

Victoria Malinjod

Victoria, can you tell us more about yourself and your short film Quiet?

I am an actor, director and a mum based in London. My short film Quiet is a short film that explores the inevitable question: Why many women don't report sexual assault? 

What was your inspiration for sparking discussion around this topic? How would you say your short film explores or suggests a change? 

I was inspired by my personal experience, but not only. I truly believe that so many people don't understand that there is more to the story and tend to think that it should be simple to report to the police straight away after being assaulted. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different and tends to be more complex that what most people want to believe. My goal with this short film is to open a discussion and raise awareness on sexual assault including the system. I think our society should be less judgmental and more open to listen and understand what is really going on in our society. I would also say that this short film is the voice of so many women around the world. I want to make sure that anyone who went through sexual assault knows that they are not alone and that we are stronger together.  

What was the biggest challenge you faced on the production of Quiet? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was to raise enough funds within the deadline. Since I was also producing, it was tough to do everything on my own in such a short time. I wasn't a mum at the time and could focus day and night on this project so I had managed to secure the funding on time by working hard and being a bit lucky too! 

Could you share to us a moment during your short film’s release / distribution where you felt that your short film truly had an impact on the audience? How did that feel for you, as the director? 

After the release, I had someone write to me sharing her own experience and saying how much it helped her to know she wasn't alone in this. If Quiet can truly make a change and help people around the world that's all I would want. Even though it's a movie, it is based on real events and the goal is to make a change. That is what really matters. 

Tricky question, but one that sparks discussion among us artists: why do you create? What is your motive, and what pushes you to explore topics such as social change?

I create to raise awareness and open a debate. I would like to see future generations growing up in a better world. As a mother, I also want my daughter to be safe. This isn't about me, but about the world. If I believe something is wrong and needs to change this is my motive. 

A lot of people on indie-clips.com are independent and/or beginning filmmakers. Can you share one piece of advice to our audience of independent filmmakers making their first short film? 

Believe in your story and don't listen too much to others!

Any future plans? Tell us more about your upcoming projects!

Currently writing my next project and taking my time with this one :) 

Where can we see your work? Any way our fellow filmmakers can get in contact with you?

www.victoriamalinjod.com / @victoriamalinjod