By Bella Mia

The journey of Angelwood Studios and their film, “The Ridge Grave Girls”, is marked by several triumphs. Their nomination for the Young Scot Filmmaker’s Prize and screening at the Glasgow Short Film Festival serve as testaments to their talent and dedication. With each accolade earned, they inch closer to their ultimate goal of making a lasting impact on the cinematic landscape. I had the privilege of sitting down with the production team behind this captivating film, delving deep into their creative process and seeking to understand the driving force behind their vision. Led by Junko Karo, the director and writer of the film, the team shared their inspirations, aspirations, and the nerve-racking journey of bringing Junko’s ideas to life with precision.

At the core of “The Ridge Grave Girls” lies an important message: "Let's give the dead girls their voices back." This rallying cry reverberates throughout the narrative, serving as a strong reminder of the countless stories buried beneath the earth, waiting to be unearthed and heard. Junko elaborated on the team's inspiration, highlighting the desire to subvert the "beautiful dead girl" trope through a feminist and, crucially, queer lens, a perspective often overlooked in mainstream cinema.

This motivates the powerful second-hand message embedded within the narrative: "Don't be afraid to be yourself." Through the acceptance of death and the exploration of queer identity, the film confronts societal norms and challenges expectations of conformity. “You see, girls aren’t girls when they’re buried. They become corpses. But from corpses, you can become something new,” asserts one character, echoing the sentiment that true fulfilment comes from embracing one's authentic self, regardless of external validation. Sarah Rebecca Levy, production manager, assistant director and stunt coordinator observed that, "There's always gonna be people who don't like you based off of who you are, how you look, etc.," which serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of self-acceptance in the face of adversity.

On a personal level, Tessa Muhle, second unit director and editor expressed her profound appreciation for the film's script, having spent countless hours immersed in it. Her collaboration with Junko on the editing and audio revealed unexpected joys in the creative process. Despite initial apprehensions, she found herself thoroughly engrossed in the endeavor, deeply connecting with the essence of the film and its message.

Speaking with Junko about how she dealt with the challenge of being a young filmmaker and whether she ever questioned herself throughout the process, she recounted her nerves throughout the journey, from conception to execution. The fear of sharing such a daring idea, and of laying bare the narrative for scrutiny, weighed heavily on her mind. "Will this work?" she questioned- doubts that plague every artist on the brink of creation. Yet, despite the apprehension, Junko and her team pressed forward, driven by a steadfast belief in their vision. For Junko, the alternative—succumbing to fear and never realizing the dream—was far worse than the possibility of failure. It was a testament to her courage and conviction, a refusal to be silenced by doubt or critique.

But what truly brings Angelwood Studios’ productions to life is the dedication and depth of the actors, who breathed life into their characters in ways the production team hadn't initially envisioned. During rehearsals and script readings, the actors delved deep into their characters, studying their motivations, fears, and desires. It was during these sessions that they provided invaluable insights to the production team, suggesting nuances and subtleties that added layers of complexity to the story. Junko recalled how the actors, through their meticulous study of their characters, got to understand them on a profound level, and proposed changes to the script and production that ultimately elevated the film to new heights. It was a collaborative effort, where each member of the team contributed their expertise to craft a narrative that felt authentic and immersive.

In the editing room, the team sought to capture a retro aesthetic, reminiscent of VHS tapes and low-budget documentaries. The use of side-camcorder aesthetics, along with CCTV footage and spliced-together sequences, added a sense of authenticity to the film, as if the viewer were peering through a distorted lens into the past. These retro elements not only enhanced the visual appeal but also reinforced the theme of recollection and memory, as if the events depicted were fragments of a bygone era pieced together for posterity.

Looking forward, Angelwood Studios harbors grand ambitions for the future. With the success of "The Ridge Grave Girls" fueling their momentum, the team sets their sights on their next venture, "Watching the Boys." This upcoming short film uses the settings of repressed religious towns to explore themes of queer romance, freedom, mental health, and the mythologizing of human beings. It's a bold exploration of the human condition, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of identity and societal expectations.

Despite the challenges inherent in independent filmmaking, the team remains undeterred in their pursuit of artistic expression. With the desire to shoot one film per semester, Junko plans on keeping Angelwood Studios as a banner under which to release future creative work after graduation. Their dedication knows no bounds, with each member pouring personal resources and pocket money into their projects. It's a labor of love and a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, driven by the unwavering belief in the power of storytelling to effect change and provoke thought. As they continue to evolve and grow, Angelwood Studios remains committed to pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. Theirs is a journey fueled by passion, guided by vision, and destined for greatness; the future is bright for this pioneering collective of storytellers.

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