Emmalie El Fadli Interview - From A to Q
Director Emmalie El Fadli joins us for a second time (we just can’t get enough of her!) to talk about her current project, From A to Q, an upcoming LGBTQ+ film. Emmalie speaks to us about how you can get involved, the biggest inspirations for the film and where you can watch her fantastic previous short, The Date.
Read our first interview with Emmalie here.
Emmalie El Fadli at From A to Q auditions
Tell us a little about yourself and the work you do
I’m an Editor based in London, who within the past few years has discovered a love for writing and directing, with my main focus at the moment being to make positive LGBTQ films.
My first film The Date (co-written by Hansof Waller) is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime, Lesflicks, Reel Women’s Network and Tello Films and was also screened at Film Festivals across the world, including BFI Flare (London), Inside Out (Toronto) and Roze Filmdagen (Amsterdam).
Tell us about your upcoming film
From A to Q is the story of Alex Campbell who wakes suddenly from a dream in which she’s intimate with another girl. The following weeks are spent anxiously trying to figure out what it all means whilst trying not to push the people closest to her away.
What do you think your background in editing has brought to your directing style?
I wouldn’t say it’s affected my directing style but it does give me a big advantage in knowing what I can and can’t do in the edit before we even start production. This also helped a lot when writing the script because I could see the end result of my film so perfectly. It really is going to be a beautiful film.
Who/what were your biggest inspirations when writing ‘From A to Q’?
From A to Q is actually a very personal story to me. It’s based on different experiences I had growing up which helped me realise my sexuality and come to terms with who I was then and who I am today.
The style of my film though has definitely been inspired by shows such as Atypical, Sex Education and I Am Not Ok With This, and films such as Booksmart, Love Simon and Lady Bird. I really love watching content that portrays teenage angst (in either a serious or comical way).
From A to Q auditions
What is your proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest moment would have to be making my first film The Date. Coming from an editing background and making that leap to directing something I’d co-written was a big achievement for me. And getting to create positive lesbian representation was my main goal all along, so I’m very proud of myself for that.
Funding can always be a challenge in this industry; how are you looking to achieve funding for your current film? How can people help with this?
We currently have an Indiegogo campaign running to cover the costs of production.
We’re looking to raise £9000 and are currently 32% funded. We do understand that times are tough for some right now, but if you’re able to help in any way, you can visit our page here: https://igg.me/at/fromatoq
From A to Q
What are your favourite LGBTQ+ films?
From A to Q auditions
Imagine Me and You (who’s writer and director donated to our campaign!)
Booksmart
Dating Amber
Princess Cyd
The Laramie Project
But I’m a Cheerleader
Love, Simon
What can audiences do to support LGBTQ+ filmmakers/films?
When new LGBT projects get released, keep watching them and keep talking about them. Bring other people’s attention to them, and if possible, keep contributing to their campaigns to get those projects made in the first place.
Where can people keep up to date with news about ‘From A to Q’ and your future projects?
You can follow me on TWITTER
Interview by Sophie Duncan
