Family Road Trip Inspires Young Film Maker

The Larkspur Youth Film Festival will spotlight some amazing local talent on April 29. Among the local film makers is Ross' Jasper Conacher, 11. A sixth-grader at Marin Country Day School, Jasper will present her narrative Perfect.

Following is a Q&A with Jasper:

Jasper Conacher, 11 years old

Marin Country Day School, Grade 6

Perfect (Narrative with music)

• Where are you from?

I was born in Toronto, Canada and I live in Ross. 

• What's your movie about?

A family seems ordinarily perfect, on the outside. As you pry into their private lives, you understand their thoughts, secrets and fake smiles they plaster on for their mother.

• How did you hear about the festival?

My mom found it and I thought I would be interested in it because I enjoy writing.

• How did the idea for the film come about?

I was driving back from Tahoe with my computer and was bored. I like to write at least once a week, and I had already written three songs on that drive. So, the idea for the film just sort of came to me because I was writing about love, and to me family means love. I started writing about a family and twisted it, adding in things that no one seemed to write about. I was aware of the these sorts of things were happening in families. Everything seemed to fall in place in those 3 and a half hours (it was a long drive!)

• What were the challenges of making the film?

 The biggest challenges for me were directing and filming. Directing was difficult because I cast close teenage family friends and I didn't want to upset them or do something wrong when I gave them advice or criticism. Filming was a challenge because I was nervous I would do a shoot wrong, or my hands would be too shaky. I thought I would waste everyone's time and the scenes would turn out sloppy. 

• What's the best part of being a film maker?

The best part of being a film maker was definitely the satisfaction of having a finished product and being proud of it. It took a lot of effort from the actors, the musicians, my family but mostly me. We all sweat a lot and it ended up worth it, which feels really good inside. I can't believe how lucky I am to have this opportunity.

• Would you like to pursue a career in movies? In what area?

Actually, I am a performer and a writer. I would love to be on Broadway and then later write some films, music and shows. So, I guess that falls under the category of Hollywood movie. My unlikely dream is to win an Oscar for my film and a Tony for my performance. 

• What's your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is Secret Life Of Bees, it always makes me sob my heart out. I love the close knit relationship between the family of sisters. I also have a sister and it made me realize not to take her for granted. I also love the emotion each actor puts into the film. I have seen it five times and sit there every time and cry along with them, even though I know what’s coming up. Now that I think about it, movies about sisters or families are my favorite to watch and to write about. Maybe that’s why I love Secret Life Of Bees so much.

• Who's your favorite actor/director?

My favorite director is Amie Williams. She makes documentaries on problems that are in our world. She also started a nonprofit called Global Girl Media that trains girls from disadvantaged areas (South Africa, Morocco, L.A., etc) to tell their stories through film. She is a close friend of my mom’s, and when she visited she inspired me about film. She is probably the reason I became interested in film and that’s why my mom showed me the film festival information.