Spotlights
Debra Knox
A spotlight conversation with the director of Hearing Voices.
Spotlight Interview
Debra Knox
Director · Hearing Voices
Debra Knox comes from a creative family and has been performing since she was four, most at home in the story world of her imagination. She filmed, directed and edited Hearing Voices herself — an honest, uncensored depiction of what it’s like to be lost in a frightening delusional world.
Hi Debra, could you please tell us a little bit more about your submitted project? How did you come up with such an original story?
I have suffered from depression and I wanted to show an honest, uncensored depiction of what it’s like to be lost in a frightening delusional world.
Tell us something about yourself and your background. Do you remember the first movie you watched? Who are the directors that inspire you? What would be your favourite movie?
I’ve always been performing and come from a creative family. I started putting on shows when I was 4 and feel most at home in the story world of my imagination. The first movie that rocked my world was The Wizard of Oz, with its flying monkeys and evil green faced witch. I was always on her side!
Who are the directors that inspire you? What would be your favourite movie?
Hitchcock, Fellini, Woody Allen, Roger Corman, John Waters. Favorite movie is the low budget horror film Carnival of Souls directed by Herk Harvey.
Was there a particular time when you recognized that filmmaking is your way of telling stories?
I see everything as if it’s a movie. Finally as technology has become more accessible I took matters into my own hands and filmed, directed and edited Hearing Voices myself, capturing all the dark images I could release as demons, freeing them at last. Not listening to others unwanted opinions.
What are some of the biggest challenges you encountered in making this film?
It was during the pandemic, so a few actors became sick and we had to delay production. Also learning to edit.
What were the production realities from casting through editing that you had to accommodate?
It was a long hard process of learning the editing program, mainly the tech side of it. And 6 months in I lost the edit! I thought I would lose my mind, but of course it came out better then ever because of this. Haha, I can say this now.
What are the audience reviews of your project?
I’m blown away at the audiences appreciation and love for the film. Some saying it’s the most creative piece of film they have seen, and mental health professionals saying that Hearing Voices truly captures the tortured mind of a schizophrenic. Others love the shadows used and the provocative dark images and fear that is captured.
Do you believe that a filmmaker should bring always something original or he/she should stick to classic but cinema styles?
If you’ve seen my film you would know the answer to this. And why does everything have to be orange and teal?! I have to create from my heart and soul regardless of the reaction from others. Of course I’d love to make money as a filmmaker, but art is the most important aspect of this sometimes lovely, sometimes brutal existence.
In Their Words
“I have to create from my heart and soul regardless of the reaction from others.”
Debra Knox
Do you think that film festivals are playing an important role in filmmaking industry? Why are they necessary? How do you get the most out of them?
How do you get the most out of them? Film Festivals are FANTASTIC! It’s a proactive venue to reach the world by clicking a button and submitting your dream. If possible find the ones that have live screenings and if your film is there by all means GO! Have fun! We deserve to be with other artists and ignite a fire in the heart of not only ourselves but in others.
What are your future plans in your filmmaking career?
I’m in post production for my upcoming film How Awful About Kevin, a look at an ordinary unachieved man who choses to take his life, as seen through the eyes of the three people who loved him. I have many many stories to tell and am determined to never give up no matter what!
Curtain Call
More Voices From the Spotlight
Meet the other filmmakers of this season, then bring your own story to Barcelona.