Hero Mars to play at OutFest this week!
This weekend will mark the Los Angeles premiere of Artist, Filmmaker & all-around awesome person, Skyler Cooper’s first film, Hero Mars. Hailing from Brooklyn & now residing in San Francisco, I was so pleased that Skyler was able to take some time out of her crazy schedule to answer my questions. Check it out below!
Me: What inspired Hero Mars, & can you tell us a bit about her?
Skyler: HERO MARS was inspired by a performance piece that originated from a stream of consciousness writing exercise. Who she was in the story is contained in her name. The traditional meaning of Hero is to have courage. Hero must demonstrate courage to overcome her obstacles.
In the Zodiac the God of War is represented by Mars. Hero is a warrior in that she defies gender norms. Hence the name of the story is HERO MARS. We go on a journey with Hero Mars as she aspires to do something with her life in the midst of personal despair. Hero’s gender expression is masculine.
As a result, Hero is virtually invisible as a woman and because of her imposing figure she is often perceived as male. When an opportunity arrives for her to achieve her dreams she cannot allow ignorance to mask who she is any longer.
In the Zodiac the God of War is represented by Mars. Hero is a warrior in that she defies gender norms. Hence the name of the story is HERO MARS. We go on a journey with Hero Mars as she aspires to do something with her life in the midst of personal despair. Hero’s gender expression is masculine.
As a result, Hero is virtually invisible as a woman and because of her imposing figure she is often perceived as male. When an opportunity arrives for her to achieve her dreams she cannot allow ignorance to mask who she is any longer.
What were you most surprised to learn while making Hero Mars?
There were so many synchronicities occurring in making the film. That was a surprise in it of itself. For example one can be seen in the ending scene. When we rented the location for the scene I had no idea what the room was called. We shot the film in a room called Audre Lorde. A famous picture of Audre Lorde hangs on the wall behind Hero in the film. She is a well-known and celebrated lesbian activist and poet. Yet I’d say the biggest surprise of them all was being able to make a film with the high production value of HERO MARS off the budget I had to start. Truly incredible and quite the surprise.
How did you get financing for the project? And, what are your plans for the film?
Financing for the film came many ways. Through Indiegogo, my website, in-kind donations, and cold cash. Financing is actually still ongoing as festivals fees are ongoing. Thus far HERO MARS has been sent to over 25 festivals around the country and world. However there are hundreds more film festivals. The more I can submit to the better the chances for the world to see it! So I do ask for people’s continued support.
You’re such a creative individual. Were you raised in an artistic household?
Yes I was. My father was a musician, a painter, Minister, photographer and a filmmaker! He made family films of my sister and I when we were kids.
What’s your advice to anyone out there who might be struggling, whether to be who they truly are, &/or trying to make their dreams reality?
Become deeply happy. Its takes a lot of courage and effort to do it. I believe we will have the stamina to endure the challenges of any endeavor that we face when we become deeply happy. It’s not just about having the perfect partner, family, job, or personal trainer. Its is not to be confused with something that just makes you laugh out loud or Roll on the floor in laugher. Becoming deeply happy is to appreciate and love who you are apart from the things you have around you. I have met people who are not sure how to achieve their dreams . I say to these people become happy where you stand right now. In nature some plants require more water than others to grow. Our growth is an inner growth and the richness of our inner growth is limitless. Find your “water”, your source of nourishment for your inner growth, your true-self. Write your own story!! In that story you are the lead, the star! Become deeply happy first and watch what happens.
Hero Mars will play at The Egyptian Theatre this Saturday as part of Outfest in LA. Tickets are only $10 & can be purchased here. Cannot make the festival? You can still be apart of the magic by helping support the film with a donation, click here to learn more!
Thank you for such wonderful words of wisdom, Skyler! xo
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Susan Cooper
March 11, 2014 at 9:53 amWhat wonderful words of advice, “Becoming deeply happy is to appreciate and love who you are apart from the things you have around you.” Sounds like a very inspiring film.