Cata is such a challenging role for any actor, much less one as young as lead Zoe Stein. How did you come across Stein when filming the short, and when did you know she was the perfect person for the central part in the feature-length version?
When we were casting for the short that this feature is based on, we saw Zoe in another short film she had been in when she was much younger, and we were so impressed with her presence on screen. Within minutes of meeting her, I knew she’d be perfect for the role. As a person and an actress, Zoe is magnetic, hardworking, and incredibly empathetic. We understand each other really well, and work similarly in that we enjoy not having all the answers, finding inspiration in the mysterious. I knew she’d be the perfect person to bring Cata to life.
Loss, grief, and memory are central to the film’s themes. Do you recall when you first felt the pang of true loss in your life?
Definitely, I was younger than the girls in this film, and it was very disorienting as a child, being shielded from it, not being in the loop with what was going on.
“…collaboration is key; process is just as important as the end result.”
The music is as elegant as it is haunting, just like the visuals. Was that always what you intended, or was a more contemporary score considered at one point?
I wanted a score that felt like an extension of our main character; I didn’t want it to weigh on the film, rather for it to be something that helped transport us into Cata’s subconscious. Working with Anna Von Hausswolff and Filip Leyman on the score for this film was truly incredible. They are true artists, and I feel very lucky to have collaborated with them. It was a beautiful process because we didn’t really share many references; we mainly talked about how the images made us feel, and how they could add another layer to Forastera.
For audiences, what is it you hope they take away from watching Forastera?
I hope they see it as a playful and delicate journey through grief that invites them to reflect on how loss connects us all.
Finally, what, if any, advice do you have for aspiring indie filmmakers out there?
I would say that collaboration is key; process is just as important as the end result. Everything about making a film is a grueling challenge, so prioritize working with people who uplift and support your vision, people who will challenge your ideas to make them better.
