by Alesia Argelliez
Winning the SF3 Pitch Award for 2024, emerging Western Sydney Writer/Actor Mina Asfour is finally getting to make the highly personal The Rectangle Love Triangle. His pitched short film will be produced with the assistance of SF3 Smartfone FlickFest and their partners, and premiering at the festival’s Closing Night Gala.
We interviewed Asfour about his childhood inspirations, past work, thoughts on the film industry and filmmaking with a phone.
What drove you to the film industry?
“Honestly, it all started with a mix of childhood delusion and my parents’ over-the-top encouragement. Growing up in Western Sydney, the idea of a ‘film industry’ was as foreign to us as, well, speaking English at first.
“My dad had this weekly ritual: he’d take me to Video Ezy, and I got to rent one movie for the entire week. To a five-year-old, this was a monumental decision. I would pick the movie like it was a life-or-death situation and then proceed to watch it to death — sometimes multiple times a day. When I’d finally exhausted the film, I’d obsess over the special features. My little brain was blown away by the idea that movies take weeks or months to make and that actors could cry on cue. My curiosity was insatiable, and that’s how I fell in love with film.
“Here’s where the delusion kicks in: my parents would watch these movies with me and, in their infinite wisdom, tell me, ‘Mina, you’re way better than that actor! You could out-act him with your eyes closed!’ Naturally, this inflated my ego to epic proportions. Fast forward to me trying to act professionally, and reality hit hard. I discovered that acting requires more than just childhood confidence — it involves classes, workshops, and a hefty dose of perseverance.
“Acting is definitely a privileged gig, and I’m working my tail off to be part of it. But the journey has taught me so much about myself and opened doors to other aspects of filmmaking, like writing and producing. So, while I might have started with a bit of family-induced delusion, I’m grateful for the wild ride that has led me to where I am today.”
What message/s are you hoping to send to the audience with your short film?
“First and foremost, I want the audience to be entertained. Seriously, no matter how deep or important a film is, if it’s not engaging, it’s just not going to land. That’s the rule, and I didn’t make it.
“On a deeper level, The Rectangle Love Triangle explores how the world has a way of working out its own mysteries, but it’s always on its own terms. If you try to ignore its signals, it will find a way to make you pay attention. The film deals with themes like daddy issues and the often misguided quest for love with people who may not be good for you. It’s essentially about trying to dodge the metaphorical elephant in the room — until that elephant decides that it’s time to step in and make its presence unmistakably clear.
“So, buckle up for a story that’s as much about avoiding the inevitable as it is about confronting it head-on.”
@filmink loving this graphic for Mina Asfour’s pitch for SF3 SmartFone FlickFest
What kind of styles and genres will you be employing in your film?
“I’d classify the film as a drama-comedy, though it leans heavily into the drama, while still packing in a good dose of humour. I might even be onto something new here — let’s call it trauma-comedy. Did I just invent a genre? Who knows, but it feels right!
“The film delves into how life has a way of turning itself into a bit of a joke, and all we can do is laugh along. There’s something uniquely cathartic about finding humour in dark situations, and that’s a big part of what I’m aiming for. When life gets heavy, I find that laughter is often the best response. So, expect a mix of poignant moments and genuinely funny scenes, all wrapped up in a story that highlights the absurdity of life’s twists and turns.”
Tell us about the process and what it was like to be awarded with the SF3 Pitch Award and then being selected to have a guaranteed spot at the SF3 Closing Night Gala?
“In a nutshell, it was a whirlwind! I’m a VERY impatient person, so the fast-paced nature of this process was actually perfect for me. I thrive under pressure, and this opportunity has been a fantastic challenge as both a producer and writer.
“Having just about five weeks to organise pre-production, cast, shoot, and edit a film is nothing short of a mammoth task. It’s been a sprint, but so far, we’re moving smoothly. When I first heard we’d won the competition, my initial reaction was disbelief. I actually thought there must have been some mistake — why my script? The inner self-doubt kicked in big time. But once I shook that off, it was all about diving headfirst into work.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the talented and supportive friends and colleagues who’ve rallied around me throughout this journey. Their encouragement and expertise have made all the difference, helping turn what could have been a stressful scramble into a rewarding experience.”
With the assistance of Chicken & Chips Casting, what are the goals you hope to achieve with bringing your pitch to life?
“Working with Chicken & Chips Casting has been a game-changer for me. As someone who doesn’t come from a casting background, I found the process both fascinating and intriguing. Their expertise has been invaluable, and it’s something I’m now seriously considering diving into myself in the future.
“The goal with their help is to ensure that my film truly comes to life with the perfect cast. I provided them with the vision and feel for the film, and their suggestions for actors were spot-on.
“I’m excited about the possibility of collaborating with them again on future projects. Their skill in casting has not only enhanced this film but has also shown me the vital role casting plays in bringing a story to life.”
What are your expectations about mobile phone filmmaking? Have you done it before? What are the benefits and limitations?
“This is my first time diving into filmmaking with an iPhone, and as a Virgo, my motto is ‘If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it ridiculously well — or not at all.’ Mediocrity just doesn’t sit right with me. So, I was initially pretty wary about using a mobile phone for my film. My first thought was, ‘How could a tiny phone camera possibly compete with a real camera?’
“But then I had a moment of clarity: ‘It’s 2024, Mina! iPhone cameras are insanely good now.’ So, my production team and I embarked on a little adventure to make the most of our iPhone’s capabilities. Turns out, with the right approach, the results can be pretty stellar.
“One of the best things about mobile phone filmmaking is the sheer convenience. Need to figure something out? Google it. Don’t know how to do something? YouTube is like having a personal film school right in your pocket. The internet is basically a giant cheat sheet for life.
“That said, there are some downsides. You’re not going to get the same level of control as with traditional cameras, and there are only so many lenses, tripods, gimbals and accessories that can be used with an iPhone.”
What are the motivations behind this short film concept? Is it based on personal experience or fiction?
“As the old saying goes, ‘Write what you know,’ and let me tell you, I really know this story. It’s inspired by some pretty intense events from my past. At the time, it felt like the universe was out to get me, but looking back, it’s more like a dark comedy sketch.
“I often find myself wanting to shake my past self and ask, ‘What were you thinking?’ But since time travel isn’t on the horizon yet, I’ve channelled those experiences into this film. The goal was to take those chaotic, cringe-worthy moments and turn them into a fun, engaging story. After all, if you can’t laugh at your past, you’re missing out on some great material. So, here we are, transforming life’s misadventures into a story that’s hopefully as entertaining for others as it is cathartic for me.”
With a background in acting, are you hoping to be starring in your short film too?
“Well, as you might know [or should know if you’re thinking of working in the Australian industry] – in this biz, you often have to wear multiple hats. If you want to be a working actor in Australia, you pretty much have to double as a producer. Sorry to break it to you, but that’s the way it goes. Luckily for me, I actually enjoy producing just as much as acting!
“The lack of diversity often means that performers like me have to make a choice: pack up and go home or hustle and make it work. I choose the latter. If it means doing a month of work just to get five minutes on screen, so be it. I love what I do, and I do it well. Plus, I want to show other people of colour, and those from the queer community that it’s possible to do it all and make a living while doing it. Acting feeds my soul, and I also enjoy the business side of things.
“Until I get the invite to the ‘big rooms,’ I’m building my own and making art in them. So yes, you’ll definitely see me in this film, not just behind the scenes but in front of the camera too!”
SF3 SmartFone FlickFest is on 15-17 November, 2024. For more information, head to the website.
