Writer-producer Laura Naylor first discovered her interest in documentary-style representation while studying visual arts and art history at Columbia University in New York City. In 2011, she co-directed and produced her first feature-length documentary film, Duck Beach to Eternity, which premiered at the 2012 Seattle International Film Festival, played at the 2012 Salt Lake City Film Festival, and aired multiple times on BBC3 in the UK. In addition to directing and producing independent documentaries, Naylor creates fundraising videos for non-profit organizations.
HFF: What is your film about, and how did the project come to be?
LN: The Fix is a tale of recovery and redemption that paints a portrait of life after heroin addiction in the Bronx. Someone very close to me struggles with heroin addiction; because of this, I wanted to learn more about the road to recovery. I began development by attending groups at a methadone clinic in the Bronx, and it was there that I met the subjects of my film.
HFF: What was your role in the production?
LN: Producer/Director.
HFF: Why did you submit to the Heartland Film Festival? Have you been to the Festival before?
LN: This will be my first time to the Festival, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. Heartland has always demonstrated a commitment to screening strong, socially-minded documentaries.
HFF: This year’s tagline is “Shift Your Perspective” – what lasting effect will your film have on moviegoers?
LN: The Fix gives viewers a very personal look into the lives of former heroin addicts who are struggling to improve their lives. Many of them spent years on the streets or in jail. After watching this film, my hope is that moviegoers will soften their perspective on this very marginalized population.
HFF: What has inspired you to become a filmmaker?
LN: The desire to tell stories that otherwise would never be heard
HFF: What is something that you know about filmmaking now but you weren’t told when you started your career
LN: Film is inherently a visual medium. As a documentarian, you can get wrapped up in capturing the story and miss out on the process of creating a compelling visual experience with your lens.
HFF: What are some of your favorite movies? What’s your favorite worst movie (you know it’s bad, but still love it)?
LN: Some favorite are: In the Mood for Love, Stranger than Paradise, The Beginners. My favorite “worst” movie is Raising Arizona.
HFF: How many film festivals has your film been a part of? What do you like the most about the festival experience?
LN: Heartland will be the sixth festival for The Fix. My favorite part of the experience is meeting other filmmakers whose work I admire. And seeing movies, of course.
HFF: Heartland Film Festival moviegoers love filmmaker Q&As. Let’s say a Festival attendee wants to earn some brownie points—what is a question that you’d love to answer, but haven’t yet been asked?
LN: One of the most challenging aspects of documentary filmmaking can be gaining access. I’d love to meet an audience member who shows curiosity about that process.
See The Fix at the 2014 Heartland Film Festival:
- Sunday, Oct. 19 – 12:15 p.m. at AMC Traders Point Showplace 12
- Monday, Oct. 20 – 12:45 p.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14
- Wednesday, Oct. 22 – 2:00 p.m. at AMC Traders Point Showplace 12
- Friday, Oct. 24 – 8:30 p.m. at AMC Castleton Square 14
