Hello Kevin Rome Ambol, it’s a pleasure to have you with us for this interview. Congratulations on your award at last season (Season 5) of the “Indie World Film Festival”.
Q: Your new movie is “The Proselyte”; in a few words, what is it about?
A: Mainly, The Proselyte takes place 13 years after COVID Outbreak. Due to fake news surrounding the world, people became scared and created ways to feel safe. Yet, as time passed within that period, What people did had negative effects and the problem of the world worsened. For example in the movie, People say the Virus came from crops, so they created a solution for that but made the soil uncroppable over the years, some said that it is Aliens and will not recognize people if they talk in a different or robotic manner until the people of the world decreased and lived underground. One Human on the other hand was said to be immuned to these speculations above and it is due to his faith in the One true God but others believed that it may be something else with his immunity.
Q: When did you plan to do this film ?
A: I had thoughts of making this film during the first wave of the pandemic since that time I had little things to do. I shot it in a COVID Safe place in the mountains of North Cotabato, Philippines. But as days go by, restrictions became harder so I had to put it on hold until mid month of 2021 and continue the shoot. I finished editing the film by the end of February this year.
Q: What got you into filmmaking in the first place, and did you receive any formal training on the subject?
A: What inspired me is the Art of making it, I have scene how a film was made for the first time back in 2010 and said to myself, I want to do that, but with a purpose of spreading Spiritual Awareness.
Q: What can you tell us about your film work prior to this film?
A: This is only my 2nd film since my debut in 2012 at LSFF, I had a 10 year hiatus due to commitment and studies. But during those times, it shaped me to have a purpose in Filmmaking.
Q: Can you explain or tell us some of the important elements of this film that makes it interesting?
A: I would say the unconventional way of filming it. We change the visuals of this film into more like a painting and telling it in a documentary manner that you as a watcher of the film is talking to the main characters.
Q: How big was your team and what were the cameras that you used?
A: Since this is shot during the pandemic, I, along with the cast take turns in filming ourselves.. Yeah! your absolutely right. We are our crew since we dont have big budget productions but what I love about it is the fun we had filming it amidst tumultuous times.
Q: Directors (and indeed actors) who inspire you and what are your favourite movies?
A: I would say Directors like Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson and even Ari Aster who take risks in filmmaking and has their own way of telling their stories. I want to have my own way too. Favorite movies? Anything that involves Suspense and Plotwists.
Q: Where can people see your work?
A: This have had its World Premier at Arrotv on Roku and at Paus Premier in UK. I have not checked if its still available there though.
Q: What are your future projects?
A: I am currently finishing a Horror Comedy film and also starting an Animated short Film. Just finished a Vertifilm and was Selected in Czech Republic. I hope soon I can send my films to your future festivals.
Q: Thank you for this very inspiring interview, Kevin Rome Ambol. Here at the “Indie World Film Festival” we look forward to seeing and appreciating your new film productions!
A: It is such a huge honor to be interviewed by you. I never thought I would be in this position. I Hope that our One true God(The Father) guide and bless us in all our future endeavors with the help of our mediator (Lord Jesus Christ). I would also take this opportunity to thank my cast and crew. Thank you so much for such a tremendous support.