Staff Select premiere "Dekalb Elementary" by Reed Van Dyck |

Jul 14, 2022

 CONTENT WARNING: The following video contains material that may hurt or cause trauma to some audiences.

The film is based on a 911 phone call that made national news 2013 and the Staff Pick premiere this week is "Dekalb Elementary,"" a gripping Oscar-nominated short written by Reed Van Dyck.

A film that's shot within a single room doesn't get more impressive than this. Within the span of just 20 minutes Van Dyck puts forth an astonishing feat in the area of setting and the pace. Tension is created by the feeling of being in a confined space as well as a simple and perplexing understanding of a dubious threat. "I wanted to play with the things we do not be able to see," says Van Dyck. "Whether it's blocking an actor's face or leaving the mess of children running screaming off-screen, heard but not seen. My feeling was you, the viewer, would create more interesting pictures inside your head than any I could demonstrate to you." This play on space eventually makes every second even more captivating than the last.

Given the astounding performances from leading actors Tarra Riggs and Bo Mitchell, it's no surprise that Van Dyck said he wouldn't make the film without the perfect actors. It's a true testimony to the actors, crew and focus on the art of storytelling, "Dekalb Elementary" feels like a documentary of an extremely real-life event.

 We met with director Reed Van Dyck to talk the inspiration behind his film, as well as challenges and the control of the movie.

What was your inspiration to create the film?

 "'DeKalb" is a retelling of the 911 call which was featured on the news in 2013. On the phone, we listen to Antoinette Tuff discussing a young man, Michael Hill, who walks into her Atlanta primary school carrying an AK-47 along with fifty rounds. I had not heard of the call when it first made news, but I found the call years later while researching for a project I was working on concerning a mass shooting. I remember sitting on my couch at home in Los Angeles riveted and emotional while I watched the 14-minute audio recording play out. In the weeks that followed, I was unable to take their voices out of my mind. Their strength and kindness as well as his confusion and sorrow. It was a touching experience for me. profound way, and I wondered if I could bring the moment into the world of film."

 Did you encounter some challenges while making the film?

 "The film is in essence one-man show. So one of the primary challenges was finding the right actors for the parts. Then I decided that I couldn't create the film without the perfect cast. The process took months of combing IMDb, looking at casting lists of indie films, TV shows as well as other TV shows. If I came across someone who seemed to be either of the leads, I'd add their name to a list. When the list had grown to around 30-40 people I would begin reviewing all of the actors in it, and looking up their past projects (TV appearances, films, and so on) then cutting it down.

 After that, I'd begin the entire process over again. It was how I discovered Tarra Riggs as well as Bo Mitchell who play the leading roles. I actually hand-picked every other actor in the film, not even those in supporting roles, using this identical method. I was of the opinion that one false note from any actor could take our attention away from the actuality of the circumstances and that's why I needed the best actors that I could locate for every role ."

 It's difficult to create an enthralling tone when dealing with that is as important as this. What worked for you in creating such an edgy atmosphere?

 "My main inspiration for making the film was always the 911 call. When I began to think about how to realize the film, physically and in terms of sound I came to the conclusion that less is more. It was a resounding response to the message, it is more or less like a radio show -- just these two voices. In the end, when I made the film I was looking to explore the things we can't see... regardless of whether it's the actor's face being blocked or keeping the chaos of kids running and screaming on the screen, hearing but not being seen.

 I was thinking that the viewers will create more intriguing images in your own mind that I can demonstrate to you. In addition, by providing less detail, narratively and visually it is possible that the viewers will take a more active interest in the film, bringing more of themselves to the experience. The goal was to make it more enjoyable at the very least. ."

 This film has exceptional control, which makes it feel as if it was made within a single day. What did the production timeline come out like?

 "The script was twenty pages and we shot for five days. I tried to reduce my daily page count at a low level due to the exact reason you mention. The longer my crew and I had working on production the more deliberate and thoughtful we could be regarding shot layout, blocking, performance, costumes, and production designs. For me, more time equals more control. That includes a long preliminary production process ."

 What's your favorite tip for aspiring film makers?

 "This isn't really a piece of advice. I was born and lived in a small town in New Jersey called Mahwah. The place I grew up on is unceded Lunaape Tribal land. I have researched on the Lunaape extensively for the film I'm currently making. One aspect that stood out to me, moved me, was the way they viewed stories. The art of storytelling was believed to be a powerful remedy for the whole people in the community. The Storyteller was a key figure who traveled from clan to clan within the tribe. They told stories that taught people the ways to lead. Stories played a role in how the tribes and individuals developed and changed over time.

 Personally, this is why I go to the movies. And in strange times like ours, I crave movies and filmmakers that be honest and open about the world and themselves. I am in search of stories that inspire me to keep on waking. So my (selfish) hope or wish for future filmmakers is that they begin this task -- this journeyto explore themselves and their globe and sharing what they find ."

 What's next? Any upcoming projects?

 "I'm working on putting two feature projects together at the moment. One is an original script of mine. My producer and I have reached looking for actors to perform on. It's based off the New Yorker piece and we're at the point of securing releases, rights and other agreements. ."