AGONIST, by director Annie Marie Elliot, follows a grieving young man falling into the final act of a cult leader’s ritual. To learn more about AGONIST, check out Annie’s responses to our questions to our “5 Questions With” series below!
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Were there any challenges in making this project?
Creating AGONIST came with its set of challenges. As the writer, director, one of the producers, casting director, locations manager, overlooking and managing the budget, an actress in it etc. I wore many hats and worked with an insanely talented team of around 55 people. It truly does take a village, and I am deeply thankful for everyone’s involvement. I could not have done it without them.
One of the main challenges was regulating my emotions, managing my stress levels, OCD, being more patient while juggling these responsibilities on a slim budget with BIG ideas, and with not much time at all to prep it. I’m on the spectrum, so processing changes and adjustments on the fly can be difficult, especially since I’m very firm on my vision and do everything possible to ensure it comes to life. I had to adapt quickly to different circumstances in pre production and on the day of the shoot. It was a rewarding experience, and I’m proud of what we all achieved together.
Is there any type of message or emotion that you hope the viewer takes away from watching this film?
The message I hope viewers take away from AGONIST is that grief can leave people feeling vulnerable and confused, prompting them to search for answers in places like religion, cults, or spirituality. It also emphasizes how these New Age spiritual “leaders” / religious cults prey on vulnerable people.
I want the audience to walk away feeling deeply impacted, whether they’re disturbed, anxious, or emotionally moved. Like how Hereditary left me genuinely disturbed for weeks, and each time I watch it I can find new Easter eggs- I want viewers to think and analyze what they’ve just watched, carrying that emotional resonance with them.
This short was very metaphorical with each member representing one of the 7 deadly sins, so with that in mind- I’d love for the viewers to try and piece together why each character behaves in the way they do. Nothing in my short is ‘random’ even though it may seem random and bizarre.
How does it feel to be able to screen the film at HollyShorts?
I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to screen my film at HollyShorts. It’s an amazing opportunity, and I feel so thankful to be able to share my work in such an exciting setting.
What inspired you to start making films?
I’ve always wanted to be in the arts, so I started with modeling because I was a shy kid. This eventually gave me the confidence to try acting, photography and painting. I started film school and seeing one of my best friends make a short film inspired me to realize I could do the same.
I knew I wanted to draw from my trauma and personal experiences. I grew up as a Christian, went to an all white Christian elementary & middle school, they’d teach me about the end times, where only Gods purest would be raptured and it gave me severe OCD that I still carry with me today. I was told I needed to pray every night and ask for forgiveness or else I’d go to hell. Seeking a fresh start, I moved to LA when I was 17 with $30 to my name to make it as a model. Shortly after moving here, my dad passed away. When my dad passed, I struggled to make sense of it- I believe humans aren’t meant to fully comprehend death, and the thought of never reuniting with my dad drove my search for meaning. This led me into a Christian cult, and later into new-age spirituality.
When I saw my friend make his film, I knew I had to create my own and wanted to involve my friends in an ensemble cast-having each of them play one of the 7 deadly sins.
Initially, people questioned whether I would co-direct or hire an experienced director for the feature, and even on the short! But once I stepped onto set and got in the groove, directing felt so natural. I realized it was my life’s purpose. After some premieres, people told me they related to my film because they had been in a cult too.
I aim to create impactful work that makes people feel less alone, drawing on personal experiences to connect with others, and to challenge the audience with stories that provoke emotional responses, encouraging introspection.
What’s on the horizon for you?
We’re currently progressing the feature version of AGONIST, with CAA packaging it, and we’re aiming to shoot it this year. I also have a few other proof-of-concept shorts, in all types of genres, that I’d love to make. While I’m still acting and modeling occasionally, my primary focus is on directing and bringing these projects to life.
Thank you so much, Annie, for sharing your responses! Click here to get tickets for the 20th Annual Hollyshorts Film Festival, running from August 9th to August 17th at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres.
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