Director in the Cinema Unit of the Israeli Air Force created the foundation for Eyal Resh’s blossoming career.
What a treat to be able to chat with Eyal Resh, director of the critically acclaimed short film Boys, that had it’s premiere at the Vienna Film Festival, and was most recently an Official Selection of the L.A. Film Festival.
What was your introduction into filmmaking?
Eyal Resh: I began working as a Director in the Cinema Unit of the Israeli Air Force. After that, I was accepted at Cal Arts and received an MFA in Film Directing.
What was your inspiration for the short film, Boys?
Eyal Resh: Boys is an autobiographical moment from my personal experience. My own recollection’s of being a young boy first encountering the basic primary urge of sexual awakening.
How did you categorize the sensation in the film?
Eyal Resh: My intention was not to categorize the sensations. I wanted to show the two talented young actors, Wyatt Griswold and Pearce Joza, allowing the possibilities to surface without judging them or pushing them aside. To be in the moment, letting the intimacy resonate and evolve naturally with introspection, not becoming overwhelmed by thought. Letting the encounter wash into consciousness as an awakening to a larger dimension of the self functioning as a whole.
I have seen the film and felt you did a great job directing the boys to be natural. How was that accomplished?
Eyal Resh: We auditioned over 40 talented young actors for the film. We advised them of the delicate subject matter before coming the audition. Wyatt Griswold (from New Girl with Zooey Deschanel) and Pearce Joza (Mech-X4), were the very first two boys we auditioned. We knew right away we had found what we were looking for. Both parts are courageous and required an ability to communicate the unseen, inner transformation. They understood not to let the message lead the moment of the encounter.
How did you create the magical feeling of spontaneity?
Eyal Resh: Through well rehearsed choreography and improvisation! We had the boys play ball, horse around, hang out, play video games, music, etc. I wanted them to feel comfortable interacting naturally in different activities. It’s a human story, I wanted the underlying deeper story to be the simple growth of human nature.
It certainly was not heavy handed. Who are some of the artists and director’s that have inspired you?
Eyal Rush: I am very influenced by philosopher’s, especially DeCartes, who was one of the first to write about emotions. He is famous for saying, “I think, therefore I am”. Freud influences my ideas. As far as director’s go, I would say Pedro Almodovar and his films on sexual and political freedom, and Todd Haynes for is historic portrayals of LGBT themes in Carol and Poison.
Why does the film open with a shot of a lady bug?
Eyal Resh: The lady bug is transgender, so I thought it was a subtle way of paving the way into my human sexuality story.
What’s next for Eyal Resh?
Eyal Resh: I love every aspect of the business. I love to keep busy with many projects, including writing and attending the film circuits to meet and talk with other artists. I have 2 features I’m working on, one about a washed up Rock Star, the other about a deaf couple who learn they are going to have a child. I also have a TV Show that is deep in development about the reality of new dating, with two strangers who meet online.
Thank you Eyal Resh for sharing your unbridled passion and enthusiasm!
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