Director: Alexandra Naoum Run Time: 3:41 Country: France

Synopsis: A girl has two unexpected encounters with men in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.

Is there an event that inspired the film and if so, how did you alter it for the film? Where did the idea come from?
Yes. One day, I was going home and a guy approached me to ask me a question. And before he could say anything I said: “Sorry, I don’t know this area”. And the guy just felt that I was thinking he was approaching me to seduce me and he said: “Oh, I’m not interested. I’m just looking for a street. Who do you think you are?” I will never know if he was lying or not but I felt so stupid!

Is this an English vs. French thing or a boy versus girl thing or both?
No, it’s in English and in French because I wanted to work with Oliver Maltman, who is a great English actor. Maybe it’s a boy versus girl thing but it’s not serious. It’s self-mockery.

You not only wrote and directed this film you starred in it as well. How long have you been acting for?
Almost 10 years now...

Similar to Neil Simon, you created a comedy from a real situation. Is that the comedy you like to explore?
Oh, I don’t have the same career as Neil Simon yet but thanks for the comparison! Yes, I love comedy but I don’t know yet if I will explore only it. I love the characters in comedies; they are always so passionate and intense. They don’t even realize they are funny.

Is this a vehicle for you as an actress or as a director or both?
I starred in the film so it’s maybe a good exposure as an actress but, most of the time, people who contact me afterwards, don’t know that I’m the actress. They contact me about the director part and that’s great. I think it’s a real luck to have the opportunity to show the world your work. I’m really happy to be a part of MANHATTAN SHORT!!

What advice do you have to someone who is thinking about making their first short film?
Well, I think it’s too soon for me to give advice. But I would quote independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch: “Rule #1: There are no rules.”

What message do you want the audience to take away from this film?
Don’t be too serious.

So what does a man say to a French woman that will get her attention?
“I loved your film!” No, just joking. Well, I don’t know...

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