Here’s another exciting interview in our SXSW interview series, where Staff Writer Daniel Prinn talks with Writer/Director Elle Callahan for her film “Witch Hunt.” The movie premiered as part of the ‘2020 Spotlight’ section.
“Witch Hunt” is compelling commentary of discrimination against minority groups. It’s told through an interesting lens, as Callahan envisions a 2020 America where witches are real and witchcraft is illegal. The only safe place is Mexico, which currently offers witches asylum. The story follows Claire (Gideon Adlon), who learns tolerance through a friendship with a witch her own age, Fiona (Abigail Cowen), who her family is helping cross over to Mexico. The film also stars Elizabeth Mitchell, Echo Campbell, Ashley Bell, and Christian Camargo. My review can be found here.
Minor spoilers will follow in the interview. We discuss the origins of the story, its commentary and themes, and world building. We also discuss casting Gideon Adlon and Abigail Cowen, the switches between drama and horror, the visual effects, and well as the villain of the film and his pocket watch.
You can watch the interview below. I’ve included a sample of our conversation below the video for clarity also.
Daniel Prinn, The Movie Buff: What was it like casting the two leads here with Gideon Adlon and Abigail Cowen?
Elle Callahan: It was very natural casting. They both had strong grasps of the characters that it just felt right to hand them off to them. I knew from the first meeting with both of them that they were the right choice for the role, just because they were both so inquisitive and curious and hopeful about telling this kind-of story. They both had very personal connections to the roles and they both did an amazing job. They took the characters in an amazing direction; I don’t think I could have ever imagined would work out so well, so props to them. They’re amazing at what they do.
Stay tuned for more interview coverage out of the SXSW film festival, which concluded on March 20th.
