Steve Long Director of Global Film Exhibiton in conversation with Filmmaker
Danial H. Zakaira
Steve: Creating a film about the end of the world is a deeply emotional journey. What fears or hopes about humanity's future sparked this story for you?
Danial: I'd say the rising political tensions in the world and the speculation of another world war occurring. The aliens referenced in the film were a symbolic notion to this situation, where I imagined the so-called 'enemies of humanity' to represent actual humans, who may be the proponents of another large war.
Steve: The idea of cloning and superhuman abilities is rich with ethical and philosophical questions. Can you share a personal belief or experience that influenced your exploration of these themes in "Infantry 6A"?
Danial: Great question, Steve! I think the implementation of clones in the film is a portrayal of the lengths a government is willing to go to ensure the safety of their country and people, and the possible ethical questions that can arise from such controversial actions; on the one hand, the clones have the ability to save humans from omnicide, but on the other, the idea of clones may go against traditional human norms and conventions.
Steve: How have your own experiences with authority and decision-making influenced the way you shaped the characters who hold the fate of the world in their hands?
Danial: Absolutely Steve; we've all got responsibilities we need to attend to. I'd say my most important responsibilities are that of myself, and ensuring I can secure a good future through my present actions. This requires a lot of decision-making, some of which may be risky.
Steve: In giving each of your six cloned soldiers a unique identity, what personal touch or characteristic did you draw from the people around you or from yourself?
Danial: I think I possess less exaggerated traits to my characters but within a reasonable proportion. I share the same linguistic qualities with some of them, and most of the people I'm surrounded by on a daily basis have their own passions, which I exhibited throughout my film.
Steve: "Infantry 6A" is a story about the potential for human-made miracles in the face of disaster. Is there a particular real-world issue that you hope to shine a light on through this allegory?
Danial: There have been some rarer instances where humanity came together to tackle world issues, such as throughout the late 20th century and into the 21st, where nearly every world government came together to tackle the depleting ozone layer. The result? We managed to save one of the most vital elements of Earth, keeping us alive. I hope we can come together once more and tackle the ongoing problems, such as climate change as such.
Steve: What did creating "Infantry 6A" reveal to you about your own views on the power and pitfalls of technology?
Danial: Throughout the making of the film, I realized that technology is one of the most powerful mediums today. Thanks to the internet, you could get in contact with a British lawyer in seconds, and talk to him as if you two were in the same room. A random example, but still true nonetheless. As shown in Infantry 6A, the US government can assemble the most powerful force in minutes, no matter where they are in the world, whether it's Albania, Uganda, or Bolivia.
Steve: The genre of science fiction acts as a mirror to our current world. What reflections of today's society might we see in the world of "Infantry 6A"?
Danial: The reference to riots increasing at the beginning is very true with us today; humans tend to feel scared when they're faced with a dilemma they're unsure how to deal with. The natural societal response to the threat of their entire lives being gone in an instant? To riot and cause anarchy, with the ideation that the consequences no longer hold any value whatsoever.
Steve: With the survival of humanity at stake, the emotional weight on your characters must be immense. How did you navigate these intense emotions during the filmmaking process, and did any scene resonate with you personally?
Danial: I would imagine my characters to be of a certain 'stoic' nature; reacting indifferently to the changing circumstances, and dealing with them in a calm manner, as is true with most individuals who work in such stressful circumstances, whether it's flying a plane or traveling to the edge of the Earth.
Steve: The bond between the members of Infantry Corps 6A would be complex and unique. Could you tell us about a moment during filming that particularly moved you or brought these characters’ connections to life?
Danial: Given that this film was a completely solo venture, whereby all scenes were acted and directed by me, there wasn't the capacity for bonds amongst the cast to be held. However, I imagine that within the film itself, the characters would have a somewhat deep connection to one another, given the fact that they're all clones of the same facade.
Steve: When the credits roll on "Infantry 6A," what personal message or feeling do you hope stays with the audience? Is there a part of the film that holds special significance to you?
Danial: I hope the lack of music and action in the credits gives the audience an opportunity to reflect on the greater message; that humanity can achieve great things when we work together. One part of the film that holds a connection to me was the scene where a soldier is picked up by a helicopter from a rural countryside; this scene was especially special given how hard it was to film. I had to climb an entire mountain blindly with all my equipment, not aware of where in particular I was headed. But the results that came were especially rewarding.
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