Staff Pick: "The Tunnel" by Arash Ashtiani

This Week's Staff Pick Premiere "The Tunnel," BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Arash Ashtiani tells the horrifying story of three refugees fighting for their lives along the Euro Tunnel linking France to the UK.

Based on real-world accounts, the film does not change the way it portrays bravery and risk that is not placed on thousands of people who are seeking fundamental human rights. "The Tunnel" plunges us into the tense third part of the larger narrative Ashtiani is writing along with the co-author Daniel Metz. The short is able to stand by itself as a compelling and chilling tale of the lengths to which three characters will put themselves through for the cause of living a better life.

Ashtiani relates his experience that the director of the film heard in his preparation for this movie as "rollercoasters" of physical and emotional challenges. The film captures the emotion beautifully through the soft, enveloping style of production in the tunnel, as well as precise editing which flits between the camaraderie that is formed by the two men as well as the fear of the men that the train is likely to go by, and the quiet of the train station.

     Before the film's debut, we reached out Ashtiani for more information about the film as the process in making it. Have a look at this more in-depth explanation of the process he pulled from such a captivating and dramatic film.

     On the inspiration for the film:    

"'The Tunnel' was an adaptation of a real story. My friends' circle located in London includes people who've travelled to the UK using a multitude of different methods and some in the most amazing and tragic manners over the past two years. One of the subjects we debate is the method by which we arrived at the UK and many of them are directly from Calais to Kent with different means of transportation.

     After listening to their stories, I felt the need to recount them. Their tales can be described as an emotional rollercoaster ride of emotions and events for me. They face challenges and the goals they have their eyes have set, the desire to move along with the determination. There's physical and mental exhaustion , and instances when their humanity is tested. There's laughter and joy even during the toughest of situations. These were my inspirations to write this document. . "

The writing process:

"'The Tunnel' is the last scene in the feature script written by Daniel Metz and I wrote with Daniel Metz. The previous two acts were based on men who travel to Calais and learning how to operate the Tunnel. The initial version of the feature script was written was written in the year the year 2015. In the years since, we have made short films and now we're working on the latest version of the script for the feature.

     The goal was not to create a film about refugees however, when we did our research and writing the script We spoke to refugees who were at Calais and then travelled across the UK. We read about refugees who wrote their tales, participated in plays, and documentaries. We also watched films which focus on the camps of Calais and the way people reside in the camps. "

 The design of the production and cinematography

"From the moment that we wrote the script, there was an issue of how to film the tunnel. We were aware of some particulars regarding the true EuroTunnel but as much as we wanted to show specific aspects of this tunnel, we weren't willing to limit ourselves to these specifics. After searching for months for the perfect site, we arrived at the conclusion that it would be better to shoot in a studio. It was an uphill task to create extensions for every side of the studio.

     Mike McLouglin, our production designer, has completed an incredible job of re-creating an area of the tunnel in the studio. Nick Morris, our DP has done a fantastic job in the manner he shot the scenes. The biggest challenge was making extensions opposite sides so that you can look at the tunnel as a blank space. Mike extended it with the genius idea of putting an end mirror, so that when the camera is looking at the other end, you are able to see the endless tunnel. Mike then built the scale model of the tunnel. We then used the Hornby Eurostar model train with a tiny lens that was connected to the model in order to record the scenes of the train's journey through the tunnel. It seemed bonkers, but once Static VFX then brought their expertise and magic in post-production, the film began to feel and look amazing.

     We decided to move closer to the protagonist as time passed through. Every time we make an arc in the middle of the tunnel and station, it brings us closer to the character in front of us and this helps create the sensation of being in the tunnel, as well as the exhilarating attempt to run it . "

On the editing of the film:

"The editing process of the film was among the most intriguing aspects of the whole procedure. One of the primary goals for me was to test the ways we could create tension and suspense. The co-writer Daniel Metz and I had considered this when we wrote the script but I was able understand that I could comprehend this during the editing stage and must thank director Stuart Gazzard for this.

     While editing I found out what kind of detail to introduce little by bit to create suspense. We shot scenes of the Gare of the Nord Station footage and also models of trains after the final cut. Editing helped shape the movie by making the protagonist clearer creating suspense and the speed of the film. "

The challenge in developing the movie

     "I consider that in general filmmaking is a challenge. One of the main issues filmmakers have to face is obtaining funds to produce their films. I had to wait for several years to locate producers. Anna Seifert-Speck had been leading a program at Berlinale Talent Campus where she was able to hear my talk about the project. She also introduced me to Anna Griffin. Together , we raised money via Lush Film Fund and the BFI Network and Lush Film Fund.

     The process of shooting action scenes is different for shooting emotionally charged scenes. It was evident throughout the shooting process and the differences became clear to me. As I reflect back on the shooting, I am aware I spent an equal amount of time for scenes that were emotions and those which could have been shot more effectively... It would have been better to have brought the energy and excitement of the escape as well as the running into the scene with an earlier and faster time-frame and spending more time in the moments that occurred between the actors. "

With high hopes of the film:

"I believe that the main issue that is continuing to get worse is the growing influence of Nationalism and populist political leaders of the British and European the government. This is because the governments use the anti refugees and xenophobe sentiments for their own advantages within the political arena.

     By the new British law, approved just a few months ago, teenager male refugee's like The Tunnel's characters are being transferred to Rwanda as of today in order in order to await their cases to be processed. I hope viewers realize the people who travel through the dirt to reach the audience's favorite haven are actual people with dreams for the best life possible, which is tranquil and fulfilling. These people flee their countries and homes due to war as well as religion-based fanaticism as well as economy's hardship. The best thing for them is to get decent treatment so that they can join the community instead of being labelled as criminals.

It is my hope that when they see the characters as a few strangers who are in unfamiliar environments, going through a challenge because of human needs, audiences see how familiar these individuals are and view the characters as persons. "

 for filmmakers looking to:

"Filmmaking isn't just a solo task, it's collaborative effort. Look for people who can inspire you to do what you're trying to achieve. Trust in their taste is essential for creative partnership. It is based on knowing your collaborators. with. Spend time with them whenever you require, then take note of anything they have to say Ask for them to talk about the top 5 films they have seen and then see whether you are able to connect with them or not. What's important isn't to determine if they're located in the same area as the movie you're planning to make or not. However, it can help you determine if you share a common world view and you are in the same mindset regarding the project.

     Be careful not to let the technical aspect of your story overwhelm you and compromise your story due to the influence of the technical side.    

     Make sure you are courteous to your colleagues and be sure to remain persistent! "

Step 2:

     "Developing and directing "The Tunnel" feature film is the next thing I'm developing. The story of the characters unfolds through the time they reach the tunnel. Co-writers Daniel Metz, and me are currently developing the feature length script , based upon the lessons we learnt during the process of making the film.

     I'm currently working on a feature-length documentary on the Iranian exiled poet Esmaeel Khoei. The poet died in London in 2021. It was largely built on the VHS footage that he accumulated during his first years in exile. The movie will release in October. . "

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