Hi How Are You? – Award-Winning Indie Film by Director Clemy Clarke
LA-based acclaimed French filmmaker Clemy Clarke is unveiling her highly anticipated debut feature, “Hi How Are You?”. She is known for her web series “Hollywood” and short film “After Anyuta”.
In this film, Clarke combines the limitations of challenging times with limitless creativity. He brings audiences a story of survival, exile, and reconnection in the face of impending catastrophe. All of this is seen through the lens of a smartphone.
The first feature film shot in selfie mode, ”Hi How Are You?” follows an Iranian musician in Brooklyn. It stars real-life artist Siavash Karampour (of The Yellow Dogs). He reconnects with a former lover in Paris amid rumors of an asteroid collision threatening Earth.
The iPhone is used innovatively in international locations. Countries include the United States, France, Brazil, Sweden, Iran, and the UK. This use introduces a sense of heightened intimacy. It strips away the artifice to reveal authentic emotion. The selfie-mode perspective transforms everyday smartphone interactions. It becomes a powerful storytelling device. It offers viewers a window into each character’s private world. The film captures raw, unfiltered moments of human connection in times of crisis. With Authentic Casting and Global Acclaim, “Hi How Are You?” Becomes a Model for Future Filmmakers.
Clarke conceived the story after encountering Siavash Karampour at a punk rock show in Brooklyn. Clarke felt drawn to his powerful presence. She was moved by his past. This inspired her to tell a story of exile, resilience, and self-discovery. The story is symbolized by an ominous asteroid. “I felt compelled to create a character who, like Siavash, is displaced and unable to return home. He is constantly reinventing himself,” she shares.
With the encouragement of New York-based producer C.C. Kellogg and Paris-based producer Adèle de Fontbrune to pursue the versatility of mobile filmmaking, Clarke directed remotely from Paris. Not only was HHAY filmed in several countries, but the film’s crew was based all over the world. Actors uploaded footage in real-time. This enabled Clarke and her London-based cinematographer, Irene Gomez-Emilsson, to guide the next scenes from different continents. This unconventional process is enhanced by the film’s approach, allowing each actor’s true personality to shine through.
“A Story Born from Connection and Creativity” -Clarke’s casting was as unconventional as her filming technique. Each character is based on people she has met. She connected with them over the years. This includes Anouchka Delon, daughter of the late Alain Delon, and established high-fashion model and rising actor Héloïse Giraud. Actors like Manuel Gélin, Meital Peretz, and Izzy Pollak bring their unique backgrounds and experiences, adding layers of authenticity to this complex, interconnected narrative.
“Hi How Are You?” debuted at film festivals in Los Angeles. It was shown at the Santa Monica Film Festival and the Culver City Film Festival. The film has earned critical praise. It won the Best Feature Film and Jury Award at the 2023 Barcelona Cinephone Film Festival. This solidified Clarke’s voice in cinema’s new age. “The accolades are a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and technology,” she reflects, “and I hope this film inspires others to create despite limitations.”
Thinking out of the Box:“Stella Adler once said that actors should be at the center, not producers, not writers, or directors. The world can collapse, and anything can happen behind a believable performance. Actors are the source, and my job is to make sure we can all feel that. The iPhone is the modern tool for authenticity,” Clarke said. Clarke’s debut feature is receiving high praise. She is already eyeing her next projects. These include a comedy and a period fantasy TV series. “We need stories that make us laugh.” They help us escape. She shares this, hinting at the versatility and depth she aims to bring to future work.
“Hi How Are You?” invites audiences into a world of resilience and connection, proving that great storytelling transcends boundaries. The film is on Amazon.
Instagram: @hihowareyoufilm
