A local young filmmaker has just achieved what many others in the business can only dream about: Her film was shown last week at the Cannes Film Festival and, even more impressive, this was her debut project.
Annabel Graham, 26, wrote, directed, executive produced and starred in the “The Ravine”— a 13-minute short, which started as a piece that was published in 2015. It’s a coming-of-age tale, filled with mystery and based on an actual event.
“The film is an ode to the volatile landscape of Las Flores Canyon,” Graham told The Malibu Times from Cannes. “When I was 17, my best friend and I happened upon something that sent shivers down my spine while driving home through the canyon. I knew I wanted to capture that night — the incident we witnessed, the images that were seared into my mind and the deep bond I had with my friend. The short story I wrote hinges on its visual imagery, and the idea to make it into a short film lingered in the back of my mind from the moment I finished writing it.”
The film came to fruition after Graham met another young, up-and-coming local filmmaker, Rachel Gray. Even though the two grew up in Malibu, they were not acquainted until a mutual family friend, author Joyce Maynard, put them in touch.
“We had so much in common,” Graham explained. “We were both pursuing careers in the film industry. We were both passionate about photography. We were both recent college graduates living at home after losing immediate family members who had both been filmmakers.”
When the two met, it had been one year since Graham lost her father, William A. Graham, after a six-year struggle with a traumatic brain injury. Gray lost her brother, Scott Wells, two years ago to cancer when he was just 35 years old.
“Needless to say, Rachel and I connected instantly and profoundly,” Graham shared.
Gray encouraged Graham to turn the story into a film, and quickly raised a small budget, hired a crew and redrafted the script, which called for a burning car. That’s when former Malibu mayor and pyrotechnics expert Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner was brought on board to help with the most technical part of the production.
“Rachel and I went to his surf shop to speak to him about our predicament, and he agreed on the spot to burn the car for us,” Graham explained. “Jay brought on local Ron Lander as his pyrotechnics assistant and they did an incredible job.”
The burning car was shot on location in Las Flores Canyon, with all the necessary permits.
Wagner, who has more than 30 years experience in the film business, called the shoot “energetic” and said the crew had “a fresh, new approach to filmmaking.”
“The filmmakers’ passion was amazing,” he said. “Using minimal equipment, they got maximum results. They worked hard, dedicated long hours, and they managed to pull it off.”
Gray said Wagner is a “a legendary guy.” She said she and Graham were lucky to have him and very grateful.
“[The film was] an amazing effort and accomplishment, especially since this was for each of us our debut film project,” Gray said.
“The Ravine” is a tribute to Graham’s late father.
“Considering his passion for cinema and his love of France — we traveled there every summer until I was 18 — it’s especially fitting we left for Cannes on May 15, which would have been his birthday,” she shared. “I felt him watching over me as we shot the film, and I feel him now so strongly, guiding me and giving me strength.”
The role based on Graham’s father was played by local actor Cliff Potts, who had appeared in a few of his films.
“I was so moved when Cliff accepted the role,” Graham said. “I knew he’d be able to capture that signature twinkle my dad had.”
Graham called the experience “amazing,” and said she was extremely busy participating in events and going to screenings.
“The Ravine” film poster was also painted by Graham, who won the award for best actress in a short film at the Independent Filmmakers Showcase Film Festival in Los Angeles. The film also won best mystery short, and has been nominated for an audience award.
“The Ravine” will be screened at Laemmle Music Hall in Beverly Hills on June 2. Tickets can be purchased at laemmle.com/films/40814.
