Christopher Dollar, screenwriter: KILLSWITCH

Christopher Dollar is the co-screenwriter for KILLSWITCH

1Q: Tell us a little about the origins of KILLSWITCH, from concept to financing.

It all started, like most good ideas, over beers. As young adults that came of age in the digital age, we were concerned that the Internet was under attack. We became convicted that we had to do something. Mid-way through our third round of drinks, we committed ourselves to making a film that would speak for a generation of citizens that are devoted to protecting a Free & Open Internet. Three and a half years later, KILLSWITCH was born.

2Q: KILLSWITCH has done quite well at other film festivals. Will you be less nervous now at Cinequest? Does this process ever get any easier?

Nerves are good. Whenever we play for an audience in a theatre no matter how big or small I always have nerves. I am always excited. I love it. The process is great. Festivals are amazing. The friends that we have met, the feedback, the energy, it’s invaluable.

3Q: What was your best and/or worst experience while making KILLSWITCH.

The collaboration of making a film. Working with brilliant individuals like Ali Akbarzadeh, Jeff Horn, Prichard Smith, CJ Sato, Lawrence Taubman, and many, many others was incredible and inspirational. Making a film, is a constant exercise in revision. It takes patience, stubbornness, and insanity. I am blessed to have some of these characteristics, and to work with others that share these characteristics.

4Q: Festival audiences often have to make hard decisions about what to see, and the catalog descriptions sometimes run together. In your own words, why should people see your film?

I firmly believe that we are on a crossroad. The answer to the question of “Who will control the Internet?” is fundamental to answering the question “Who will control democracy?” KILLSWITCH attempts to inspire an answer to that question & ignite action in controlling our own fate.

5Q: Time to pre-plan: You just won the Oscar for KILLSWITCH. Give us your acceptance speech.

I would like to thank Aaron Swartz and Edward Snowden for inspiring this film. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you also to the millions of global citizens who fight on behalf of democracy every day, this film is dedicated to you.

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