Actor and director Micah Max Polaha chatted about his new short film “The Whole Night,” and being a part of the digital age.
‘The Whole Night’
“The Whole Night” short film featured the song of the same name by Caleb Polaha, Micah’s older brother. Both Micah and Caleb are the sons of esteemed actor Kristoffer Polaha.
“It was a true blessing,” he said about “The Whole Night.” “I go to a school where we are required to make a capstone, which is the final project for the arts students. My friend, Makenzie Pappan, is an actress and she asked me if I could direct it for her, and it was a beautiful experience. We worked on the script and she allowed me to direct it.”
“It was a little daunting at first, especially to have other students work the camera and work the lighting. To be the director and orchestrate all that was a new challenge, but I figured it out and trusted the team, and it was really fun,” he admitted.
“The short is an experimental exploration of grief, and a relationship that you wish you could have forever. It’s about wanting more time and it’s a universal wish. We all lose people and things we love and we just wish we could have more time with them. There are many layers to this short film, and I think each layer is relatable to people in real life,” he elaborated.
The digital age
On being an actor and filmmaker in the digital age, Micah said, “It is kind of exciting, and getting to see what the people think about it and the comments. Getting to see how the short film has affected people has been really sweet.”
“Also, in terms of technology, the editing process was such a huge factor for this one because it was so experimental. We got all the footage and I edited it. Technology has been a huge help,” he added.
Advice for young actors
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “Find a story that you really care about, and just go and make it. Be okay to fail but just go and do it.”
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Micah said, “The twilight of adolescence.”
If he were to have any superpower, it would be “flight.” “If I could fly all over the world that would be so much fun,” he admitted.
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, Micah said, “My goal in life is to be content. Knowing that there is a plan and you have a purpose and living it out and being okay with whatever comes and receiving it with a grateful heart. Success for me is contentment.”
Review: ‘The Whole Night’ is a poignant short film by Micah Max Polaha
