Director's Statement

Since studying literature at secondary school in the early 70s, I've been fascinated by the notion of how our world's mythology reflects a "modern" sensibility - how it informs the human condition regardless of era. This thesis - examined and expounded by Joseph Campbell - has of course been espoused by many film genres.

"The hero's journey" is now a crucial component of the many stories told on screen wherein the protagonist embarks on either a physical or psychological life-changing voyage. The repercussions of this journey is the essence of drama, wherein conflict emerges as the agent for ultimately defining the hero persona.

In Hostage to Fate, I present many characters in a state of flux. I'm keen to show how these characters' journeys work symbiotically with that of the hero. I aim to explore how the lives orbiting around the protagonist, affect his search for "Truth" and consequently how the hero's quest profoundly affects the lives of family, friends, colleagues and adversaries.

The hero learns as much about himself as he does about those around him who, during the course of the story, have intentionally or inadvertently aided or impeded his quest for knowledge.

The film poses two vital questions: Is the truth worth knowing at any cost? Can we escape our fate?

Hostage to Fate doesn't offer simple answers - life and human beings are rarely simple. However, I hope that the audience will at least see a little of themselves up on screen. My characters are human after all - with all that being human entails - foibles, desires, fears, convictions, aspirations. These are qualities embedded in each and every one of us.

Ultimately, I've aimed to paint a canvas which is both epic in theme but domestic in scale.

Finally, at the risk of sounding hackneyed, after completing this first feature film, I agree wholeheartedly with those film makers who hold the view that life imitates art.. which in turn is trying its hardest to imitate life.

Angelo Salamanca
Writer / Director