Experiencing Interruptions?

Marie, my first

In New York City, Erik, a struggling writer stuck in a soul-crushing job, seeks solace in an encounter with Marie, a local sex worker. Their awkward meeting unexpectedly ignites Erik's creativity, propelling him to embark on his first literary venture with Marie as his unlikely muse.

  • Zaha Alieva
    Director
  • Zaha Alieva
    Writer
  • Isaac Babel
    Writer
  • Zaha Alieva
    Producer
  • Warren Cockrell
    Key Cast
    "Erik"
  • Nahar Aminov
    Key Cast
    "Marie"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    24 minutes 17 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Russian
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Private Screening at Angelika Film Society
    New York
    United States
    August 30, 2021
  • New York Shorts International Film Festival 2021
    New York
    United States
    October 29, 2021
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • New York Lift-Off Film Festival 2021
    New York
    United States
    July 6, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Blow-Up International Arthouse Filmfest 2021
    Chicago
    United States
    Semi-Finalist
  • New Filmmakers NY Film Festival 2022
    New York
    United States
    March 8, 2022
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Zaha Alieva

Zaha is originally from Kazakhstan. In 2014 she moved to New York to pursue a career in photography and filmmaking. Zaha graduated from Digital Film Academy New York in 2019. "Marie, my first", her fourth short film, is based on the short story by her favorite writer Isaac Babel. Copyright to the story is obtained.

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Director Statement

The film has small amount of dialogue in Russian. Subtitles in English are not included for those parts due to their insignificance to the plot. It is my artistic choice to leave it out.