"Lifelines," a movie which film critic Roger Ebert described as a "fine, strong film" debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival recently. Written and directed by Rob Margolies, the film features a family named the Bernsteins, who may be the most dysfunctional family since Robert Redford's "Ordinary People."

Celebrity News Service talked to the 25-year-old director about the drama, and the fact that his goal is to create films, win Oscars and succeed in life by following his dreams. It took Margolies two years to secure the financing for "Lifelines," and during that time he never gave up and kept chasing his dreams. In the end, he succeeded, and created a movie that has been picked up for distribution. The cast of "Lifelines" includes Jane Adams, Joe Morton, Josh Pais, Jacob Kogan, Dreama Walker and Robbie Sublett.

CNS: Is this film based on your life?

Margolies: The film is about a dysfunctional family who concede to a day of therapy. It is darkly funny but also quite sensible. Everyone with a heart can relate to something in the film. Although most of the story turned to fiction while I was developing the script, most of it is pretty personal. I really can't say what is real and fake without giving away crucial plot points.

CNS: What was the biggest challenge in making this film?

Margolies: Without a doubt the biggest challenge was hearing the word "No" a hundred times before "Yes" when trying to find investors to finance the film. Most people would have given up, and I wouldn't have blamed them. It stings. But I didn't have a choice because without filmmaking I literally have nothing. So the way I saw it was by not asking I had more to lose.

CNS: What is your goal in filmmaking?

Margolies: My career goal is to be able to keep making films for the rest of my life. I always knew I wanted to be a storyteller. It is my passion and the one true joy in my life. My other goal is to win an Oscar before I am 30 years old, or at least just get nominated for one.

CNS: Tell us about the distribution of "Lifelines."

Margolies: "Lifelines" is finalizing negotiations to be distributed sometime in February or March of 2009. It has previously screened and won awards at several film festivals including the Rhode Island International Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, Edmonton International Film Festival and many more.