SOMETHING CHANGED IN THE ROOM, 15min,. USA
Directed by David Stubbs
Something Changed in the Room is the story of how music therapy helps patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia transcend their condition, improving their daily lives.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was approached with the idea to meet this super talented, compassionate musician who treats people with brain change and debilitating disease. After one hour of witnessing the therapy and her effect on people, I was fascinated. The setting in a long-term care facility and its slower pace really spoke to the intentions of the characters as well as the patient approach to the filmmaking.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

10 months

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Intimate and Compassionate

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Originally, the opening to the film was a performance of a cover that our character was playing on the piano and singing at a Celebration of Life ceremony for several people. After five months of trying to secure usage rights of the music for the film, the artist refused permission and we had to recut the whole opening with a new song and idea, a new feeling really.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It felt hopeful to see that the story resonated, that the audience could feel for these characters, in the brief experience of a short film. It seems like we as a collective audience are wanting real, authentic storytelling about compassionate people doing amazing work.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I was trained as a photojournalist in college and have worked in that style for 25 years, but I always have been moved by film. I started making independent shorts about 12 years ago.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Pulp Fiction / Lost in Translation

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I think helping foster direct connection with producers is important. I’m really interested in the nuts and bolts of funding independent films, and whatever a festival can do to help connect funding with directors . . . that’s what we need.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Film Freeway is a brilliant resource that simplifies so many things in the process of submitting films.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Spicy Thai Food

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I’m currently co-directing a feature documentary about a young American doctor in the expat scene of Kathmandu, Nepal beginning in 1979, and the intersection of his life with a family of re-incarnated Tibetan Buddhist teachers.