TENDU, 2min., USA
Directed by Sophie Power, Michelene Mallard Billy
What happens when you grow up in a world where there was only one projected image of what a ballerina “should look like” – down to the pink nude pointe shoes?

https://www.sophiepower.info/

Get to know the filmmakers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Michelene: What I connected the dots on is that all of my motivation to create documentary films are all mainly connected to African American arts, culture and society. Contemporary as well as commercial dance was such a safe space for me. I took part in a handful of productions during my formative years. I’ve followed the world of dance since I slowed down to finish school, and I’ve always been more fascinated with those who looked like me in a mainly white centered profession. After originally shelving the idea of making a Black ballet portrait during a stressful, hectic first semester of cramming and making multiple films to meet class deadlines, Sophie encouraged me to continue to develop the film, even offering to co-direct with me.Thus,Tendu was born.

Sophie: When Michelene first pitched the project, I knew right away that I’d like to collaborate to bring it to life. I was struck immediately by her passion for showcasing Black excellence and we both shared a combined interest in cinematography surrounding the movement of dance. In development, we came across many stories of microaggressions which Black dancers faced in their professional journeys. Particularly in the classrooms/studios of their youth. Because of this, we were driven to turn our focus towards those who were shaking this up and paving a better path for the next generation. The name ‘Tendu’ coming from the French word “tense”, is a core ballet movement which “serves as a foundation for many others”. For this project, we decided to play on this analogy by seeking out a selection of talented New York dancers/ teachers who, empowered by their craft, encourage young children of color to get involved in ballet. Thereby creating a warm and welcoming base from which Black talent can grow. Micah’s portrait is the first part of this series.

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

Sophie: For Micah’s portrait it was relatively quick. From shoot day to post it took approximately two weeks. It was a pleasure to work with him and we really enjoyed filming in such a calm and beautiful setting next to gentle sounds of the water. The project itself as a whole is on-going – the next part of the series with the very talented dancers Amanda Smith, Kobe Courtney and Judea Lowe is soon to be released.

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

Michelene: Enchanting, Captivating

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

Sophie: Access to the garden location inside the Ford Foundation for Social Justice Center. Everyone we spoke to there was very kind and helpful, however as it’s a building in the center of Midtown right beside Grand Central – security was incredibly tight. There were approx 15 security guards to navigate – that’s a lot of checkpoints with equipment!

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

Michelene: I was nervous at first – every auteur/artist is nervous when someone sees their work for the first time, but was delighted that our people resonated with our film and took in the beauty and patience that we strived for. Understanding the need for representation in contemporary dance was my biggest takeaway that I hoped to reach audiences, and I am grateful that it did.

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

Michelene: It took me 10 years to find my why, and I do not regret it.
I rummaged through freelance blog work and wrote countless music reviews while working numerous side hustles. It wasn’t until I picked up my first camera while on assignment for a new artist feature in 2016 that I finally felt like I was home. I ended up making my first short doc, and the rest was history.

Sophie: For as long as I can remember I’ve been interested in human stories – particularly around arts and culture. Whilst writing for an independent magazine called INDIE, I got the greatest enjoyment out of interviewing subjects for various pieces. Artists, designers, drag performers – I felt endlessly curious. This combined with working as a Video Producer lay the foundation for documentary work. On a freelance contract for the production of ‘Hawking – Can You Hear Me?’ – a feature documentary on the life of Stephen Hawking, I felt thrilled and honored to be in discussion with the family members of this groundbreaking astrophysicist. This was the moment which solidified my desire to direct non-fiction.

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

Michelene: The Color Purple (1985)
Sophie: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

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

Michelene: I would say implementing a mixer where filmmakers can make connections.

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

Sophie: I found it incredibly stream-lined and easy to use. It helps that once the project is created on FilmFreeway, it’s easily accessible for everyone to see.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Michelene: I like mostly anything with carbs and red meat! My go to is a nice cube steak and baked potato. Or a homemade lamb shank and pasta with mushrooms. Hearty and in my belly!

Sophie: Can’t say no to sushi!

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

Michelene: I have a few films in pre-production, including a thesis film documentary portrait titled Supernova which follows Chyna Streetz, an NYC based rapper with a turbulent past and bright future (currently filming,) and I am producing/DPing the first episode to a hybrid six-part series about the trauma and healing of Black Women, appropriately titled Cicatrix. So yeah, I’m pretty busy!

Sophie: Next up I’m directing and producing my first experimental hybrid documentary which will be showcased in May at the Cityvisions 2025 Festival. Alongside this, I will be the Production Designer on a thought-provoking short film on migrant dairy farmers by Director Izabel Acevado titled ‘Fabiana’s Birthday’, as well as working on some exciting documentary features for broadcast/streaming with the production company Motto Pictures.

MY TURN!, 5min., USA
Directed by Isabelle Maria Tumboimbela, Daisha Lin Sherman
One sunny morning in Jakarta, Indonesia, Beth and her younger sister Liz become fierce rivals in their race to the bathroom. Beth regrets unintentionally hurting her little sister during the scuffle, and they both realize how much they care about each other.

https://www.instagram.com/myturn_shortfilm

Get to know filmmakers Isabelle Maria Tumboimbela, Daisha Lin Sherman:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Isabelle: My Turn! It was an opportunity to make a universal story as a film and have fun with it despite being a capstone project.
Daisha: When I heard Isabelle pitch this idea, I was immediately captured with excitement at the possibilities. I really wanted to work on something fun and goofy for our final year of school, and with the sisterhood element being personal for me as well I knew I really wanted to bring it to life.

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

Isabelle: I came up with the idea in March 2023, but we did not start pre-production until June 2023. The whole film took us roughly a year to make from beginning to end.

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

Sisters Fight

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

Isabelle: At the start of making My Turn!, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I often questioned whether I was a good director and if my ideas were worthy of being turned into an animated short. This feeling of self-doubt was particularly intense during the story development phase.
Crafting a compelling narrative and storyboarding it proved to be both frustrating and challenging; we knew we couldn’t rush this critical part of the process. It required numerous revisions and testing with peers and advisors. However, by taking the time needed for the story phase, my confidence as a director grew significantly, as we ultimately created an engaging story that truly deserved to be seen.

Daisha: The hardest part for me was balancing my need for perfection with the needs of production. There were certain design elements and animated shots that I wanted to continue working on to make better, but there was so much that still had to be done and constant deadlines. I had to learn when it’s good enough, it’s time to move on. I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to complete in just one year!

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

Isabelle: I couldn’t help but smile throughout the entire feedback video as I watched the audience’s reactions. It was especially gratifying when they highlighted details that we had planned with care. It feels surreal to see people enjoying a film that our team worked so hard to create.

Daisha: It was so fulfilling to hear that people picked up on our references and intentions with the film. There were a lot of little details and design decisions that were all done on purpose, and to hear that being appreciated is amazing and incredibly gratifying as an artist.

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

Isabelle: Honestly, I can’t pinpoint a specific moment when I realized I wanted to make films. I didn’t aspire to be an animator until my second year at San Jose State University, although I’ve always had a passion for storytelling—whether through comics, posters, or presentations. It was really the moment Daisha asked me to create My Turn! that I recognized my desire to bring that particular animated short to life.
Daisha: I knew I wanted to be an artist since I was in second grade, but I knew I wanted to make animations after discovering Flipnote Studio on the DSI as a kid. Having the power to bring characters to life in their simplest forms was so exciting, and was a creative itch that I sought after through middle and high school.

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

Isabelle: I think the most rewatched films I have seen are The Lion King and Prince of Egypt. The music, backgrounds, acting, and story have held up for decades!

Daisha: There’s so many films I’ve watched to the point of constantly quoting, including Mulan, Brave, and Road to El Dorado.

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

Isabelle: Honestly, it would be wonderful for winners to receive a physical award, like a trophy, as it truly solidifies our success and gives us a “we did it” moment. In addition to that, a cash prize would be incredibly helpful. I love creating stories, but it requires both time and resources, so financial support for artists can make a significant difference in our work.

Daisha: I definitely agree with Isabelle on the trophy, although it’s offered by this festival and others, it comes with a price tag. However, I really liked the feedback video from this festival, I feel more festivals should implement that as well!

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

Isabelle: FilmFreeway is such an intuitive website to apply for film festivals it might be easier than online dating. But the site sends us a lot of emails which can be overwhelming sometimes.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Isabelle: As an Indonesian who has lived abroad for a long time, my love for Indonesian food has only deepened over the years. My ultimate meal would start with Asinan, a refreshing spicy Indonesian salad. For the main course, I’d choose Gurame Goreng (fried carp) paired with stir-fried water spinach sautéed with garlic. To top it off, I’d enjoy a glass of avocado juice sweetened with condensed milk.
Daisha: It always puts me in a happy mood to go to Ramen Taka near our old campus and indulge in a big bowl of Tonkatsu ramen, finishing with ice cream and taiyaki.

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

Isabelle: As a recent graduate, I’m experiencing a newfound freedom and am eager to dive into personal projects while enjoying My Turn!’s film festival run. I definitely plan to return to storytelling, whether through animation or a webcomic. Currently, I’m collaborating on a companion app, which allows me to explore new artistic avenues and continue learning.
Daisha: I’d love to make another film in the future, but for now I’m looking for ways to hopefully make a living off my art eventually. I have a lot of interests and avenues I want to pursue and it’s hard to choose! Animation will always be a passion of mine, but currently I’m working on building an art business in fine art landscape painting.

CHAIN, 5min., USA
Directed by Ling Han
“Chain,” directed by Ling Han, is a 3D animated short film featuring charming characters and a sophisticated environment. It uniquely tells the story of the mantis catching the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

https://www.chainanimationofficial.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559900085971
https://www.instagram.com/chain_animation_official/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
On my journey to becoming a professional animator, I’m always seeking opportunities to grow and improve my artistic skills. In 2021, I started wondering how I could challenge myself further. Directing seemed like the perfect way to step outside my comfort zone and push my creative boundaries. That’s why I decided to make this film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Creating this film took us over two and a half years. We continuously faced numerous challenges, including a limited budget and technical issues. These challenges significantly influenced the schedule of the project.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
I would describe my film as ‘challenging and rewarding.’ It was challenging because completing the entire project was difficult. It was rewarding because our teammates all grew as better artists throughout the process.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Honestly, there wasn’t just one major obstacle in completing this project; there were too many, lol! For instance, we didn’t have the technical resources to achieve the visual style we intended. However, our lighting team did an excellent job in creating the final look of our film, which we truly appreciate.
Additionally, we lacked the tools and management strategies to track each artist’s progress, which led to us to fall behind schedule at times. Thankfully, our producer, Tzu-Ying, continuously encouraged me and brought all the artists together to ensure we finished on time. She played a significant role in helping us tackle these challenges together.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Wahoo! I’m truly touched and appreciate the kind words. Completing “Chain” wasn’t easy, especially considering the challenges we faced. It wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing team, particularly our producer, Tzu-Ying, and the other supervisors. Tzu-Ying did an incredible job keeping everything on track, which was definitely not an easy task.

My first reaction to the feedback was a joyful “wahoo!” I’m thrilled to hear that the storytelling resonated with them and that the audience understood what I was trying to convey. That is fantastic!

Storytelling is such a powerful tool, and it feels incredibly rewarding to know that our message came through. I’m really excited to keep sharing our work and hope it inspires others as much as it has inspired us along the way. A huge thank you to our audience for all the support!

6 .When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
From the moment I first wanted to learn animation, and even before that as a child, I dreamed of one day creating my own animated films after watching them. : )

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I’m not exactly sure which movie I’ve watched the most, but the first one that comes to mind is “Coco” from Pixar. I remember crying when I watched it for the first time, and even now, after seeing it repeatedly, it still touches me deeply. It always makes me think of my grandma and my mother. The way they raised me, taught me, and shaped who I am today. That’s what a great movie is meant to do: make the audience reflect and appreciate both the good (and perhaps even the bad) moments in life, ultimately making us stronger and better people.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
From my experience, elements like film reviews, audience feedback videos, and director interviews are incredibly valuable. Our team really enjoys and appreciates the aspects that the FEEDBACK Under 5 Minute Film Festival provides. These elements not only offer insights into audience reactions but also enhance the overall festival experience.

Additionally, it would be wonderful if festivals could implement virtual panel discussions or Q&A sessions with filmmakers, allowing for more direct interaction between audiences and creators. Workshops or networking events could also help foster connections among filmmakers and industry professionals, making the festival experience even more enriching.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
From my personal perspective, the festival platform site works quite well. FilmFreeway is very user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and find the information I need about the film festivals. All the details regarding submission requirements, deadlines, and festival categories are clearly listed on the website, which greatly simplifies the process. The purchasing experience is seamless, ensuring that submitting my film is both quick and efficient. Overall, I’ve had a positive interaction with FilmFreeway, and I appreciate the ease of use it offers for filmmakers. It has made my submissions much more enjoyable!

10. What is your favorite meal?
It changes all the time, so I don’t think I have a favorite meal, lol.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Currently, I’m working on a feature project based on the title of a story from Pu Songling’s collection of bizarre tales from the Qing Dynasty in China. It’s set to be released in the summer of 2025, and I really hope it does well at the box office and that audiences will enjoy it! : )

FLY AWAY, FROGGY BOY, 8min., Canada
Directed by Mia Lobo
Fly Detective Francis McFly loses his partner to the infamous ‘Croaks’, a frog gang at the centre of his most recent investigation. Stricken by grief, he decides to get revenge, and go head to head with their ravenous leader, The Frogfather.

https://mialobo.com/home

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Fly Away, Froggy Boy was my final year thesis film. Everyone in their final year at my animation program was required to pitch a film idea, present it to our final year classmates, and the film ideas were chosen based on popular vote. The idea came from a joke between me and my partner (the co-creator, foley artist and voice of McFly), quite literally “Imagine if you pitched a film about a fly getting revenge on frogs”. I decided to pitch it to my class to see if anyone would be drawn to the idea as much as we were. We ended up one of the four films chosen to be made that year! People really love the idea.

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

Since this was a final year project, the film took our entire final year of school. So approximately 8 months (September to April), for the entire course of this project from start to finish.

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

Bloody Funny.

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

Like every production, we faced many challenges. In terms of my biggest, it might’ve been the script. When I pitched the film, I had the base idea of- “Fly gets revenge on Frog Gang”, but I didn’t have a story. No beginning, middle or end. So the script went through a ton of versions, just nailing down the story beats and getting it right. It was a long and gruelling process, me and my team spent a lot of sessions together, brainstorming and pitching, trying to nail the direction we wanted to take. It wasn’t until I spoke to one of our mentor professors (who is the voice of the Frogfather) and told me to really lean into the gruesome elements, push it to a new level, that it felt the story really clicked into place. We went into the story with the goal of being shocking, surprising and hilarious. Once we figured that out, the process got smoother but we still didn’t lock the script until about January. To this day I’m pretty amazed at how it worked out, especially when the film has won a writing award! All thanks to the help of my wonderful team of course.

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

It was a great feedback video!I found it really interesting to see what aspects of the film jump out at people. The whole project is a lot less surprising and fresh for me because I worked on it for so long. Being able to hear people talk about the specific elements of the film that they found really unique, fresh and fun, reminds me of how great the project is, and how I felt the exact same way during the process.

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

I wanted to make films when I was very young, even though I didn’t quite know it. As a kid, I regularly made short videos with my toys using an Ipad, giving them voices and storylines, which taught me simple camerawork, editing and story structure. When I got to Middle School, I kept up the habit but instead made comedy skits with my friends. Halfway through eighth grade, I realised I wanted to direct films. So, I decided to attend an arts based high school where I majored in Film, there I was more properly taught the basics of filmmaking, and began a long line of student films that led up to Fly Away.

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

The Incredibles is one of my favourite movies of all time, and probably one of the ones I’ve watched the most because I watched it constantly as a kid and still watch it often. I always found its range in audience surprising. Even though I adored it as a kid but truly had no idea what was going on. Watching more recently I can’t believe how many serious plots went right over my head. It’s an excellent movie, the writing is stellar and the action is super intense. I think I’ve always loved the tone it achieved, I can see myself wanting to emulate that in my work.

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 the interview/Q&A elements you guys do is a really great bonus that many festivals should make time for. Every filmmaker is different and has a unique perspective that went into the creation of their project. I personally want to hear directors and crew members talk about their experience, especially in live festival spaces.

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

FilmFreeway is a good site! They make it really easy to find festivals all over the world, it’s an amazing thing to have your film show in a whole different country. I can’t help but wonder what people were thinking when they watched it, who they imagined the director to be, and if the jokes landed.

10. What is your favorite meal?

At the moment, a Bulgogi Bento has been on my mind constantly. Bulgogi with rice, glass noodles and some sashimi. Unbeatable.

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

At the moment, I’m just working. I’ve done some work helping on the crews of other short films and I’m hoping to continue doing that for a while. Me and my partner are in the beginning stages of some new ideas, but I don’t think any of that will be ready anytime soon!

THE STRATEGY, 79min., USA
Directed by Zied Kaf Alghazal
A man wakes with amnesia after an explosion. Unaware of his identity, he’s a mafia boss targeted by a cartel. His past threatens their operations. As he regains memory, he confronts the dangerous crime world.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Growing up, my uncle ran a production business in Syria, and I always dreamed of being part of one of his films. While that opportunity never materialized, the aspiration stayed with me. Now, I’ve finally created my own chance to bring that vision to life.

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

It took one year.

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

First experience.

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

Managing the team presented significant challenges.

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

I was surprised by their positive reactions, as I personally wasn’t fully satisfied with the final outcome.

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

Ever since I was a child.

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

Friends and Lucy.

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

Providing more detailed reviews and constructive feedback would be extremely beneficial.

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

It’s been excellent.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Steak and Burger.

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

Yes, I’m currently working on a new horror film and am also preparing to launch a TV channel soon.

STUCK, 13min., USA
Directed by Emma Grace Lukens
A couple’s ambiguous relationship becomes slightly more clear as they lie on their living room floor, discussing their dating lives.

https://www.instagram.com/stuck.short.film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It started with the desire to direct Mary Frances Noser and Maximilien Blanc. Writing for the dynamic between such talented actors was a pleasure. As soon as I had a draft of the script I sent it to our cinematographer and editor, Raina Virginia. I am so lucky to have made this film with dear friends, including all those who would come on board to elevate our project.

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

Mary France Noser proposed this project to me in July of 2023 at an acting class taught by Brad Fleischer. Within a few days I had written the script and within a few weeks we were in pre-production. We filmed on November 4th, 2023. The edit was completed in May of 2024.

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

Comfortable tension.

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

Hi! Raina here, cinematographer of Stuck! Due to our lovely script and incredible cast & crew of folks, we didn’t have much to worry about. However, with mostly donated or personal equipment, getting a stable bird’s-eye was going to require some creativity. Our vision for the shot had to be thrown out the window day-of! From our rented motor not fitting the grooves of our lens to the plastic jib stand cracking halfway through set-up, we had to improvise. We agreed on a stable overhead shot with no practical push-in, trusting that our quality resolution would do the trick in post.

Any seasoned filmmaker would say “fix it in post” is a cursed phrase, for us it was just the trick. So other than being wildly off schedule and hoping our one-take shot didn’t lean gimmicky, we leaped over that obstacle with some intense bravery. I have to give props to my Camera Assistant Paul Critzman for his expertise and teamwork amongst our many pivots!

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

I was so proud to hear the audience’s feedback. What an honor to hear encouragement from those who have spent time with my art. To see and be seen by an audience for my work is so thrilling. Thank you for this entire experience. It means a great deal.

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

I’ve dreamed about many aspects of film making since I was a kid. I started by focusing on stage acting. Until, while earning my BFA in Theater and Performance from Emerson College (along with Mary Frances Noser), I wanted control over the stories I was telling. So while earning my degree, I made two independent short films. I wrote the leading roles in both for myself. While I learned a lot and enjoyed making the film, I prefer directing my own work. Especially sinceso much of the excitement while acting was in the discovery of the text for me. When directing my writing, I am even more effectively able to capture a feeling through collaboration. All I ever want to do is connect.

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

In my childhood, I rewatched The Sandlot more times than I could possibly count. I adore a coming of age movie because I am excited about exploring identity and self empowerment.

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’d love to talk more with audiences and industry professionals about which elements of the relationship they are most interested in. I am developing a TV show, Survived By, based on backstory work done in rehearsals. I’d love to incorporate what people enjoyed most about the short film, Stuck, in the next draft of the pilot.

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

Excellent! It is easy to use and helpful to have so many great festivals in one place.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A grilled cheese and tomato soup.

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

As an anti-disciplinary artist, along with the TV show, Survived By, there are many creative endeavors that I am excited about pursuing. To see my author/illustrator portfolio for Children’s Literature please visit: emmagracelukens.com

QUITTING DRUGS, 20min., USA
Directed by Ali Imran Ch, Fatima Mughal
Bumb Shah is a Pakistani rapper whose traumatic life experiences heavily influence his music. Like many artists, he began using drugs early in his career, hoping that they would fuel his creativity. Before long, he fell into a rabbit hole of addiction-centered depravity, something that was reflected in his music.

Get to know Producer Albert Crane:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Living in California at the time, there is a huge community of recovery institutions. I had learned about them and one of our Stories in Season 3 will be a Recovery doctor, so this story along with that one was an easy choice to make.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
A few months, but took a bit to schedule it, we like to post the documentaries around Thanksgiving and Black Friday when the internet is on Fire.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Holding it for several months before releasing it. It’s so good.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Listening to people enjoy our work is amazing. I love the candid approach this festival takes on the feedback. I liked how they commented on the use of the filters to showcase time.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I think my father instilled it in me when he was recording everything we did with his camcorder, but after that, I’ve always been interested in making films and short documentaries for our Docu-Series ‘Your Everyday Heroes’ was a great place to start.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Pulp Fiction and Grease, last time I answered this, I learned how big of a Jon Travolta fan I actually was, Face Off, Broken Arrow, Phenomenon, Michael, Swordfish, Ladder 49, some of my favorite movies.

But I feel like Independence Day was watched many many times, and The Matrix was up there too.. This is clearly a hard question for me.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Getting back to live events would be amazing, I’d love to meet others and network from this experience, the WhatsApp group is a good idea, but maybe a discord, or some type of grouping outside of a phone app would be good.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I’ve enjoyed it. I love how easy it is to provide you guys with my films, is there something else i should use?

10. What is your favorite meal? Last time I answered this, it was my anything my wife’s red sauce, this time i’ll go with homemade mash potatoes but with KFC gravy. Yum.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Releasing Your Everyday Heroes Season 3, it’s coming very soon. We’re days away now. We have a huge piece around Jahmal Cole, a Chicago Native. I can’t wait to share that piece with you, and all of our other Hero Stories.

BRAISING, 19min., USA
Directed by Bryan Ribeiro
Conroy –a crestfallen, fast food cook who dreams of becoming a chef– finds community with a peculiar “charity” organization, all while he strives to deepen his connection with his widower father.

https://www.instagram.com/braisingfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to tell a story about group think. There’s always been a fascination about cults and mob mentalities and I wanted to explore what brings about a need to join the collective. The answers vary person to person but a lot of the cases I found illuminating were the ones where someone lacked a community of their own; they had no family they could rely on. Focusing on someone without a support system and seeing their descent sounded way too fun an opportunity. Food has always been something that brings people together and adapting that idea into a potentially negative tether was the last crux to bring everything together.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Hmmm. I would say about a year and a half.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I think there were two major issues. Casting and funding. One, it was in getting an actor of Nathan Darrow’s caliber. I wanted to direct an actor who has worked in the industry and mingled with the best. Nathan’s been on screen with Robert DeNiro and Kevin Spacey and he had an understated charisma to him that perfectly matched Hank’s subdued cult of personality. I had to borrow a friend’s IMDB Pro’s credentials and cold emailed agents and actors and luckily the stars aligned for Nathan. The other issue was funding. We ran a Kickstarter that helped offset costs but it took a tremendous amount of energy and time so consolidating that and time for the film was tough.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was really floored by the initial reception. The warmth in the reviews were really validating and a lot of the analyses were thoughtful. It’s my very first video review so it was a bit surreal.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve always thought of myself as a storyteller. I used to play with my toys during bath time and tell stories with the characters and give them arcs and goals that would segway into the next episode. Then I started video editing little home videos on windows movie maker. When I went to college and met like minded filmmakers that’s when I tried to make films with a direction. I’ve had a strong addiction ever since those formative university years that’s recently culminated into Braising.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I would say the films I’ve seen the most were Iron Giant, The Matrix, and IT Chapter 1.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
The Chicago FEEDBACK Film Festival has treated me incredibly well. If there was any way to network with other filmmakers that would be really fun.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway has been as easy and as smooth as water off a duck’s back.

10. What is your favorite meal?
A common Brazilian dish- sautéed beef, rice, beans, spinach with vinaigrette, and an orange after. Or a chicken parm sandwich works. Considering the film centers on food, this is something I think about a lot.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes! I always want to try and improve. Colleagues are suggesting I make this into a feature and I would love to go down that route. But I’m always cooking up ideas. My next original idea is a sci-fi crime drama set in a postmodern world with vigilantes and gangsters. Would love to go down that rabbit hole and explore concepts of justice, criminality, family, and do it in a grittier way.