Year: 2024

Filmmaker Chaya Gurkov (THE SHIDDUCH CRISIS)

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THE SHIDDUCH CRISIS, 24min., USA
Directed by Chaya Gurkov
An Orthodox Jewish girl struggled with her mothers expectations for an arranged marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/reelworks

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was something I wanted to talk about. I think there is a narrow scope of Jewish stories in the entertainment sphere and I wanted to talk about an experience that I, and many women growing up in the Orthodox Jewish community, feel being in this dating system. I wanted to write a story with nuance, humour, and honesty in a way that doesn’t demonize the religion that Shaina practices.

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

It took ten months. I started writing the script in November of 2022, when I was accepted into the Reel Works Narrative Fellowship Program. We completed shooting at the start of August 2023.

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

Honest and humorous.

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

The biggest obstacle I faced was handing in ONE final version of the script. Eduardo, one of Reel Works mentors, laughs every time he tells the story of how many new versions of the script I churned out in a matter of days. If I felt like there was something wrong with a scene, or like I wasn’t totally immersed and in love with the version I wrote, I would scrap the whole thing and start over. Obviously, this is a one way ticket to insanity. I learned to accept my imperfections and trust in my process of writing eventually and I’m so happy with how everything turned out.

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

Immensely grateful and excited. I want to thank the audience for the time they gave my film and their insightful comments.

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

In March 2021, when a professor at college told me that I have a voice and one that’s interesting, too, after I submitted a short script assignment for the first time.

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

Manchester by the Sea, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan.

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

It would be wonderful to be able to meet the winners and festival staff in person so we can connect.

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

Entirely positive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My Bubby’s meatballs and rice.

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

I’m working on a series inspired by and built around the world of the Shidduch Crisis with a producer who expressed interest.

I’m also working on a feature film about an ultra-orthodox 34 year old woman finally taking matters into her own hands after realizing that the Shidduch system failed her. It’s raunchy, funny and deeply honest.

Lastly, I am working on a thriller-drama short film about a character hell-bent on revenge in the face of rising anti-semitism and holocaust denial.

So yes! God willing, many new projects!

Submit to the STUDENT Feedback Film Festival:

Musician Daniel Prypchan (AL REVES)

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AL REVES, 3min., Venezuela,
Directed by Luis Figeuredo
A music video by Human Productions featuring Danny Pryp and Pat Gales. ‘Al Revés’ is an original song performed by Danny Pryp.

http://dannypryp.com/
https://facebook.com/dannypryp
https://instagram.com/dannypryp

Get to know musician Daniel Prypchan:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

When we finished my song “Al Revés” I was in love with it. I loved how romantic it was and immediately it came to me images of a desert, the romanticism of a mysterious woman… I was in Venezuela then and thought that “Los Medanos de Coro”, the desert in the state of Falcon, where I spent a lot of my holidays at my family’s farm, would be the perfect location. I had not been back for more than a decade, so this gave me the perfect excuse to go and enjoy the place again.

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

About 4 weeks.

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

Mysterious & romantic.

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

Our 4WD drive broke down halfway through the trip which delayed everything!

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

I got very emotional when I heard that people liked the cinematography, the costumes and the location. All these were really thought through, the costume was designed by a local designer, the incredible Nahomy Barreto. The desert was a location we all fell in love with – and Luis Arte did epically in the cinematography.

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

I have always been captivated by the magic of movies and TV, since I was a child. I always wanted to sing and to make and act in movies. I started officially making short films about 12 years ago when I adapted a small theatre play into a short film that won many awards. From there I got a scholarship to study film and have made more than 50 clips and shorts since then.

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

The French historical drama “La Reine Margot” by Patrice Chéreau. I love how gritty it all is and how beautiful Isabelle Adjani’s performance was and to see Virna Lisi acting epically as always.

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 loved the video feedback! I would suggest for you to do content that can be shared in social media where one could re-post or share so that as artists we get the kudos of being endorsed by a festival publicly. As independent artists, we all need as much exposure as we can get – and it helps with future funding rounds.

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

Overall my experience of working with FilmFreeway was overall wonderful.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Seafood Laksa (Malaysian Curry Soup)

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

Several in fact! I just released my new music clip “Explicita” and have 5 new clips in post production. Also talking to my favourite writer/director to finally get onto filming our first feature film. This is very exciting for us!

Submit to the LATINO Feedback Film Festival:

Poet  Joanne Leva (READING A MAP)

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Watch the Poetry Reading:

Get to know the poet:

1) Q: What is the theme of your poem?
A: Love on a spiritual level. Soulmates. On finding your person in the world.

2) Q: What motivated you to write this poem?
A: My husband, John, was an alcoholic and an addict. He was also a brilliant jazz musician. After COVID, he lost his day job, his extra income from performing in local and regional gigs, and the community of random jam sessions with friends. His mental and physical health declined until one Sunday, when I returned home from church, I found two police officers waiting for me in my driveway. Just like the movies…

3) Q: How long have you been writing poetry?
A: 38 years

4) Q: If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
A: Definitely Diane Seuss. She is my hero!

5) Q: What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?
A: I have worked with other actors from the University of Pennsylvania’s theater department in translating my poetry into movement and physical space. It makes sense to me.

Here is a link of the performance: https://joanneleva.com/video-joanne-reads-at-muse-house/

6) Q: Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?
A: Not really. I’m a big fan of movies, tho.

7) Q: What is your passion in life?
A: Poetry

Filmmaker Nicholas T. Collier (RENEGADE EPISODE 1: REDEMPTION)

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RENEGADE EPISODE 1: REDEMPTION, 20min., USA
Directed by Nicholas T Collier
After learning the mob controls the city, detective Daniel Graves decides to become the newest vigilante in Westwick City, Renegade.

https://www.instagram.com/34_nicholas_34/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Growing up, I have always loved comic book movies, and they’re the reason I decided to become a filmmaker. This was my love letter to the genre, my way of taking all these films and stories I grew up with, and telling my perspective of them.

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

About 2 Years

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

Exhilarating and Grounded

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

Getting locations that match the look of what I wrote and had imagined was very difficult.

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

It was awesome! It made me see that the things I was trying to accomplish with the story were effective and hitting the mark.

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

Right before I graduated high school in 2015.

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

Batman and Robin/Forever, The Dark Knight, Empire Strikes Back

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

A judging scoresheet to see how we were scored that way Filmmakers know what they need to improve on.

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

It has been excellent

10. What is your favorite meal?

My Moms homemade lasagna

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

We are beginning production on Episode 2 and 3 of Renegade this summer with a december and March release for the episodes.

Submit to the Crime/Mystery Film Festival:

Filmmaker Karen Lang (TOLLERMANIA)

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TOLLERMANIA, 27min,. Canada
Directed by Karen Lang
In this film, Ukrainian-Canadian ceramic artist, Natalia Laluq, interprets the life and work of Canadian world champion figure skater and artist, Toller Cranston, through a stop-motion installation of individually crafted ceramic plates. The art project itself was almost 2 years in the making. The show took place at Toller Cranston’s studio in Mexico in 2014, the year before Toller died. This documentary shows the work from initial concept through process and completion. It is one artist interpretation of another artist’s work and life.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
There is brilliance in this artistic interpretation of sport. How the talents of a visual and ceramic artist can bring to life an actual skating performance of a world champion figure skater, is genius of mind and artistic talent. It is a project that had to be brought to a wider audience.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The art show and installation happened in 2014. Toller Cranston, the object of this interpretive art installation died the following year. It wasn’t until 2020 that the idea of bringing the show to a larger audience began to germinate. Approximately 3 years were spent pulling the materials, film clips, interviews, etc together to make the film.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Trying to do justice to both artists was challenging. This was one artist’s interpretation of another artist’s life and work. Toller was a very famous Canadian skater, and a talented artist with a specific style and flare. Natalia, a Ukrainian Canadian immigrant, knew virtually nothing about Toller Cranston when she set out to do this project. She was able to creatively interpret and create a body of work that perfectly defined and celebrated Toller in his creative world. I like to think this film captures both of them as equally talented artists in their own right. This is a film that showcases Natalia’s talents within the context of Toller, a brilliant athlete and artist.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was struck by their specific observations and insight, and their appreciation of the talents of both Natalia and Toller. It was nice to know they actually watched it!!:)

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I took a film making course about 7 years ago, and fell in love with the creative possibilities that film making provides. It gives meaning and permanence to events and stories in our lives. Creating the story,

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
That is too hard to choose:)

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 feedback is by far the most helpful element to this festival experience, and it would be really incredible if more festivals did that.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
The platform makes it very easy to submit to festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Tostados, served on a ceramic plate.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am going to be working with Toller Cranston’s sister, Philippa Baran, who has recently published a book about her brother – she is putting her talents and energy towards keeping Toller’s legacy alive. And of course, there are always adventures and travel that find their way into a film.

Submit to the WILDsound Film Festival:

Filmmaker Isaiah Matthew Griggs (ASHES – CHAPTER 0)

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ASHES – CHAPTER 0, 4min., USA
Directed by Isaiah Matthew Griggs
In a mysterious facility, David, a captive, engineers his escape by tricking a guard. He evades pursuit through the building, discovering a lab and learning about his metahuman status. Outside the facility, he is captured by guards who mention his destructive potential. David wakes up in the lab, where his powers intensify and cause a powerful explosion. The short ends with David metaphysically floating in space, undergoing a transformative experience before unleashing a surge of energy.

https://twitter.com/genus_art
https://www.instagram.com/genus.entertainment/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
My goal for Ashes is to fully produce it into an animated series at some point. I have A general outline for the series’ story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Well the idea for Ashes has been around in my google docs and has been featured in miscellaneous drawings and animations I’ve made for years. That being said, a proper episode or ‘chapter’, did not start getting made until 2022 and took a little over a year to finish with some help.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Probably compromising quality in favor of completing the film on time.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was quite glad they seemed to enjoy the anime-inspired action. I also like that one person pointed out that it feels like there’s more to the story, and believe me, there is definitely more.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve always liked to make. It honestly almost goes as far back as I can remember.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Can’t say, I’m not sure. But I’ve definitely seen the Raimi Trilogy for Spider-Man a good amount, I’ve also watched “The Road to El Dorado” a lot on VHS.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Nothing really comes to mind, I’m just glad people get to see the work I’ve made.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Pretty good, it’s fairly straight forward.

10. What is your favorite meal?
lol pizza maybe

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I plan on making a follow up to this Ashes short.

Submit to the Chicago Feedback Film Festival:

Filmmaker Lisa Drupsteen (LIKE MOTHER)

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LIKE MOTHER, 8min., Canada
Directed by Lisa Drupsteen
A young woman navigates her romantic life while trying her best to dodge her mother’s demons. Will she have the strength to break the cycle of manipulation? Or simply fall victim to the old adage: “Like Mother, Like Daughter”…

https://www.instagram.com/lisa_drupsteen

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

A short story I wrote while a student at The Second City Film School (formally the Harold Ramis Film School) featured a zany, narcissistic mother who named pets after loved ones. My peers were eager to learn more about this eccentric lady. I knew I had to explore the concept more deeply and bring it to life on the screen one day.

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

The adaptation took approximately 4 months. Could have been 2 weeks if I stopped putting it on the shelf to marinate…

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

Narcissistic mother!

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

Getting out of my own way. My previous project was higher budget and had more moving parts- I kept feeling anxious that this project wasn’t “enough”. Once I overcame those thoughts, the creativity could flow and I’m grateful I didn’t turn my back on it. Sometimes less is more!

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

I was anxiously excited to press that play button! It has been a while since I’ve gotten public feedback on one of my pieces. It was extremely validating to hear the feedback and positive takeaways. I had a big smile plastered on my face the whole time.

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

When Covid hit and I could no longer perform live or write for the stage.

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

Hmmm. Either Mamma Mia, Singing in the Rain, or Bridesmaids. I’m a sucker for feel-good musicals/comedies.

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 some more critical feedback (constructive of course)! This audience was way too nice to me.

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

It’s been great! Although discovering the platform sure has put a dent in my wallet…so many amazing festivals, so little time.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My honey’s reverse-sear steak. Yum.

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

I’m currently working on polishing up my pilot script for a comedy series entitled “Triple Twenty” about a lost young woman who joins a C-division dart league in rural Canada.

Submit to the Chicago FEEDBACK Film Festival

Filmmaker Brenton McNally (HALCYON)

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HALCYON, 7min,. Australia
Directed by Brenton McNally
David looks for his missing wife but struggles to get out of his own way.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Our film is based on an original story concept by my co-writer Nichola Christie. She was motivated by exploring the simultaneous beauty and heartache of time passing. The film explores how those we love leave impressions on us that stay and mould us beyond time. This film was shot with vintage 70s lenses and blends horror elements with a personal, dream-like drama film.

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

The film was completed, from conception, in less than 48 hours. It was in competition at the 48-hour film challenge in our city – Brisbane, Australia.

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

Melancholic mystery

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

Challenging ourselves to such a short amount of time to conceive and complete the film meant we needed to be deliberate with all of our choices. Writing in such a way as to take advantage of available actors and locations as well as shooting in an economical fashion were essential to the success of the film.

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

We were very pleased with the reactions in our feedback video. With a complicated and mysterious plot, it was great to know that the film was understood and received the way we intended.

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

As with most people, I have had a life-long interest in films. I mostly thought it was not feasible to make something worth watching until smartphones made it so easy to capture the images in my head. Making films with my kids showed me just how feasible all of it was and thus started the trajectory we are on now.

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

It would likely be a James Cameron film – Terminator 2 or True lies, probably. They were on repeat when I was a kid – taped off the TV when that was a thing.

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 wouldn’t suggest any changes. I have enjoyed the experience so far.

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

I find FilmFreeway very easy to use. It is a great concept.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Anything made by my partner – she is an excellent and creative cook.

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

Yes, we have a few projects in the works this year. Our next film will likely continue our theme of time and heartache but this time with a down-to-earth, personal, science fiction lens.

Submit to the Chicago FEEDBACK Film Festival:

Filmmakers Kamil Keenan, Agnieszka Żaglewska (THE CAPSULE)

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THE CAPSULE, 20min,. Poland
Directed by Kamil Keenan, Agnieszka Żaglewska
Two astronauts in a space capsule realize that they won’t have enough oxygen until help arrives. In this extreme situation, they suddenly have to face the ultimate questions. Accompanying the characters on their final journey, viewers begin to wonder what their answers would be.

http://kamilkeenan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kamilkeenan

Get to know the filmmakers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Kamil: My uncle had an accident while working underground as a miner and he was stuck for around 8h with no way out nor possibilities to move.
This made me think that so many thoughts must go through your head when you are facing your death so I adapted this situation to a script with Aga’s talent for writing.
Aga: Kamil told me about his idea and as soon as I heard it I knew I wanted to write this script, it sounded very compelling. Dealing with the idea of my own mortality has always been on my mind, so I knew I could express a lot of my own struggles in the film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It was about two years from the moment I had the idea to the finished product.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We didn’t have a producer, nor any budget.
It was a passion project for all of us, and making a sci-fi film with no budget is not easy.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
So far we’ve only had feedback about the film from family and friends, so it was amazing to hear strangers’ thoughts on it.
It’s mind blowing that people on another continent have even seen our film, let alone enjoyed it!
We are so happy that audiences find our film compelling. We want to make films for this very reason: to communicate through art.

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

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Kamil: I love psychological movies and thrillers so for me it is ‘The Prestige (2006)’.
Aga: When I was little I was obsessed with this obscure kids’ film called “Rock-a-Doodle”, and this is definitely the film I’ve seen the most.
Other than that it’s probably “It’s a wonderful life”.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Our dream is to watch our film with an audience in a cinema and to be able to talk about it afterwards, so we would love to come to a film festival in person.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It’s great as you can upload the project once and share it with various (even famous) festivals around the globe.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Aga: My grandparents used to live in Switzerland and introduced me to my favorite meal, which is fondue.
Kamil: I love asian cousine – butter chicken for me.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Kamil: Yes, I will try to make a full-length movie soon.
Aga: I am currently studying directing in Film School in Katowice, Poland, and I’m working on two short films at the moment.

Submit to the Chicago Feedback Film Festival:

Filmmaker Zach Marks (A VALLEY REBORN)

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A VALLEY REBORN, 11min., USA
Directed by Zach Marks
“A Valley Reborn” is a short documentary that highlights the careful restoration of a portion of the San Miguel River, situated in the historic town of Telluride, Colorado. Led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS), this project aims to remediate the adverse effects of a century of mining activity, which left the riverbed laden with heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. This film captures the entire restoration process, from initial assessment to final cleanup. The film features interviews with experts, community members, and stakeholders involved in the project. By addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices, we can safeguard water quality, preserve ecosystems, and educate future generations.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to make this film after visiting Telluride in the summer of 2020. guided by my good friend, Carlo Pine, I was enthralled by the beauty of the valley and I wanted to do everything possible to spend as much time there. Then in 2022 when the EPA announced the plan to start this restoration project I quickly began to research and plan for A Valley Reborn. Learning about the passion the community had for this land, it was an easy choice to move to Telluride for the summer and start filming. Camping outside of town and filming this project was an unforgettable experience for my team and I.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took us 1.5 years.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We lost all of our b-roll from summer 2022 due to a harddrive overheating and corrupting itself. So we had to go back in summer 2023 to film again.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very happy watching the audience reactions, they were what I expected.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized I wanted to make films at a young age and have been making short films my whole life. It was in college that I realized my passion was environmental films.

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

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

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

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am in the research and development for a new film about kelp forests off the coast of Los Angeles.

Submit to the Toronto Documentary Festival