THE BRIDES OF DRACULA, 5min,. UK
Directed by Alexander Miguel
Introducing a new breed of vampires – More alternative, more sensual, more dangerous. Loosely based on the legends of Draculas wives, the good, bad and the evil bride inhabit an old misty graveyard set in the high mountains, waiting for their beloved master to be resurrected once more. Inspired by original costumes and props by Derby-based designer Liam Brandon Murray, this is a unique film showcasing the finest in Wearable Art for the designer’s cinematic debut.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I had long wanted to do a fashion film based around vampires. I had initially envisioned a very dark classic victorian look, but when I found designer Liam Brandon Murray, a whole new world opened up to me. This was the most unconventional and bizarre kind of fashion I had ever seen the likes of. So intricate, so luxurious, yet so macabre and puzzling in it’s grandness. I knew that I had found something entirely unique and had access to a kind of innovative fashion that nobody else did. I thought to myself, I’ll be a real fool if I don’t jump on this opportunity! Liam and I clicked from the get-go, and it was clear that this would just be the start of many creative collaborations to come. I was able to pick and choose all my favourite pieces from his collection of work. We needed to piece together 4 complete looks and additionally threw in a few more items to showcase as much of Liam’s work as possible. His outfits carry heavy influences of otherworldly flair, his inspiration drawn from mythology, aliens and religious figures into a seamless blend.

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

I was probably brewing this idea for about a year, but it only really came together once I started working with the designer. The initial concept and ideas changed dramatically and became more tailored to the fashion pieces, and went from being dark and moody to a more lavish and colourful take on gothic. The aesthetic is intended to look like a graphic novel that has come to life. It then spent about two years in post production due to an insane amount of VFX and also due to the fact that the full budget was not on the table when we started filming, so I spent some time scraping together the remains of the post-production budget as we went along. It is worth noting that there is absolutely no AI in this film, every effect is created by our insanely talented VFX artist Matt Hutchings, using good old green screen, matte paintings and CGI compositions – The way filmmaking should be.

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

Gothic; Reimagined.

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

It was a very ambitious project, which seems to be a common thread with me. It was all shot in one single day, in a very cold church, models covered in props blood clenching hot water bottles between their hands between takes. I remember the day so very clearly. Wrangling all the major props and costumes was a huge task. And the post production process seemed never ending at some point, I had to put the project on hold several times to focus on other things, the rapidly declining economy also hasn’t helped. But we got there eventually.

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

It is such an unreal feeling to have strangers speak about my work, they don’t know me or my team, so their perceptions and notions of the work are completely unbiased, raw and organic. People loved the surprising elements of lavish colour, which I think is rather unusual in the gothic genre. The fashion of course, gains a lot of wow-factor, and the fact it is put together like a music video, driven by sound and music rather than dialogue.

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

To tell you the truth, I remember back in my teens I bought the DVD “Britney Spears Greatest Hits: My Prerogative”, and I just could not stop watching these music videos, I was fascinated by the fact that one artist could have so many different faces and aesthetics from one video to the next. Elements such as location, colour grading, hair and makeup, costumes, even the friggin aspect ratio, the possibilities seemed endless. I studied every aspect of these videos because they fascinated me so much. I drew parallels from one video to another, recognising the AUTEURSHIP behind them. A music video director is what I wanted to be, and even though music video is not the million dollar industry it once was, I am still dreaming that it will become relevant again one day.

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

The Harry Potter films I have watched quite a lot. I can probably recite most of the dialogue actually. And certain Christmas classics such as Home Alone. It may very well be the film I’ve watched the most in my 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?

Being featured in blog posts, magazines, and podcasts is a great way of bringing us struggling directors to the forum. Now more than ever, there is a need to be seen and heard by the right eyes and ears. The people who can take you further in your career. Networking events and additional seminars for filmmakers could also be a good addition to the festival experience.

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

FilmFreeway is great. The functionality of the site is easy to navigate and to keep track of all my submissions and projects. It wasn’t that long ago that we had to submit a custom made DVD to all the festivals. Very time consuming and not to mention costly in the long run. But then again probably there weren’t nearly as many festivals around as there is now. The downside I guess is that anyone can start their own festival. I try to be aware of festivals that look like scams, but it’s not always easy to distinguish which ones are legit and which ones are not. Building relationships with festivals over the years is turning into a lovely experience which I am now in the process of. Last year we had great success with the fashion film “House Of Mystic Magic” and this year with “The Brides Of Dracula”. I am already looking forward to see what project I will hit festivals with next.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love some good comfort food! Mexican is a big favourite of mine. And pizza in all shapes and forms. Having lived in the UK for ten years now, I have become a huge Sunday roast enthusiast. Everybody knows that is the staple of a weekend indulgence.

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

I have a couple of music videos coming out in the next couple of months. And my collaboration with designer Liam Brandon Murray has only just started. We are already planning two more fashion films and I am also in the process of making my first feature length documentary – a fashion documentary about Liams work and journey breaking into the fashion scene. So stay tuned for that, I am really stoked because it’s coming together nicely so far.

CHHAVA, 39min., India
Directed by Anurag Srijit, Arman Shaikh
Set in the storied Apshinge Military Village in Maharashtra, ‘Chhava’ offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of families bound by centuries of military service, from the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to today. Crafted with care by first-time student filmmakers, the documentary weaves together personal sacrifices and enduring bravery, revealing the profound human spirit at the village’s heart.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32117939/
https://instagram.com/chhava.official

Get to know filmmakers Anurag Srijit, Arman Shaikh:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Arman: My inspiration for Chhava is deeply rooted in my experiences growing up as a National Cadet. The discipline, camaraderie, and unyielding determination I witnessed during those formative years left a lasting impression on me. It wasn’t just about the physical training, but the emotional journeys of those striving to make it into the armed forces. With Chhava, I wanted to capture that raw essence of dedication and share the deeply human side of the families of those who dream of serving their country.

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

Anurag: The shooting phase spanned around 20 days, which was an intense yet creatively fulfilling experience. However, when factoring in post-production, the entire process took about three months. We were meticulous about refining every detail to ensure the final product lived up to our vision. Time was spent crafting the film’s mood, pacing, and overall aesthetic, which are crucial to its storytelling.

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

Arman: Courageous & Resilience

Anurag: Resilient Journey

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

Arman: Surprisingly, the journey of creating Chhava was quite smooth as the villagers were eager to share their stories, which fueled the creative process and made the film’s development a truly enriching experience. Though the biggest challenge we faced was during the post-production while finalizing the ending. We spent a considerable amount of time debating how to best bring closure to the narrative in a way that would resonate with the audience. We had to carefully balance what to include and what to leave out, ensuring the film’s impact remained powerful and true to its core.

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

Arman: When I first watched the audience reacting to Chhava in the feedback video, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. Seeing their genuine enthusiasm and heartfelt discussions about the film was incredibly validating. It’s one thing to create a project, but to witness it resonate so deeply with viewers is truly gratifying. Their insights and interpretations provided a fresh perspective, revealing layers I hadn’t initially considered. It felt like we had created a shared experience that transcended the screen, sparking conversations about themes of bravery and sacrifice that are so integral to our story. I left the viewing feeling inspired and more connected to the film’s impact on the audience.

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

Arman: I had a transformative experience while working on Chhava, which truly ignited my passion for filmmaking. It was during this project that I discovered the profound impact storytelling can have on an audience. I owe a great deal of this newfound ambition to Sudeep sir, our mentor at college. His support and encouragement pushed us to explore our creative boundaries and take bold risks. Thanks to his guidance, I realized that filmmaking is not just a career for me; it’s a calling that I’m eager to pursue further.

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

Anurag: While I wouldn’t call myself a movie buff in the traditional sense, I definitely have a deep appreciation for films that challenge the way we think and experience storytelling, like Breaking Bad for its impeccable character development, Blade Runner for its iconic blend of philosophy and futurism, and Interstellar for the emotional depth it brings to science fiction.

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

Anurag: To truly enhance the festival experience, I believe that incorporating more interactive workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals would be invaluable. Additionally, establishing more networking opportunities could facilitate meaningful connections with seasoned filmmakers, potential collaborators, and mentors.

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

Anurag: Submitting to the festival through FilmFreeway has been an incredibly seamless experience. The platform’s user-friendly interface made the submission process straightforward, allowing me to focus on the creative aspects of my project rather than getting bogged down in logistics. Overall, FilmFreeway not only simplified the submission journey but also enhanced my excitement about sharing my work with a broader audience.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Arman: While I don’t have a single favorite dish, I do have a soft spot for sweets. Whether it’s a rich, velvety chocolate or a refreshing scoop of ice cream, I find joy in indulging in these treats.

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

Arman: Absolutely, there are several exciting concepts that I’m currently exploring. While it’s still early, I’m enthusiastic about diving into new narratives that push boundaries and challenge conventional storytelling. It’s all about finding the right balance between creativity and timing. So, I’m keen to see how things evolve in the coming months as ideas start to take shape.

MAGIC OF PODLASIE – WHISPERS, 70min., Poland
Directed by Malgorzata Szyszka
Why, in today’s civilized world, do we still use the methods and means of healing bodies and souls used by our grandparents? Who really are Whishperes? How does modern psychology look at rituals and whisherers? The tradition of whispering/praying in the Ortodox Church language is passed down from generation to generation. The film asks many questions and seeks answers from experts in various fields: therapists/psychologists, anthropologists, ethnographers, but also residents of Podlasie.

http://www.szyszka.art.pl/
https://www.facebook.com/malgorzata.szyszka

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

For over 20 years I have been making documentaries about shamanism in Mexico, Ukraine and India. The topic of Whisperers, women and man treating patients using folk medicine methods who operate in Poland, seemed natural to me and a consequence of my film expeditions so far. I wanted to check to what extent the whispering route is still alive, to what extent it fits into other healing phenomena in the world.

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

2 years. It wasn’t easy. Most of the time we were looking for people who would like to take part in our productions. Whispering is a very personal experience and very often no one wants to talk about it. It’s something we want to keep secret from others. Such an internal dialogue between us and God, the Absolute, Energy, Angels, in which the Whisperers try to mediate, intercede for us, make requests, e.g. for health, success and love.

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

Whisper love

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

The biggest obstacle was reaching the customers who do not agree to have their image immortalized in a photo or film. They believe that what they do is a service to another person, they do not receive any rewards, it is a secret

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

When translating the film into English, we wondered how to describe the phenomenon of whispering, i.e. treatment with folk methods, in another language. How to show the Polish specificity of such activity. I don’t think this is an easy film for the viewer. The statements contained in the film show what is universal and important for each of us, regardless of where you live, but also show the local reality of the culture and heritage of Podlasie.

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

As a student, I worked as a journalist and made reports, interviewed artists, and actors, who worked on the sets of television theaters. I was fascinated by this artistic machine, which is very precise, demanding and at the same time getting out of control. The film is the work of many creators with very strong personalty. The director has to conected diferent options, ideas,wants and build very clear and interesting story.

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

„Blow-up” directed by Michelangelo Antonioniego

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 have no idea. What comes to mind is the organization of festivals and meetings during which artists will have a chance to meet and exchange opinions.

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

There are many festivals on the platform. It is difficult to find and distinguish good festivals that support the artist’s position on the international market from weaker ones

10. What is your favorite meal?

I like very diverse cuisine, local specialties, then I feel that I am getting to know the culture of Italy, Portugal, China or India, etc.

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

“Man from the Wilderness, Tales of Dziad Borowy” – is a story about a modern man brought up in wild nature, who tries to maintain this unique bond while using the goods of civilization and the latest technologies. A story about defending the heritage of old forests, the prosperity of herbal meadows, animals and people, a story about actions that take place on the Polish-Belarusian border. What is humanity? What is most important in our lives? To what extent does our environment determine who we are?

ANGELITO, 13min., USA
Directed by Brent L. Peterson
12-year-old Angelito dreams of becoming a gang member like his older brother until a tragic accident forces him to grow up far too quickly.

https://antigravityfilms.com/projects

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? I’ve always wanted to make a gritty crime film as well as a film dealing with the subject of gun safety and children. Those came together in the form of Angelito, hopefully in a way that creates open discussion of the topics presented from multiple viewpoints.
to make this film? I wrote Angelito 4 years before making it. I finally decided to submit the screenplay to some festival and it did very well, so I decided to make it into a film after that.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!? An intense drama about making grave mistakes and having to deal with the consequences, but a road to redemption in the end.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Finding a young local actor that could pull off the emotional journey of Angelito was very difficult. We spent a month longer than we had planned searching, but finally came up with Alec Hernandez, who had never acted before.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I was glad to hear that it moved viewers emotionally and made them think about the issues presented.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? My filmmaking is the actualization of a childhood dream.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? Probably anything Star Wars.

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 would love to network with film producers and studios that I can partner with in producing more films.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? Film Freeway has been very helpful in organizing, applying for and tracking film festival submissions.

10. What is your favorite meal? That depends on the day and the mood.

11. What is next for you? A new film? I’m simultaneously working on more short films as well as writing/developing my debut feature film.

ANCIENT LANDS AND LIVES – ABOVE THE GRAND CANYON RIMS, 9min., USA
Directed by Carol J. Amore
Ancient Lands & Lives- Above The Grand Canyon Rims is a high impact and fast-paced short Docu-music video that embraces Arizona’s Grand Canyon wildlife experience through versatile animal habitats and its resilient pinyon-juniper evergreen trees on the Canyon’s Rims. Its vast colorful canyon rock formations reveal layers in geological time, dramatic thunderstorms with rising cloud formations, dark night skies (Milky Way Galaxy visible) and sacred tribal lands.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I believe short visual documentaries can make a tremendous difference
in inspiring audiences to explore new areas of the world from their backyard to natural wonders. The wildlife, ancient tribes and the night skies light the way
for self-discovery through the journey to the Grand Canyon National Park Area.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Since I had previously traveled the Grand Canyon I wanted to find a new
visual perspective in which audiences at all ages could connect. I had to obtain a commercial film permit from the Grand Canyon National Park Service before I could professionally photograph or film there. It took about one year(2023) to film and produce this short film.
Selecting access to difficult locations and connecting with wildlife specialists
in advance of arriving there was critical. Planning is everything, even bringing rattlesnake guards was a good idea. Access to water when carrying heavy camera equipment is life-saving.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE!
Blending wildlife, the ancient Grand Canyon and night skies
helps shape this immersive experience along with the
music composer and performers by Mark Wood,
original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Filming wildlife in their own habitat using film and remote cameras in rough terrain and high altitude areas(7500 ft.) of the Grand Canyon.
Anticipating the path the animals were mostly likely to travel during their nighttime movements and search for water and hunting for food.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was impressed by the audience observations as they saw the weaving of the different wildlife, indigenous Hopi Kachinas, the night skies and even the weather impacting the Grand Canyon terrain.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I have been to the Grand Canyon several times and wanted to build and optimistic story about its a wide range of experiences that nature and its lands deliver including wildlife, ancient geological formations, night skies and the sacred tribal stories of its ancient inhabitants.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Films I see are right in front of me through direct observation.
I enjoy any wildlife and nature film with a compelling story.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Your team helped engage audiences with all levels of experience.
I appreciated the video feedback which gain me insight to see how my intended visual film and music designed impacted others.

9. You submitted to the festival via Film Freeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Yes, I have won over seventy film awards including the
Cannes World Film Festival for BEST Nature/Wildlife film.
See the PRESS section of ancientlandsandlives.com and/or
Film Freeway awards.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Healthy foods, homemade Italian specialties and local ethnic foods(Indian)
I lived in the Indian wilderness on and off for three years while making
my award-winning TIGERS-Tracking a Legend film.(www.tigerstracking.com)

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Arctic Polar Bear Mothers is the upbeat short film/music video that I am filming and producing for release end of December 2024.

MIHI: At the center of our gaze, 15min., France
Directed by Cyril Durand-Gasselin
Introspection is a mental activity which can be described metaphorically as the act of “looking inside” oneself, through a form of attention paid to one’s own sensations, states or thoughts. In psychology, this is the inner knowledge we have of our perceptions, actions, emotions and knowledge, which is different from that which an outside observer might have.

https://facebook.com/Compagnienos
https://instagram.com/compagnie_nos

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to show how important introspection has been for me in my life, and still is. It helped me grow so much.
By giving this work to the world, I hope it will reminds everyone how important it is to take time to listen to yourself and to learn as much as you can from everything you can find inside.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I would say 5 years, if I go back to the origin. But the work really started 3 years ago.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
This project is my first so I faced many obstacles during the production. But I think the biggest one was the lack of time : time to rehearse with the dancers and time on set during the filming. We had to deal with short amount of time to do everything, so that was challenging.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Honestly, I’ve got really touched and smiled all the way through the video. The comments were so nice and good but mostly really interesting. And it is really satisfying to hear comments from people that you don’t know that are coming from another country.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Since I was young, I’ve always loved to create. I was and still am a dreamer. Since ever I can catch myself looking around, observing people, landscape and the rest of the world, and create stories and pictures in my mind.
Ideas of film making came to me before dancing but I’ve decided first to focus on my dance career.
Today I’ve got the opportunity to bring back those dreams and make the visuals from my head to the screen.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I really enjoy a lot Ryan Murphy’s works as “AHS”, “Ratched” and “The Normal Heart”.
But if I honest the “Devil wears Prada” is the still the film I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen it.

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 would say create even more opportunities to show my film and maybe organize meeting with people from the industry that has seen the movie.
But I would say that your festival is already doing really good. And I thank you for that.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
The platform is really efficient. It is simple to use and make your life so much easier.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I love cheese ! Everything with it will satisfy me but I would be always conquered by a cheese fondue.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
A lot is already on board for me and the Compagnie Nos (the dance company I created).
With my team, we are working on a project on stage but also on at least two new short films. But I can’t say anything more for now.

BREAKING OUT, 6min,. USA
Directed by David Glass
“Breaking Out” is centered around a tumultuous piano improvisation David Glass recorded several years ago. The short film is a psychological rollercoaster containing a variety of footage that express a wide range of intense emotions and strong forces of nature, and yet there is a beauty to the chaos. As in a ballet, the music is in synchronicity with the dramatic scenes.

http://davidglasspiano.net/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Purely a catharsis project. Most of my past videos have been creative slideshows using my romantic piano music (can be found on Youtube). “Breaking Out” was a one off project where I decided to make a video that expressed a darker side of myself. I was going through some personal life transitions and just needed to purge some of the frustration out of myself. I didn’t make it for the public or film festivals but strictly for myself. When I shared my video with my close friend Ron White (designer of my poster) he mentioned I should submit it to film festivals. I was reluctant at first but he eventually persuaded me and so I entered “Breaking Out” into a dozen of festivals. To my surprise the film was being well received. In the past few months I have entered dozens of other festivals and to my surprise the film has won 18 awards to date!

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

I’d say between 1-2 months.

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

Intense release!

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

Finding the right images to match my original piano music. Truth be known, if I were to make it again, I’d probably find different images.

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

I was feeling excited, nervous and honored. I’ve never experienced anything like this. I was so thrilled that all three commentators were complimentary of my music! I only wished they could hear some of my other romantic piano music so that they don’t think I’m Frankenstein at the piano! Emoji

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

It was a gradual process. It began during the Covid lockdown when I decided to make some music videos using professional photos. I also created during that time a movie called BOOTLEG THE MOVIE (a film that features myself and pianist Justin Levitt where it showcases live performances of us doing 4 hand piano improvisations that occurred over the past 10 years).

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

Lord of the Rings-2001 Space Odyessey-Amadeaus

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 say your doing an amazing service and can’t think of anything else that needs improving.

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

So far it’s been amazing! 18 Award winners, 2 finalist, 17 Semi-Finalist (many still inconclusive), 3 Honorable mentions. Did not expect this at all!

10. What is your favorite meal?

I have many, but I do love Italian and Indian food! Emoji

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

I’d love to make a music video using some of my more conventional piano pieces. Would need funding to do this.

RED, 5min., Canada
Directed by Marlea van Grinsven
Red depicts the story of a romance gone wrong, where paint is used to show the side revenge and how it slowly passes through everyone until revenge has taken over. It follows our couple as they work through their budding romance slowly getting more and more torn on the outcome as they go, until at the end, revenge wins and takes over.

http://www.movementwithmarlea.com/
https://instagram.com/_movementwithmarlea

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
They always say that the best art comes from the worst trauma, and I was hoping it was right. I went through a very traumatic breakup and I wanted to turn a dark time in my life into something beautiful. Dance has always been how I’ve expressed myself and creating this film allowed me to process my trauma in a beautiful and creative way.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
This film took me approximately one year to complete.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The use of the paint was my biggest obstacle. I had the idea and the execution planned out in my head, however with the paint it needed to be captured in one take. There was a lot of added pressure with the dancers’ execution of the choreography while working with the paint. They didn’t have any practice runs. The first time they did the choreography with the paint, was when we were filming.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was overjoyed with emotion. It was an amazing experience to hear people talking about my film and loving it. I always fear that the audience won’t get my story but to hear that they understood the story behind it and appreciated the difficulty of execution to create this film was delightful.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I made my first dance film about 3 years ago. I am always looking for new opportunities to create dance pieces and experiences for the audience. I like to challenge myself with my creativity, and so making a film fulfilled all of those needs. I quickly developed a passion for it.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I would have to say the Wizard of Oz. It just makes me happy every time I watch it. I have seen it countless times, and yet every time I watch it again I find something new that I hadn’t seen or noticed before, and I believe that is what makes a film great.

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 helpful and beneficial to have a community platform or connection ability for filmmakers to have more open communication about their processes and ask questions to other filmmakers for their opinions and experience.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
My experience has been great. It is super user friendly, easy to navigate and a great platform with a broad spectrum of opportunities.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I love Italian food, especially pasta! It is my feel good meal, I can eat it at any time of the day, all day every day, and I love how versatile it is and easy to switch up with different sauces and toppings.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Up next I am working on a new dance film! I also have plans to create and choreograph my first production!

THE ARCHITECT OF THE LIMINAL, 3min., Canada
Directed by Deb Ethier
An artist struggles to find her way in this quirky and off-kilter micro short from Deb Ethier. Taking some inspiration from classic silent films, it combines super 8 footage with 2D/3D animation and motion graphics.
Music by Esther Garcia.

https://rustybolttheatre.zyrosite.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rustybolttheatre/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? First, purely technical; I wanted to integrate super 8 footage with animation techniques. Second (but more important) I wanted to do a kind of Self Portrait, so decided to go with where I am at this moment in time and play with it.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? This one was kind of involved because there were physical assets (I actually built the “shrine” thing”) as well as 3D assets (did the “shrine again in 3D) and then there was the pain of waiting for processing and scanning of film (speaking from a digital perspective)! And the really involved effects and edit. That’s the long answer, but the short one is about 6 months.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Making sure the analog footage meshed well with the animation; being patient while the film was getting processed.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I loved it! All I could think was, “These people understand me!”

6. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? You folks really do it right, from the feedback video to interview opportunities and streaming platform.

7. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? FF is my go-to for submitting, although there are SO many festivals on there now that you really have to do your homework and vet them thoroughly before submitting.

8. What is next for you? A new film? There’s ALWAYS a new film, lol. I’m kind of obsessed with filmmaking… Anyway, my next project is based on a strange/psychological/pseudo-horror short story from 1920s Poland. If that isn’t obscure I don’t know what is!

BLAIRSVILLE, 13min., USA
Directed by Daniel Smith

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Blairsville was born out of a deep connection to the landscape I encountered while travelling with my husband, a dancer and choreographer, to attend my best friend’s wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The natural beauty—the mist over the mountains, the flowing streams, and the timeless feel of the small, weathered communities—connected deeply with us. Coming from a small rural community, I was particularly interested in the interplay between the environment and local communities, which felt both beautiful and melancholic. I wanted to capture that emotion and reflect on how these surroundings shape and influence the lives of people in the region.

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

The decision to create Blairsville happened spontaneously while we were on the trip to watch my friend marry. While driving down a sparse road, I asked my husband if he would like to stop off on the side of the road and film something. We spent about an hour recording footage there. The next day, following the wedding, we decided to pick out a few more locations and filmed for another hour or two. After the trip, I spent about a week editing, working on the animation sequences, and coordinating the music.

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

Bare, genuine.

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

I didn’t have any of my professional equipment with me on the trip, and there was no crew. All the footage was taken with a single iPhone with no gimbals or other devices. So, it was a challenge to create variety in the shots when it comes to scale, vantage points, and camera motion.

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

It was incredibly rewarding to hear how viewers connected with Blairsville. More than anything, I wanted to offer a taste of the beauty of small places, of small communities. Some of the viewers remarked on the emotion of the imagery, the choreography, the rural communities, and the mountains. Hearing the audience responses confirmed that the feelings I experienced while filming had translated to some in the audience, which was very gratifying.

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

Even as a small child, a fancied myself a storyteller. Throughout most of my life, that desire to share stories has been expressed through music—I’m primarily a pianist and composer. In the last five or ten years, though, I’ve become more and more interested in presenting stories visually, through film.

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

It’s probably a tie between American Beauty and The Hours. Both films carry a gravitas that I find extremely moving, and I hold a very high regard for the music in both films.

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 your festival is doing an outstanding job. I would just like to encourage more film festivals to include screendances as a category. I think this genre of filmmaking can be incredibly powerful and would love to see it provided a bit more spotlight at festivals the world over.

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

FilmFreeway has been an invaluable tool. It simplifies the submission process and allows for easy tracking of deadlines and acceptances. The platform’s accessibility makes it easy to research festivals and find ones that align with my film’s themes. Overall, I’ve had a very positive experience.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Gnocchi. When made well, they’re like delectable clouds.

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

Currently, my husband and I are in the midst of creating a YouTube series called The Doomitra Show (available at www.youtube.com/@doomitrasinistera). It features a comedy/gothic/horror drag character named Doomitra Sinistera. The plot centers around Doomitra, Vixen of Fright, Princess of Darkness, and longtime mooch of the royal family in her homeland, who has been shipped to Small Town Suburbia, USA by her parents to become an American icon.