Queer Study, 4min., USA
Directed by Abigail Espinal
A hopeless romantic tries to figure out if her best friend is gay in the worst ways possible.

https://www.instagram.com/abigailespinal1/

Get to know the director/actor:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

This film was my final project for a Queer Theory class, specifically
based on the idea of “flagging” for the sake of finding queer community.
Why it was a comedy, well, I just enjoy writing funny movies, so naturally,
I filled it with jokes! If you must know, I did get a passing grade. 🙂

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

This film was shot in six hours by a team of four (myself as
actor/writer/director/editor, my friend as the other actor, another as the
camera operator, and my mother of all people as the sound mixer). The
finished edit took an additional two days as we had an extremely tight turn
around deadline before the end of the semester.

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

I would say my film is “awkward” and “gushy”.

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

Time! We only had one day to shoot and two days to edit. If I could
change anything, I would love to add music–maybe I will in a future edit!

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

I felt honored that people enjoyed me work! I honestly felt very unsure
about this project, so I am glad and astonished people adored it so!

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

I knew as soon as my professor assigned a creative final project–I had
to make something queer, fun, and creative, so of course I decided to make
a film!

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

Without a doubt, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. It was the first movie I
ever saw at the age of three (which I admit is way too young) and I have
seen it about a billion times since.

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 adore further networking opportunities! I love meeting other
filmmakers and watching their work; building community is always beautiful!

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

FilmFreeway is a wonderful platform with a great, easy-to-use UI. I
adore everything about it, minus the crazy prices some festivals require
for one short entry.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love a good soup–kind does not matter, as long as it is soup!

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

I am currently cast in several films, theatre plays, and even a
musical! But by far the coolest project I am working on is my next film
“Boo-Haul”, a lesbian, slasher, horror comedy about a dead lesbian haunting
a U-Haul. It is stupid, silly, and crazy-gory fun!