THE TRANSITION ROOM, 13min., USA
Directed by Aaron Penney
A grieving widower attempts to chase his late wife down in the afterlife only to be stopped by two extremely polite obstacles in his path.

https://instagram.com/onthesetfilms

1. What motivated you to make this film?

We wanted to challenge ourselves by making a story about a topic as sensitive and bleak as suicide is and crafting it into a story designed to bring some laughs out of you. The important part to us was ensuring we pay respect to the sensitive subject by telling a story of meaning. At the end of the day, suicide is the loop action in the film, but the story is about grief. By the end, we were very proud of the story we told.

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

The screenplay was written in 2 days. I knew the direction I wanted to go and skipped right past an outline with tunnel vision. The casting process may have been just shy of a month. Bless the hearts of the actors if they are reading this for their patience with me, but it was a series of callback sessions to ensure we “got it right.” I stand proudly on the decisions made that we did get it right. Due to budget/time constraints, we actually filmed this in one day at a local studio. The post production was the longest part, almost half a year. Busy schedules trying to align and corrections to be made, but our editor/colorist, Christiana Usigbe, really made some magic out of this raw clay. Have to sing her praises.

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

Dysfunctionally relatable

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

The filming. After watching, I’m sure you can imagine figuring out a way to jam pack this into a single day was a nightmare and a half. Cameras were choreographed in advance, world flips, literally everyone knew the mission and recognized the “all hands on deck” situation and made it happen. From our Producer Toya Morman driving across town for essential equipment we forgot to pack, Tiffany Terrell keeping the fires out of sight, Stephanie Gordon wearing all the hats she could down to even make-up & Drew Atchison, our Assistant Director, taking on the daunting task of managing a 14-page shoot into one business day… hats off to my team. All I can say.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?
Pre-Production, by far. That’s where I really get to get in there and be obsessive & crazy, both creatively and logistically.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I was exclusively writing for a couple of years after college before moving to the filmmaking side. I was inspired by good friends of mine in LA, one in particular being Gabriel Gely. He’s an unfairly gifted Director of Photography and he methodically captures magic so well that it intimidated me quite a bit. He eased me into some backend education and insisted I give it a shot. Amidst heavy battles with ‘imposter syndrome,’ I may not have ever pursued it beyond screenwriting if not for good people like him and many others along the way.

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

I shamelessly declare: ‘A Goofy Movie’

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Because I care deeply for the friendships I’ve made along the way, I can’t narrow down just one filmmaker “friend” I want to work with because I enthusiastically want to work with a considerable amount of them. Truly a fan of a lot of those I’ve met along the way. Seperate from friendships, an actor I’d love to create something for: Sam Rockwell, a showrunner I’d love to write for: Mike White (White Lotus), a director/writer I’d love to grab coffee & dry cleaning for as an apprentice: Aaron Sorkin

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experience been working on the festival platform site?
Being on the tail end of my first true festival run, there was a lot of learning along the way. Many things I got right, many things I got very wrong, strong learning lessons along the way that even extensive research won’t always make apparent. I know going into our future projects, we will be pursuing festivals with a much clearer lens as to direction. Happy to say, Wildsound will forever be on that list. I see why you are listed as a “Top 100.”

10. What is your favorite meal?
I’ll die on this hill: Chicken Parmesan.

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

Our [On The Set Films] team recently entered post production on our upcoming project, ‘I Think She’s Dead.’ It’s a dark comedy that centers around two unhoused companions that stumble upon a dead jogger and help themselves to a day in her life. It’s as off the top hilarious as it is endearing. For anyone who was a fan of ‘The Transition Room,’ I’m sure you will appreciate the very similar emotionally confusing journey of this but find this one to be a proud successor.

THROUGH THE ROOTS, 3min., Japan
Directed by George Komuro
A short poetic film depicting a conversation between two trees, reflecting on the past, present, and uncertain future of the natural world.

https://japanscreenhub.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to create a short film about climate change and the damage humans have caused to nature. However, I did not want to present the topic in a direct or conventional way. Instead, I chose to tell the story through a quiet conversation between two trees. Since trees live much longer than humans, I thought they could offer a unique perspective on environmental destruction, memory, and the future.

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

It took about one month from the initial idea to the final version. During and after a filmmaking course I attended in London, I developed the concept, wrote the narration, filmed the footage, recorded the voices, and completed the editing.

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

Poetic warning.

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

The biggest challenge was trying to express such a large and complex environmental issue within a very short film. There are many different environmental problems in the world, and it was difficult to create something emotional and meaningful without showing any human characters.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

My favorite stage is development. I enjoy thinking about the film’s ideas, message, and structure before production begins. For Through the Roots, this stage was especially important because the entire film is built around its concept and the voices of the two trees.

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

I became interested in filmmaking through watching international films and seeing how cinema can communicate emotions, ideas, and social issues. After studying filmmaking in London, I realized that I wanted to continue making films and expressing my own perspective through visual storytelling.

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

One film I have watched many times is Drive My Car. I am fascinated by the way it uses silence, conversation, and indirect communication. It made me think deeply about how cinema can express emotions that are difficult to put into words.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with or collaborate with on a film?

In an ideal world, I would like to collaborate with filmmakers who are interested in social issues, nature, and human communication. I would also love to work with international creators from different cultural backgrounds, as diverse perspectives can make films richer and more meaningful.

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

FilmFreeway gave me the opportunity to share my work with film festivals around the world, which is especially valuable for independent and emerging filmmakers. As someone who made a film for the first time, it allowed me to present my work internationally and learn more about the film festival process.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is Japanese curry. It is simple and comforting, and it reminds me of home. Every time I eat it, I feel a sense of nostalgia.

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

I plan to continue making short films and would like to work on longer projects in the future. I am particularly interested in films that connect environmental issues, communication, and human relationships. I also want to keep learning about filmmaking, storytelling, and how visual media can encourage people to think about and discuss important issues.

LET’S MAKE IT A BLOCKBUSTER NIGHT, 80min., USA
Directed by Amir Shah
An Italian-American foreign language instructor and aspiring actress auditions for a role in a German lollipop commercial. An Iranian actress auditions for the same role. Little do both actresses know, that this German TV production company and the lollipop commercial casting , is not really what it seems .

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

This film started from the idea of shooting in Italian beer commercial for the Super Bowl during Covid. The idea is that came to me to shoot the beer advertisement turned into a narrative construct as I looked at the first 30 minutes of the film on my Final Cut Pro. I didn’t realized this is not a beer advertisement. This is an experimental cinematic masterpiece.

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

In Florida I was shooting for a few weeks and then I stopped production because of Covid moved to New York to join the screen actors guild resumed production in NYC , so this film is over five years in the making.

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

Theatrical nihilism

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

The first 35 minutes of the film completely blew me away and then the next 10 to 20 minutes after the 35 minute footage was a complete catastrophe so I had to finish the film using aggressive, editing techniques and aggressive gorilla style filming techniques in New York City with barely any budget .

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution. .

I absolutely love post-production because I edit all of my work, and whatever is done in reproduction is transformed into a different dimension in post-production.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

Post – production.

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

When i saw David Lynch’s blue velvet at the age of 22.

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

Lost highway from David lynch , I saw it 7 times without skipping a day within a week.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Definitely M . Night shyamalan

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

It’s been absolutely outstanding.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Khoresh budenjoon which is a dish from Iran

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

I want to sell theatrical rights to ” let’s make it a blockbuster night” to a Studio so that it gets theatrical Distribution and I’m able to raise enough money so that I’m able to launch my production company Persian Empire Films and continue my original film franchise Are you Amir shah ? Episodes 1-4. The next sequel is called ” Hi , I’m saeed , I’m looking for Amir shah : pt 5

BLUE SUNBEAM, 39min., Hungary
Directed by Karoly Palfai
THALIA, a 6-year-old autistic girl, lives her happy days somewhat isolated from her peers. Her world changes when she receives an invitation that finally pulls her out of her familiar, safe comfort zone. This is how she meets Attila Halász, a special education teacher and karate master, and his inclusive developmental program based on karate. She also encounters a small, close-knit, accepting, and diverse community currently sharing their summer camp at HEGYEM „HEART CAMP”. The Peacefull Warriors Dojo’s spokesperson and contemporary troubadour, ANDI, a person with Down syndrome, warmly welcomes THALIA. Initially shy and reserved, the young girl is soon enchanted by her peers’ friendly community, where she can relax and be herself. Dr. Attila Gubacsi’s 15th Heart Camp provided an excellent space for selfless and supportive souls to embark on a journey toward genuine belonging.

https://instagram.com/myvisualfilms

1. What motivated you to make this film?

In today’s world, we tend to focus on the negative—the hardships and the problems. The same is true when it comes to people with disabilities. Many films explore their struggles and the difficult realities they face, which are certainly important and thought-provoking. However, many of these productions rely on sensationalism simply to attract attention.

I wanted to create an honest, heartwarming, positive, and inspiring film about the world of children with autism and Down syndrome—one that presents them from a different perspective.

We founded the HEGYEM Love Camp in 2010, so making this film felt as if I were documenting my own martial arts family.

I believe that the values of martial arts, together with the sincere, joyful spirit of these young people, can inspire many others—especially those who don’t realize that they already have everything they need to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Perhaps this film serves as a mirror, showing that happiness can be found in a different way.

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

The idea came together over the course of a few months. Besides filming during the camp itself, we spent another four shooting days completing the project.

We enjoy working efficiently, so just one month later the finished film was already presented to the producers.

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

Unconditional Love.

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

My biggest concern was how the autistic children and young people—many of whom are highly sensitive—would react to the camera and microphones. I wondered whether I would be able to remain unobtrusive enough for everything to feel natural.

Fortunately, everything went wonderfully. From the very first test shoot, they accepted me completely, and after a while I simply became invisible to them. That allowed the film to capture genuine, authentic moments.

5. There are five stages of the filmmaking process: Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, and Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

I love the development stage because I enjoy brainstorming and building a story where every element fits together logically and the message is clear.

At the same time, I also love spontaneity and the creative flow. Very often, what I originally planned changes during filming, and I’m happy when that happens. It reminds me that, just like in life, filmmaking requires flexibility and adaptation.

Although I work professionally as an event organizer, the logistical side of pre-production is actually my least favorite part of the process. When making films, I’m a creator first and foremost—that’s what truly motivates me.

Production is pure creative magic for me. I absolutely love it. That’s the moment when something comes to life for the very first time. I enjoy seeing the film evolve into something different from what I originally imagined.

Distribution, however, is probably my weakest area. Promoting our films is always the greatest challenge. In the future, I would love to work with people who truly believe in our projects and can help us bring them to a wider audience.

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

I made my first short film in 2019, and that’s when I fell in love with filmmaking.

I was fascinated by the endless creative possibilities the medium offers.

Before that, I worked as a photographer, but filmmaking allows me to express my thoughts about the world in a much deeper and more complete way.

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

I enjoy all kinds of films, but I’m especially drawn to biographical dramas.

The Wolf of Wall Street is one of my all-time favorites.

I also love lighter films that still leave you thinking, such as The Bucket List and Love Actually.

8. In a perfect world, who would you like to work with or collaborate with on a film?

Among the more experienced actors, I’m a huge admirer of Meryl Streep, so working with her would truly be a dream come true.

Among younger actors, I would love to collaborate with Timothée Chalamet, Josh O’Connor, or Connor Storrie. They all have remarkable talent, and I would enjoy creating compelling characters for them.

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

I genuinely enjoy using FilmFreeway because it’s an incredible resource for independent filmmakers.

I don’t have a management team handling festival submissions for me, so the platform takes a huge amount of work off my shoulders.

It also helps me discover festivals that match where I currently am in my filmmaking journey, allowing me to gain valuable experience, receive meaningful feedback, and achieve successes that help promote my films even further.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I’m definitely a meat lover, so I’d have to say a perfectly cooked steak.

As for traditional Hungarian food, my favorite is Lecsó (Hungarian pepper and tomato stew). In fact, my very first short fiction film was inspired by that dish.

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

So far, I’ve directed two short films, a television film, a feature film, and now this documentary.

My next goal is to make a feature film that reflects a chapter of my own life—a story that is more personal, emotional, and profound than anything I’ve made before.

I’m already working on the screenplay.

HALLOWEEN, 15min., France
Directed by Sacha Lafitte, Aurélien Cambriel
A psychiatrist starts a new job at a hospital. She leaves her daughter with a babysitter for Halloween night. But Michael Myers is lurking nearby.

Get to know the filmmaker Sacha Lafitte:

What motivated you to make this film?

The idea was to pay a strong tribute to John Carpenter’s fantastic slasher
Halloween. As a Cinema teacher, I proposed a course focused on making a
fanfilm. Students had to analyse the first eight movies and make the film and
get inspired by the characters, the atmosphere. Then they wrote a story around a baby-sitter and a young girl. We had to reverse the plot of the original film and turn the baby-sitter into a serial killer.

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

It took almost 1 year to finalise the film.

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

Smart and respectful from the original movie.

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

The sound design. We we supposed to work with a sound engineer to supervize students. But unfortunately it wasn’t possible. I had to work alone on all the sound design, as students had no longer time to work on it. The other issue was to deal with the shot list, the lack of time obliged us to cut down the number of plans shot.

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

We were intimidated and really happy that people enjoyed watching our film !

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

Since childhood. On photos, i always put my fingers as a lense to watched througt it as if it was a camera ! Unconsciouslly I was addicted !

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

Jaws from Steven Spielberg (1975)

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 like to talk with professionals, and get the opportunity to pitch a screenplay to producers.

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

I was a very good experience, though there was some kind of confusion about the dates and results. But everything went very well.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushis !

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

I’m directing a pilot of a series I plan to pitch to producers, untitled « Morituri

It’s the story of an art student investigating a serial killer who recreates famous paintings by old masters. Then, another short film with students set around the World War I. Eventually, in June 2027, a symphonic orchestra will be performing two pieces of on opera I’m writing on Dracula. I can’t wait !

LOVE/BUG, 13min., UK
Directed by Barnabus Walsh
A couple, affectionately naming each other Love and Bug, test the limits of their love living with each other for fifteen months.

https://www.instagram.com/BarnabusWalsh

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
In all honesty, Laurel mentioned that she felt she was missing something from her showreel at a moment of radical optimism*, and I suggested creating something that she would want to include in that showreel.
*that moment being eating a double double at an In ‘N’ Out in LA.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
We first started discussing and writing this in early March, filmed in April, edited in May, and first screened in July.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Love. Bug. (bit of a cop out but those are the characters’ names.)

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It was quite a stress-free shoot, probably a couple reshoots of scenes?

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I watched this after a pretty tough day emotionally, so coming home and seeing some very kindly worded reviews really put a nice button on that day.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
There’s always been some inkling as far back as I can remember. As silly as it sounds, Scooby-Doo: The Movie was an early example of me thinking “I want to do this” (in fairness I was six at the time.)

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I don’t get to rewatch as much as I used to, so it’s probably something that I’ve never stopped being a fan of like X-Men 2.

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 you guys have the best version of an online festival you could ask for, there’s a lot of different aspects of it for a relatively affordable price. Maybe a Best of Fest in-person finale to each year?

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
More good than bad, but it’s such bullshit when you get a “finalist” or “honourable mention” award and it’s just them considering you but not doing anything with it. Please just be honest and say not selected!

10. What is your favorite meal?
Some of the worst individual meals I’ve ever had have been lasagne, but that’s because I’m always very excited to try a new lasagne (veggie or otherwise.)

11. What is next for you? A new film?
The first time I submitted to you, I showed you The Lights: Test Run, a short horror film. The aim is to do a full length version next.

TRUTH IS DEAD, 4min., Australia
Directed by Martin Ryan
Messengers from the future try to give a warning.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted a music video for my new track, which is really a warning about what happens when you don’t use critical thinking and you believe lies, deception and fallacies

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

4 weeks for the music track and two weeks for the video

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

that’s difficult, perhaps pre-apocalyptic warning or perhaps sci-fi action or dystopian messengers

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

lack of tokens and restrictive access to the best video generation models

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

production

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

very early on, but the first time i remember thinking it was actually feasible was when I was acting in an action movie back called Deadly Reactor, and played a gang member called Stoner. Lots of fun riding around in the desert and shooting guns!, It was made on a shoestring budget and I saw how simple the process could actually be that’s when the idea first came to me.

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

Aliens

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Robert Eggers

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

particularly easy, I’d probably like more feedback on how the selection process is progressing though.

10. What is your favorite meal?

an Irish spice bag

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

I’ll be making a new music vide. I’ve been filming various locations in London with a dji ronin cinema 4d 8k and I’d like to integrate some ai characters and perhaps use some analog video glitch and feedback effects, try to create something new

JUMPING AT SHADOWS: FORSAKEN FATHER, 40min., Australia
Directed by Locky Boaretto
Charlotte’s 18th birthday takes a dark turn when Agent Nixon arrives with shocking revelations about her past and his true reasons for hunting aliens. When a desperate attempt to change history unleashes catastrophic consequences, Locky and Jett are thrown into a terrifying alternate future where humanity faces extinction, and must find a way to undo the damage, before it’s too late!

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to continue expanding the Jumping at Shadows universe while telling a darker and more personal story. The main theme of the film is that vengeance has consequences. I wanted to explore what happens when characters allow anger, resentment, and a desire for revenge to influence their decisions, and how those choices can affect not only themselves but the people around them.

The film was heavily inspired by Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Back to the Future Part II. I was particularly interested in the darker tone and personal conflicts of The Empire Strikes Back, as well as the way Back to the Future Part II revisits and expands upon events from previous movies. I wanted Forsaken Father to similarly build upon the established Jumping at Shadows universe while taking the characters and story into darker territory.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Around 1 year.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Sci-Fi Thriller.

4. What was the greatest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was working with a limited budget and resources. As an independent filmmaker, I had to be creative with what was available to me while still trying to make the film feel ambitious and cinematic. Balancing the scale of the story with the practical limitations of an independent production was definitely one of the biggest challenges.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?
Production is probably my favorite stage because it’s when the ideas that have existed in your head and on the page finally become something tangible. There’s something really exciting about seeing the characters, environments, performances, and story come together and watching the film actually take shape.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized I wanted to make films when I first saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens in theaters back in December 2015. Seeing a huge cinematic world on the big screen made me want to create my own stories and eventually make movies myself.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?
Star Wars: A New Hope. It’s one of the biggest inspirations behind my approach to storytelling and my love for cinematic adventure.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?
I’d love to collaborate with filmmakers such as George Lucas or James Cameron. Both have an incredible ability to create ambitious cinematic worlds while combining them with memorable characters and compelling stories. I’d also love to work with actors and composers who are passionate about creating something original and cinematic.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
My experience with FilmFreeway has been very good. It makes it much easier for independent filmmakers to submit their work directly to festivals around the world without needing another intermediary. It’s a really useful platform for getting your film in front of festivals and discovering opportunities as an independent creator.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Sushi.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes. The next film I’ll be working on is Jumping at Shadows: Forsaken Father – (Part 2), which will be the concluding chapter of the entire Jumping at Shadows saga. It will bring the story and its characters to their ultimate conclusion while tying together the events and themes that have been developed throughout the saga. I’m excited to bring this long-running story to an end and give the Jumping at Shadows universe the conclusion it deserves.

THE BIG BREAK, 86min., USA
Directed BY Avi Setton
Charlie, a struggling voice actor living with his AI husband Alan and their roommate Doug, finds his life disrupted when Doug’s social media-addicted friend Travis comes to stay with them.

https://www.instagram.com/thebigbreakfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

20 years of writing script after script and then finding out my wife was pregnant. Together, they gave me a sense of urgency to write a script that I could make as DIY as possible.

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

Exactly two years.

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

First dream.

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

A difficult colorist (who didn’t end up working on the film).

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

They were some of the first reactions I’ve seen, so I felt a deep validation in how it resonated with them.

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

The first time I shot on 16mm. I was 14 and attended a New York Film Academy summer program.

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

Rushmore, though I haven’t watched it in over a decade.

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

Help spread the word about the films that really stick with you, and encourage new outlets for distribution.

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

I think nearly half our film budget went to them. But the film festival submission process is already so overwhelming and convoluted, that it’s nice to have most of it streamlined on one site.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A baguette, cheese, and wine sitting outside with family and friends.

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

I hope so. The script is ready to go if The Big Break helps pave a path toward a slightly more ambitious production.

FIVE HOTELS, 17min., USA
Directed by Harry Roseman
Five Hotels is a first person view of traversing from my hotel rooms down to the street. It simultaneously encapsulates dislocation and location. The sound track evokes the unseen. The vertical orientation of the video reaffirms looking ahead along the long hallways as well as following my gaze as I walk forward. The experience of the film is both strange and ubiquitous. Visual issues: abstraction, pattern, form, and structure are embedded in the experience of this film.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I am constantly making films, both live action and animations. My work, both in film and other media is often in series. The hotel films started with one I made in 2024. The reason I made that film holds for the rest of the series. That is then multiplied by a kind of repetition. The ostensible narrative is very simple, I am leaving my room, going don the hall to the elevator , through the lobby and out into the street. A very straight forward trajectory. At the same tier someone may say good morning, or people may be talking to each other, out of sight but present. Various ways of being there and not being there. The whole time focussed on the patterns of the rugs and floors, both abstract and extremely literal. This is just a part of why I made this film.

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

On the one hand once the idea came to me then literally the time it took me to go from my room to the street. But since the film thus far is Five hotels then it took two years for the film as it now stands. I just completed the Sixth hotel so now it is three years.

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

First person

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

The idea that it might not interest a single person.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development.
Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

Production

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

I made my first film in my senior year of college. But I did home movies as a young person. Then there was a break of about 4 1/2 decades and I organically started to again make films.

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

Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Chantal Akerman

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

Fine

10. What is your favorite meal?

Pasta and custard.

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

I am working on a series of animations, I have finished 14 and am working on the 15th. Also I have been working on an episodic series of very short films, about five minutes each and am on Episode 28. Also in the works in the second film “Information”. Today the Sixth Hotel was added to Five Hotels, making the new film Six Hotels. I am not sure how long this work will continue. A drawing I started over six months ago and have worked on a few times, awaits me.