Memoria Obscura, 5min., USA
Directed by David Christopher Nelson, Connor Ryan
In a world where memory erasure is a legitimate industry, the underground black market known as Memoria Obscura serves as a hub for stolen and repurposed memories.

Get to know filmmakers David Christopher Nelson, Connor Ryan

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Connor: My motivation comes from multiple aspects. I’ve always wanted to collaborate with

Dave, which was a major reason. Beyond that, I want to create films I believe are currently missing in the industry and bring back the 80s–90s cinema I grew up with.

Dave: The motivation was to create something that is intriguing visually and story-wise, something that is a classic spectacle that we grew up watching.

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

About a year and a half.

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

Connor: Bad Ass

Dave: Tech Noir

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

Connor: The biggest challenge was the final scene. Dave and I spent months refining it to get the look and ending just right. Once Dave composited the background, everything clicked, and we successfully landed the ending.

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

Connor: I thought it was awesome. It’s incredibly rewarding to see strangers review your work.

Filmmakers put everything into creating something like this, so it’s great to see people actually watch it and react to it.

Dave: It was humbling and rewarding. It is nice to see others enjoy the work and possibilities of the world that we created. We hope to share more of it soon.

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

Connor: I didn’t realize it until my senior year of high school. I grew up obsessed with movies but never thought it was a real possibility since I was raised in Bucks County, PA, where most people work blue-collar jobs. It wasn’t until I took a film elective that it clicked that this could actually be a path for me.

Dave: Sophomore year in high school, I was in a video class and just loved the process, everything just clicked, and I have been on the path of making films ever since.

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

Connor: Drive (2011)

Dave: It’s a three-way tie: Taxi Driver, Terminator 2, Goodfellas

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 cool to have multiple people in the same room or on a video call discussing and breaking down the film. It doesn’t need to be long—just a few minutes would be interesting to watch.

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

It was easy and great to use.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Connor: Ribeye Steak

Dave: Filet mignon

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

Currently in pre-production on the next short film, a gritty, stylized detective film.