After Sunset, 7min., USA
Directed by Michael Blake Hudon
A man, reeling after a serious breakup, reflects on his past relationship and finds a new perspective.

https://www.instagram.com/aftersunsetfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve loved movies for as long as I can remember. I finally decided to purse my passion and enrolled in The Los Angeles Film School’s online Digital Filmmaking program in 2021. I was entering my final six months with the school and had to produce my final project. Writing has always been therapeutic for me, and I was going through a breakup at the time. I don’t necessarily think I sat down and said let’s make a movie out of it but I believe it was a more subconscious thing and I was searching for answers.

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

Two years, which I’m not proud to state, but I’ve sure learned a lot. Most of that time was post-production. It’s a really long story and we’d be all day but from pre-production through production, was four months.

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

Compassionate and reflective

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

Gosh, so many. I’d say the answer would have to be the same that all filmmakers face- the money. Like many others before me, this project was almost entirely self-financed.

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

Tears! I shed a few tears. I don’t know that I ever thought about how others might relate to the project when I first sat down to write. I only discovered that when I first started to pass the script around. Though the story is incredibly personal, I found that the experience isn’t unique to me alone. It’s universal. Shared.

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

I’ll say I was probably around 11 or 12. That was the age where we’d get the camera and make movies as kids. Though we were really just having fun and that certainly wasn’t when I thought to pursue it as a career choice. That didn’t come until my late twenties. I also think it’s always been there, even if I wasn’t conscious of it. I’ve always loved stories/movies. This probably sounds weird but I remember being really little – the tv would be turned off and I’d just stare at it, imaging my own films in my head. True story!

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

This is tough…probably Braveheart, or Titanic. Two of my favorite films of all-time. Though, I do recall watching Stepbrothers an unhealthy amount of times when it first came out.

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 wish I had a good idea here. Honestly, you guys have done so much and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Your festival is so unique!

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

Incredibly easy and user/filmmaker friendly.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I base everything I eat on whether or not I can make it spicy. I love cooking Gumbo. It’s got all the best stuff in it.

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

What’s next for me is being kept tightly under wraps at the moment. I’m sorry! I know there’s no fun in that answer. What I can tell you is that I am writing a limited series and you heard it here first.