IBLIS, 30min., USA
Directed by Jay Smith Ackerman
Noah is a young musician who can’t seem to catch a break. One day he discovers a device that allows him to manipulate time. He plans on using it to achieve his wildest dreams, but soon realizes the gadget is not what it seems to be….

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

– Everyone has regrets in their lives. But more importantly, everyone makes mistakes. It’s human. It seems like wherever you go and whoever you meet, mistakes are viewed as flaws in a person, rather than a learning experience from which we grow. But what if a company found out a way to take advantage of people and stop that growth? That’s what intrigued me to this film. Especially today, where our own leaders are trying to seem perfect by backtracking on every mistake, it just ends up making things worse. Noah thinks that being perfect will allow him to achieve his wildest dreams. But at the end of the day, should we really strive to be spotless? Mistakes are what being human is all about. That’s what matters. Ending a film on a sad note will hopefully motivate more people to stand up and make a change. After all… YOU ARE A FAILURE. PROVE US WRONG.

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

I had been conceptualizing this idea since 2019. I was fascinated with ideas that end on a sad note. As time progressed, it was clear the message needed to be more than just a time travel film. We started writing in June of 2025 and finished in July. We filmed for a total of 15 days and spent 3 months in the edit making sure this would stand out among other projects. All things considered it was a pretty quick turn around time and so much fun to show people our story!

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

Manipulative time.

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

I bet you see this a lot but it was definitely the budget. Living in the middle of nowhere with no resources or population to assist in filmmaking is almost impossible. ALMOST. We have pooled money over the years to afford to build custom sets ourselves, acquire talent who are as passionate as we are, and learn first hand how to create an original film while we all work full time. In this ever changing filmmaking environment where everyone has access to a camera, we have proven that despite our rural environment and limited support, anyone can make their messages heard.

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

Absolutely ecstatic that people not only enjoyed the film but appreciated the complex heartbreaking storytelling. It’s comforting knowing that our goofy jokes can make people laugh.

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

I knew I wanted to make films ever since I was just a wee lad. Watching Pixar movies with funny jokes and impactful messaging spoke volumes. Visual storytelling in new and innovative ways always made me eager to go to the theatres a watch the newest film. In everything I’ve ever made, comedy is crucial in complimenting even the most impactful messaging. As long as I’m making movies, I will always strive to try to make bold choices that no one has ever seen before. But as long as I can make 1 person laugh, I’ve done my job and can rest easy.

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

Definitely Monsters Inc. and Back to the Future are tied. Both movies inspire most of my decision making in film.

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 know FEEDBACK is in the title and I know making sure everyone is happy is the top priority. But there should be a box to check in the festival submission process that explicitly says that if the submitter wants feedback in addition to a video praising the film, then that should be an option. Even perfect movies have some questionable moments that can be answered. And especially for new filmmakers, I’d much rather be told what I need to work on, rather than what we did well on. I might be in the minority here but having that option would be great!

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

I mean it was seamless other than missing the option that I listed above. Since we won the audience award for Best Performances, will our submission status change to award winner? Or will that only change if the festival itself gives out awards?

10. What is your favorite meal?

Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic rolls!!!! Oh my goodness I could talk about that all day. It’s that home cooking that is simple enough to satisfy but not too complex to ruin your taste.

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

We are currently in pre-production with a feature film based off of one of our best friends! It will be very heavy on the emotional aspects of living in America as a person of color. We can’t wait for the world to see what comes from it!