Laurel Moon, 20min., USA
Directed by Sarah Sherman
After sharing a walk home with an unexpected companion, a grieving mother leaves all she has left so she can finally live.

https://instagram.com/laurelmoonfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? I had read several scripts for westerns being made and found myself thinking of characters not seen or mentioned or felt. In all of the violence, something was missing. I began writing and realized I had to know, “Who are the characters’ mothers?”

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

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Never take a role in a film for which you are the producer.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? It felt unbelievable that people watched Laurel Moon with the intention of appreciating the story and the filmmaking. I wasn’t prepared to switch to the audience view from the filmmaker view. It was very vulnerable and exciting.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I’ve wanted to make films for as long as I can remember.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? I rarely watch films more than once. Life is short, and there are so many. My last favorite film was Roma.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? The Feedback Festivals seem like a great addition to the festival models.

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? Cookies

11. What is next for you? A new film? I’m working to finish a feature screenplay, a biopic, I’ve been packing around for a long time. I may finally have the life experience to finish it.