The Harpies, 4min., Canada
Directed by Rogan Lovse
The Harpies was written, filmed, and edited in 48 hours as part of the 2024 Run N Gun: Vancouver’s 48 hour Film Competition. Winner of the Run N Gun’s Best Cinematography and Best Art awards, as well as, being nominated for Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Direction.

https://www.instagram.com/the_harpies_horror_short_film

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

We made the film as part of “Run N Gun”, a 48 hour film competition in Vancouver. We wanted to challenge ourself to make a high quality film within the constraints of the competition and further connect with our local indie film community. As far as what motivated this specific film; I love horror because you get to break all the rules of filmmaking in uncomfortable ways. I also really wanted to use a creature we hadn’t seen before in modern horror films.

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

Since we made the film as part of a 48 hour film competition; we wrote, shot, and completed post production within a 48 hour period. Going into the film we knew our crew, cast, location, equipment, and the genre we wanted to write within. Everything beyond that was determined within those two days.

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

Tight horror.

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

Lack of sleep. Because of the competition, I probably slept only 5 hours within a 60 hour window. Very challenging to maintain quality and focus when your system is shutting down.

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

Honestly I just loved that people had things to say and discuss. Cinema should provoke discussion. I’m happy that our little four minute film managed to pack enough in to foster conversation.

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

Originally I only saw myself as a writer; although I’ve loved engaging with films from a young age. My earliest memory is my father taking me to the cinema when I was two years old. I didn’t really realize I wanted to direct and make movies until I went to film school to get a better understanding of the process of script to screen. I realized how much storytelling you can do with lighting, camera angles, lenses, etc. So I always wanted to tell stories, but I probably didn’t fully realize I wanted to be a filmmaker until my first cinematography class.

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

Donnie Darko. Definitely my favourite 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?

Giving opportunities like this to talk about the film is great. The best thing that festivals can do is get people to watch your film and discuss it. There’s no point in making a film if no one sees it. The next best thing is getting the filmmakers recognized for their work. Each film is building a foundation for the next one.

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

Jordan, one of our producers leads the festival submission process for our projects. The platform has definitely made it a lot easier to find festivals and get our work out there for audience to enjoy.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love Pho.

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

We have a couple digerent short films in development stages. One of which we’re close to proper preproduction on. Hoping to shoot that in the winter. Also working on a feature film collaboration with my co-writer, Hallie, from The Harpies. Hoping to get those two shorts finished and then delve into shooting that first feature.