LOUDER THAN LATER, 5min., USA
Directed by Matt Jenkins
The film follows Mara and Juno as they try to save their favorite punk bar, The Rusty Needle, only to discover that the real enemy isn’t a villain; it’s apathy. Their fight becomes a funny reminder of what it means to care loudly in a world that is too comfortable being quiet.

https://www.instagram.com/misfits_of_film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

“Louder Than Later” is my attempt to bottle the chaotic joy of being young, loud, and convinced your favorite dive bar is the center of the universe. Growing up, I was shaped equally by the punk scene and the kind of fast, clever dialogue that makes everyday conversations feel like verbal ping-pong. This movie is where those two influences finally meet.

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

It took six months.

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

Punk fast

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

My biggest obstacle was finding a bar that had the look I wanted that would be available when I planned to film.

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

I was thrilled that the first and third person who spoke seemed to enjoy the movie. That was what we were aiming for.

I was a little disappointed the second person who spoke didn’t seem to get the movie and thought it was a part of a larger sketch comedy program. She said it was “choppy.” I intentionally made abrupt and quick edits to emulate the rough edge punk music scene and especially the no wave film scene that was prevalent in New York City during the early punk years. Now I didn’t expect people to go “Oh that reminds me of no wave filmmaking” but I wanted the audience to feel the rough edge scene that early punk was.

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

I never didn’t realize I wanted to make movies I have always wanted to make them.

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

“The Adventures of El Frenetico and Go-Girl” and “Red Victoria.”

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

You guys do a great job.

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

Film Freeway works. It might help to further develop the search tools.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Ice cream.

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

Yes! We are in preproduction for our next short movie tentatively titled “Split the Well.” It’s about an Oklahoma oil man who is confronted by two women who each claim to be his daughter and they want their inheritance now!