SILENT PULL, 11min., USA
Directed by Lamont Nathaniel Gibson
A Black queer man navigates unreciprocated intimacy and the emotional cost of longing, as systemic pressures push his vulnerabilities into transactional spaces.

https://www.instagram.com/direct_lng/

https://www.instagram.com/silent_pull

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My motivation to make Silent Pull comes from different queer experiences I had in my life. Steve was based on a real person I knew and was an important part of my journey through education. I wanted to put on display black queer love in transactional space. Where income differences impose a dynamic that blocks the development of love.

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

Silent Pull was my graduate thesis film and it took two and a half years to complete. The insert shoot was a year after principal shoot was done and editing, color and sound design took place over an eight month period.

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

Black resistance

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

Money was the biggest obstacle for the film. My actors were willing to do the insert shoot pro bono to help me complete the film. I am so grateful to the crew and cast for helping me complete the film. It was made with love and support.

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

Joy that they are experiencing my film and can understand what I am doing hasn’t been done. I am using my education with my emotional intelligence to create queer black spaces that stand the test of time.

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

The inclination was there as a child growing up but I didn’t pursue it until I went back to school in my late twenty’s. I went on to have two associates degrees,a bachelors of fine arts and a masters in fine arts. Once I became educated I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

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

Spike LeeDo The Right Thing is a film I watch a lot because of its film history and what it speaks to during a time when people of color weren’t being treated fairly.

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

Work of mouth seems to be the best thing for my film. Being from Philadelphia and not having many connections outside of the city I know my film will only go as far as people who are programming are talking about it.

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

I’ve been a member of filmfreeway for around five years and it’s been a battle to get noticed. It also has been beneficial to creating an audience around the world so it doesn’t just live in Philadelphia.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I’m a big fan of salmon, mac and cheese I make from scratch but currently I am eating a lot of chipotle, double chicken.

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

I am working on my first feature documentary on some trauma that has happened during my time in school and how I preserved through filmmaking when life was crumbling around me.

SUGAR BEACH, 90min., USA
Directed by Noely Mendoza
Rosalyn, a wealthy and talented high school senior, grapples with immense grief after the loss of her brother in a surfing accident. The void left behind by his absence consumes her, and she begins a descent into addiction—alcohol becoming her solace as she numbs the pain and confusion. Amidst her downward spiral, she finds herself in a complex relationship with two other people, Isaac, and Emma. Drawn to the comfort and sweetness of their affection, the throuple provides a fleeting sense of escape, but Rosalyn’s internal struggle with grief and substance abuse complicates her search for self-love, growth, healing and identity.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Zoe (writer / lead) brought me the script, and right away I was drawn to the heart of it. I loved the premise: young women boldly going after what they want even when the world tells them otherwise. It felt rebellious, alive, and necessary. I wanted to explore that hunger and that freedom on screen.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
All in, it took about five years. In a way, the film grew up with me, and I think you can feel that in the finished piece.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Everything was an obstacle. Making an independent film means constant challenges with money, time, resources, and even just getting people to believe in the vision. The hardest part was keeping the faith when things kept falling apart, and still pushing forward anyway. Perseverance became my daily practice.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt completely overwhelmed in the best way. It is such a vulnerable thing to put your work out there, and hearing that it resonated so strongly with people made me feel joy, relief, and a deep sense of connection.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
At 13 years old. I remember watching films and realizing they could shape how people see the world, and I knew then that this was what I wanted to dedicate my life to.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Fall by Tarsem Singh. Its visual poetry and emotional core have stayed with me for years.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Support with barriers of entry would make a big difference, such as travel assistance, childcare, or more accessible networking opportunities. Festivals are such a lifeline for filmmakers, and making them easier to attend and participate in would open so many doors.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
It has been straightforward and reliable. The system makes the submission process feel manageable, which is huge for filmmakers juggling so many moving pieces.

10. What is your favorite meal?
A falafel wrap, simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes, I am working on The Sugar Beach Trilogy. The first film is complete, and now I am building toward the full arc of the trilogy. It is a deeply personal and ambitious project, and I am excited to keep expanding this world.

Close to Home, 32min., USA
Directed by Whitney Skauge
Through the exploration of their personal and shared experiences, four young advocates imagine a world where access to safe, affordable, and reliable housing is not a privilege but an undeniable human right.

https://www.instagram.com/whitneyskauge/

Get to know producer Patrisse Cullors:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to help tell a story that so often gets silenced — the story of queer youth navigating houselessness while also finding chosen family and stepping into advocacy. For me, this was deeply personal. I’ve lived that reality, and I know how powerful it can be to see yourself reflected on screen with dignity and truth.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The process unfolded over a year. From 2023 to the end of 2024. Building trust with the LA Emissary and making sure the film reflected their voices authentically took time, and I see that time as a sacred part of the creative journey.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest challenge was ensuring the film didn’t replicate the same harm that institutions often impose on young people. We had to make space for care, for consent, and for the youth to lead the narrative.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt gratitude and relief. Gratitude that people understood the heart of the film, and relief that the message — that young people are not broken, the systems are — resonated so strongly.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
As an artist, storytelling has always been part of my practice. I realized film was a medium I wanted to step into when I saw how powerfully it could bring people together to imagine a different future.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I’ve seen Bamboozled, Spike Lee’s film. A satire on Black entertainment and media in America.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Festivals can do more to support films that center marginalized communities, not just in screenings but in distribution, impact campaigns, and long-term relationships. It’s not only about premiering films, it’s about making sure these stories reach the audiences who need them most.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
It’s been straightforward and easy to navigate, which is helpful when you’re managing multiple projects.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Anything made with love and shared with community. But if I had to choose: my grandmother’s dirty rice and roasted chicken.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes — I’m continuing to explore abolitionist aesthetics through film, art installations, and live performance. My next projects build on the same themes as Close to Home: care, survival, and imagining new systems of belonging.

STEALING ASH, 13min., USA
Directed by Frances Capel
After their best friend dies, four best friends plan a heist to steal their ashes and take them on a final joyride for the send off they deserve.

https://instagram.com/campyatc

Get to know filmmakers Valerie Dohrer & Frances Capel:

Valerie Dohrer: Co-writer and Producer
Frances Capel: Co-writer and Director

1. What motivated you to make this film?
VALERIE: Stealing Ash was made at the Young Actors’ Theatre Camp Winter Film Intensive. It was one of 11 films Shawn Ryan and I produced during the seven days of our students’ Winter Breaks. We were both inspired by our many non-binary and trans students who bravely try out new names and pronouns to figure out what feels most like them at camp first before coming out to their families and friends back home. A few do not come from supportive families or communities and have to go through their adolescent years playing two versions of themselves. It is our young people who are unapologentic about who they are that creates a safe and supportive environment for others to be themselves at camp. We can be different around different power or personality dymnaics with the people in our lives and it was important to us to not make Ash’s mom a villain. As part of the healing journey for the friends, they felt they needed to do their own memorial for their version of Ash. Adolescent logic does not always mean taking time to think things through and the high stakes the teens feel makes for a fun story!

FRANCES: Having worked at the Young Actors’ Theatre Camp for 11 years, I have had the opportunity to teach so many bright and emotionally intelligent children. I have learned just as much from them as I hope they have from me. With Stealing Ash, I wanted to make a film that exemplifies and honors the bond of a close, foundational friendship and how our openness can be a tool. I would be remised if I didn’t mention the perspective I have gained from my trans peers and friends. I wanted to celebrate this and also highlight that learning is a lifelong process.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
VALERIE: We frote out first draft in September and then did various revisions until early December. There were drastically different versions with totally different stories, that just didn’t feel right so we kept going. When we finalized the script, I did casting, and then we set it off to our students to memorize their lines and the Student Director, Alex (who posed as Ash for the photos) got to do some brainstorming with us about how to make the film. We shot from December 29-Janaury 2nd and then editing happened until March 15th.

FRANCES:I love to rewrite and change a script so idea to finished product was about six months. We filmed for six days in Santa Cruz for about 7 hours per day. I am beyond grateful to my amazing team and support system on this project. Honestly, this was one of the most seamless productions I have been a part of. Stealing Ash definitely comes from a place of care and love.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
VALERIE: Love true

FRANCES: Vulnerable & heartfelt!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
VALERIE: For me, it was that I was also producing 10 other short films and the coordinating the shooting schedules to allow for multiple films to be able to use the same space. Our only off campus locations for this one were the Church for the opening, and the local high school for the lunch scene. We also only have 5 shooting days of at most 6 hours each and New Year’s Eve was right in the middle of it. We got VERY lucky with the weather this year but we’ve had some past years where it’s rained all but 30 minutes on a single day!

FRANCES: I think my actors would say eating the same burrito for 30 or so takes. I don’t know, I thought kids love burritos. Again, still learning. For me though, the hardest part was scheduling and coordinating around the 10 other films we made at YATC’s winter film camp. Managing to get a bus of people to the church for the first scene and shoot it in an hour was a feat to say the least.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
VALERIE: I was a little nervous! We hosted a film festival for our students and their families to but it’s very different to show your film to people who are in no way biased and associated with anyone involved! I loved the very kind feedback we got and it was amazing to hear what they thought of this film that we love!

FRANCES: I really appreciate your words! I’m a person that craves feedback. It means a lot to me that you all took the time to put together the video!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
VALERIE: Frances and I met as Young Actors’ Theatre Camp campers when we were young and we’ve known each other much longer than we haven’t! Both of us were campers, then counselors, and now Frances is an Instructor/ Film Director / Head Makeup Designer and I am the Associate Director/ an Instructor. We’ve learned about filmmaking from the camp and I love the endless possiblilites of creative story telling. Both of us have written short films solo and bounced ideas off one another, but we were both so excited by this idea that we decided to write it together. I think some of the funniest lines are just us trying to make the other person laugh! I always want an excuse to work with Frances! We also love meeting passionate filmmakers that want to mentor the next generations of creatives! Our program is a hands on training tool, and I never would have considered that I could be a filmmaker without this program to let me do it and explore in my teens.

FRANCES:I have always loved film. I grew up in theatre and attending YATC. I realized I wanted to be screenwriter when I stumbled upon a screenplay in high school. I then mirrored the formatting and wrote my first script. I didn’t have the privilege of going to college but knew this is what I wanted to do, so I wormed my way into YATC’s film department and will not be leaving anytime soon.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
VALERIE: What a Sophie’s Choice of a question! I think it would probably be Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!

FRANCES: Tough when you grew up in Blockbuster. I can’t think of a specific film but I am always drawn to high-femme teen dark comedies like Jaw Breaker & Sugar and Spice. The first film I remember loving at four years old was actually The Others with Nicole Kidman. I think I have always loved darker themes, or maybe I was just a creepy child. Lately though, I have been on a Barbara Streisand kick.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
VALERIE: I would have loved to meet everyone in person but it’s so valuable to get the Audience Feedback videos and I love that you also do blog and Podcast interviews! I am looking forward to being connected with the other filmmakers. We love making conenctions at festivals and we’ve even brought on some cinematographers to work with us that we met at different festivals!

FRANCES: I want a t-shirt! No, I am unsure. I can let you know next year 😉

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
VALERIE: It’s been fine for us.

FRANCES: I am so lucky that my producers at YATC take the lead when submitting to festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?
VALERIE: I love sushi with seaweed salad!

FRANCES: A French 75 paired with Taco Bell

11. What is next for you? A new film?
VALERIE: I’ll be producing another group of short films this winter and I have two scripts in the works!
One called Sophia’s Choice about a girl who arrives to camp overrun with girls named Sophia and each one is expected to choose a nickname, only our Sophia, is standing her ground.
The second is called Pretty Sweet Sixteen about appreciating the friends who do show up for you and that quality will always be more important than quantity.

FRANCES: Yes! I am writing a new short film to be produced by YATC at our Winter Film Camp. It’s going to be a fun one!

Detectives & Dragons, 8min., Canada
Directed by Lucas Candelino, Benjamin Kostecki, Evan McDowell
A know-it-all detective is tasked with incriminating a murder suspect through a fantasy role-playing game by recreating the scenario of the killing. Tensions escalate when he goes off-script.

https://instagram.com/candelino.jpeg

Get to know filmmaker Lucas Candelino:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
A: These types of role-playing games make for a fun scenario since they have very specific rules players have to follow. We thought it would be a fun idea to have a fish-out-of-water character, like a cop, try to play it while trying to follow these rules and avoiding being caught.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
A: It took about 3 months, mostly pre-production and editing while shooting took 2 days.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
A: Dry chaos.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
A: The biggest obstacle was having enough time to shoot. We only had 8 hours inside the store, but we also had to rehearse, record ADR, move equipment, etc… By the end, we were gung-ho.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
A: I’m happy they enjoyed it. I’m especially glad they noted that an audience member can watch this without playing the game before; we really tried to write the script with that in mind.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
A: I made a terrible Illuminati documentary on a Samsung tablet when I was 12. Still, it was fun, so I decided to continue making videos as I grew up.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
A: Top Secret!

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
A: This is my first time submitting, so I had a great experience and appreciate the feedback provided.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
A: The site was very convenient, no complaints.

10. What is your favorite meal?
A: Lasagna, like Garfield.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
A: Likely another short. I usually make comedic stuff, so I think a drama/horror is the plan.

AN ANATOMY OF GRIEF, 15min., Canada
Directed by Anthony Joseph Spatafora
A mother grieving the death of her son while being haunted by his corpse.

https://www.instagram.com/ananatomyofgrief_shortfilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It actually came to me in a dream I had a few years ago, where I lived in a reality where I had been gone for 10 years and no one knew where I went. I came back into my friends’ and family’s lives and saw how my absence affected them. My parents were especially heartbroken. I’ll never forget the moment in that dream when I came face to face with my mother after being gone for 10 years. The sadness, relief and pain in her face and voice haunts my brain to this day and it is what inspired me to write this story.

The story was also based on my own personal experiences with loss in my family. My father’s dad passed away when he was young leaving my dad, uncle, and grandmother alone. My mother’s father had an accident which altered who he was until the day he passed away. Seeing how these events affected my family and how they were all able to bounce back from it made me want to express how there is always hope even after immense loss.

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

It took me about a year and a half to develop the script and go into production and post-production. But I actually wrote the story in 2021 and then I adapted it into a script in 2024 because the story resonated more with me then. I finally finished it in April of 2025.

I rewrote the script many times. At one point, I had the mother’s sister in the story as her support system, but I cut her out because I thought it was more important to show Cassandra (the mother) dealing with this loss on her own. Because not everyone has somebody to rely on.

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

Always Hope.

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

The whole project was challenging because it was all new to me. I hadn’t made a film with a budget this size before ($1,500).

Directing the crew during production and figuring out the schedule with my 1st AD was especially difficult. We crammed a lot into one day—including all of the makeup scenes and the morgue sequences and completing all that in one day felt amazing. But it was hard to direct my actors when I was also so particular with how every other aspect of its production looked.

Post-production also had its struggles. At one point, we nearly submitted the film out of sync! which was a very scary moment haha.

Also figuring out how to integrate my artwork into the film was difficult for me. But with the help of my professor Shannon Vieira-Covello I was able to find points in the story as to where they should belong.

My biggest challenge in post-production was battling my lack of confidence. At times I felt like the film wasn’t good enough, but I fought through that self-doubt and made it the way I envisioned anyways. I owe huge thanks to my editor, Dani Michelle, and my sound mixer/editor, Christopher Goruloski. They both did such an incredible job, and the film wouldn’t be the same without their work. I also want to thank my friends Abdullah Umar and Tae Sax, and my professors Shannon Vieira-Covello, Garrett Kerr and Kazik Radwanski for their support on this project. Their feedback and insight helped the film become the best it could be.

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

It was nice to hear people express how much they appreciated the film, some people called it beautiful and said it was a great expression about dealing with grief. A lot of people I know didn’t initially like or understand why Alex’s ribs were exposed but hearing one person express how the mother was trying to put her son back together made me happy to see that people actually do get it haha.

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

In high school, I took a class called Comp Tech, which was a film and editing class. I made a lot of films for the class and outside of it with my friends. We had so much fun in high school making films that I saw that I could do this for a living.

Around then, I was also watching a lot of films, particularly horror movies, that genre always resonated with me the most.

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

Probably E.T. I watched it so many times in high school—partly because I was too lazy to take the DVD out of the player, and partly because I just loved the story.

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 think you all did a fantastic job promoting both my film and myself, and I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.

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

Pretty good, actually. The website is very user-friendly, and I didn’t have any issues using it.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My grandmother’s lasagna.

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

As of right now, I just finished production designing a feature film, which was very challenging. I might take a little time to relax before diving into another big project like that.

That being said, this month I am production designing two short films. One is called Pilastro, written and directed by Ellie Reeves—you can check out the details on its Instagram page (@pilastro_film). The other is a 48-hour challenge project, which is still a secret for now.

I’ve also been working on two scripts on the side—one for another short film that deals with trauma, and another for a comic called Frogs With Hair. You can see some of the completed pages of that comic on my website’s portfolio page: [https://bluemarjack.wixsite.com/ajspatafora/portfolio-collections/illustration-portfolio/the-frog-brothers].

On top of that, I’m finishing up editing a music video I directed over the summer for my friends’ band, TORRENT, for their song DIG. If you’re into the post-punk genre, you can find TORRENT on Spotify and other streaming platforms. The video will be released on October 31st on their YouTube channel.

FARE SHARE, 26min., USA
Directed by Carlos Leos
On the surface, it’s just another rideshare. But as a weary driver picks up a silent, blood-covered passenger, what begins as awkward small talk unravels into a quiet confrontation with his own doubts, fears, and faith. With no answers from the woman in his backseat, and none from the universe he keeps questioning, the ride grows increasingly tense. Some fares are routine. This one carries a price.

https://www.instagram.com/actorcarlosleos/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I was motivated by my passion for storytelling and my belief in film as a way to spark conversation, healing, and reflection. This Anthology project, all 13 films, came from a very personal place, inspired by the people and experiences that shaped me. I wanted to give voice to stories that don’t always get heard.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The process took about a week to outline all 13 films. For Fare Share, I filmed, edited, scored, and finished the cut in 2 days. Overall, the anthology has taken about 2 months so far, with 8 of 13 films completed.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Funding and resources were the toughest challenges. Like many independent filmmakers, I had to stretch every dollar and rely on sheer determination and creativity to bring the story to life.

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

It was humbling and exciting. Hearing viewers connect with the story in their own words reminded me why I do this, to move people, to make them think, and to remind them that stories have power. It meant the world to see how everyone connected with the story and truly understood it.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized it after my music career opened the door to acting. That first set experience showed me a whole new way to create. From there, I knew filmmaking was my calling, I could merge writing, performance, and vision all in one place.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Godfather… it’s a masterclass in storytelling, family dynamics, and cinematic craft.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Networking opportunities are key. Connecting filmmakers directly with potential collaborators, distributors, and mentors during the festival adds lasting value beyond screenings.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway has been smooth and straightforward. It’s a great tool for independent filmmakers to connect with festivals around the world and manage submissions in one place.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A hearty pasta dish, like fettuccine with a rich sauce and fresh herbs. Simple, comforting, and always satisfying.

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

Yes, absolutely. I have several projects in development under 3Wize Media, including a Western series, a supernatural anthology, and a heist thriller. I’m always writing, producing, and building toward the next story that will challenge and inspire audiences. My goal is to keep creating projects that spark conversation and elevate underrepresented voices.

The Briefcase, 6min., USA
Directed by Valdis Pelenitsyn
What begins as a typical criminal job between old friends takes an unexpected twist, leading them into an unpredictable situation.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Honestly, the motivation was the same as always — the desire to create. We first shot a one-minute sketch with one of the actors and that now-famous briefcase I ordered on Amazon. It turned out great, and I thought, “We have to use this briefcase again. It cost me 40 bucks!” That’s how we decided to expand it into a 5-minute short film.

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

I’d say the prep and pre-production took about a month, and the editing process lasted around a week.

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

Goofballs on a mission Sorry, more than two words

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

We filmed at night in an alley in an industrial area, and nearby there were some homeless folks living on the street. I was really worried they might interrupt or get into the frame. But everything went smoothly! Huge thanks to them for that.

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

For me, it’s incredibly important that my work evokes emotions in people. It doesn’t matter what kind of emotions — what matters is that the film doesn’t leave you indifferent.

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

That happened when I was 17. A lot has happened since then.

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

Great question! Probably not a movie, but a series — Scrubs. I’ve watched it more than 10 times! All eight seasons. Each time, like a fine wine, it reveals something new to me.

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

It would be amazing to have networking events with festival participants, producers, casting directors, and talent agencies.

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

It’s an excellent platform — probably the only one where independent filmmakers can truly showcase their work to the world.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Baked salmon with potatoes — absolutely delicious!

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

Of course, a new film! I’m already working on it. 😉

DILEMMA, 14min., USA
Directed by Trevan Jay Hiatt
Dilemma is a tense psychological thriller that delves into the consequences of a single, reckless decision. When high school friends find themselves trapped in a situation they can’t escape, panic sets in, and their once-close bond begins to fray. With each choice they make, the weight of their actions grows heavier, and the line between right and wrong blurs. Dilemma is a gripping exploration of guilt, fear, and where unexpected paths can lead us.

https://www.instagram.com/dilemma.film/

Get to know Producer Matthew Flug:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve always been fascinated by moral dilemmas — those impossible, high-stakes choices where there is no clear right answer. With Dilemma, I wanted to explore how guilt, complicity, and friendship can spiral when a single choice changes everything. I was motivated to create a film that would leave audiences questioning themselves long after the credits rolled.

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

From the first spark of the idea to the finished film, Dilemma was nearly a four year journey. I wrote the script in early 2021 and made the decision to bring it to life in mid-2024. While the writing process came together fairly quickly, the real challenge—and reward—was assembling the right director, cast, and crew, and then shaping the story in the edit. That was where the project truly came to life.

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

Tense. Unforgiving.

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

The biggest challenge was balancing the intensity of the story with the practical realities of production. Dilemma relies heavily on emotional performances in confined spaces, so creating an environment where the actors could safely go to those dark places — while still keeping the shoot on time and budget — was our greatest hurdle.

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

It was both surreal and deeply rewarding. Hearing complete strangers reflect on the film’s themes — and even debate what they would have done in the characters’ shoes — reminded me why I made Dilemma in the first place.

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

I started out as a CBS News broadcast associate, which gave me an incredible foundation in storytelling. But I always felt pulled toward narrative filmmaking — creating worlds, characters, and questions that can’t always be answered in journalism. Dilemma is the result of following that pull.

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

The Shawshank Redemption. Its themes of hope, redemption, and moral strength never stop resonating with me.

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

Opportunities for connection are invaluable — whether that’s more chances to meet fellow filmmakers, introductions to industry professionals, or platforms to showcase our work to wider audiences. The audience feedback element was fantastic, and I’d love to see even more structured networking opportunities.

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

FilmFreeway has been seamless for me. It’s straightforward, intuitive, and makes it easy to track submissions and deadlines — which is a huge help when you’re juggling the many moving parts of a film’s festival run.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushi!

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

I’m currently writing something new that I am very excited about— and I hope to share more soon!