Zero Sum Game, 8min., USA
Directed by Scott Cook, Liz Dibble
A rumination on the break down of civil discourse in society, the damaging nature of contention, and the profound importance of peace making.

www.instagram.com/dibbledance1

Get to know director Liz Dibble:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I choreographed the dance this film is based on in 2020/2021. Contention seemed to be ever present in my life and community. Differing political views and opinions surrounding how to handle the global Covid19 pandemic were tearing apart my family, my friends, my neighborhood, and even my faith community. No one around me seemed interested in actually learning, understanding, giving space for others, it all felt like a giant yelling match that was amplified by social media. I started to ponder on how we could do this better? Was there a different way that could lead to connection and empathy rather than isolation and anger.

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

From the conception of the dance to the finished film, 4 years. From film concept to finished product, 1 year.

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

Sincere, hopeful

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

Constraints on time. We had a very limited budget, so it forced us to consolidate shooting in 3 different locations into one day. Also one of the featured dancers was pregnant and grappling with terrible morning sickness. She is my hero, and was incredible all during the shoot. But we were trying to fit so much into one day and trying not to completely exhaust her and wear her down.

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

It was a joy. I was happy that the message of the film seemed clear and that the audience picked up on the nuance and detail we tried to incorporate.

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

Dance is an ephemeral art form. The product you work on for months or years is often performed only a handful of times and then that live experience is gone forever. I became interested in making dance films about 8 years ago. Having a tangible artifact of a creative act is powerful.

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

Dead Poets Society and Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Truly opposite ends of the spectrum. Maybe “Big Fish” is a close 3rd.

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

This festival is truly like nothing else I have ever been a part of. I appreciate your intention with building community and working to promote the films shown.

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

Film Freeway is easy to use, accessible to all. I have had nothing but positive experiences using the site.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushi, specifically hamachi nigiri. Yum.

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

I am taking a piece of choreography to a college dance festival in a few weeks. More films to come, definitely.

longing/belonging, 3min,. Canada
Directed by Rachael Withers, Niamh Wilson
longing/belonging follows a queer femme struggling to break out of the mold of their straight relationship and their journey to discovering identity and community.

https://instagram.com/longingbelonging.film

Get to know director Rachael Withers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Last year I was feeling discouraged about my dance & acting career as the industry was quite slow, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and create something instead of always waiting for the next thing to happen. longing/belonging was born out of conversations between myself and my co-director Niamh Wilson, about the the fact that we were both craving to work together again, and our similar feelings as queer people in the world.

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

I would say from listening to the song in my headphones walking around on the street, to seeing the final product, around 6 months.

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

Whimsical & Gay

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

The biggest obstacle was the time period when I was trying to produce the film myself. Thank god I was able to find my lovely producer Erin Purghart who took on the project and made everything so much better. I learned the hard way from a failed initial shoot that you have to let go of some control and trust other creatives to take your film to the next level

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

Initially I was scared to watch the feedback as I wasn’t sure what to expect. It felt so nice to be validated by other industry professionals, I want to thank each and every one of them for taking the time to share their thoughts about our film. My initial worries have definitely been put to rest!

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

From a super young age I’ve always been interested in film, specifically dance films, and music videos. When I was 16 I was so bored with school, I decided to make my own film series where I posted a dance video with a mini concept every single day for a year on Instagram.

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

Across the Universe will always be so special 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?

Honestly, this is my first time being in film festivals so I don’t have a ton of expectation based on previous experience. I just want people to see the film, as I owe that to all the amazing cast and crew who dedicated their time and energy to the project.

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

Amazing, 10/10 platform. I love how integrated everything is.

10. What is your favorite meal?

It changes depending on my mood. Right now, I’m really craving lobster linguine

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

As an actor/dancer I’m looking to keep working and hustling in this industry. My big goal is to choreograph and direct music videos for high-level artists. I want to keep working towards that goal.

Beehold, 18min., USA
Directed by Ben Berry
From his work with local nuns looking for answers about their barren apple trees to his consulting with golf courses in natural habitat management to classrooms, and his own design workshop – he is a true beeliever in the good story – the gospel of abundance as taught by bees and he’s helping protect Wisconsin’s beloved pollinators. It’s called Behold and our story starts here. Humm Productions, in collaboration with Mtn Craft Productions, has pioneered a new media format called DocuPod™. It combines the power of short, immersive documentaries with engaging podcast audio to create a captivating 360-degree experience for audiences.

https://www.hummproductions.org/episodes/
https://www.instagram.com/impactually_show/?hl=en

Get to know Director Ben Berry & Producer Brooke Bechtold:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Brooke: Our team wanted our proof-of-concept DocuPodTM to be of a very special person serving his community at large with dignity and focus. We had just finished our Beehold podcast, and we knew that if listeners had the opportunity to see Charlie and feel connected to him that a short video documentary would be the perfect complement. We hoped audiences would adore and respect Charlie’s work protecting pollinators as much as we do. 

Ben: As Brooke mentioned, we wanted to shoot a proof of concept for our DocuPodTM. Once Brooke found Charlie, it was off to the races. Our goal is to approach every DocuPodTM we do thoughtfully—with a certain slowness. We want to allow the audience to be with the character and walk a mile in their shoes. Once Charlie agreed, our motivation became about showing Charlie’s passion and how that passion is lived out day to day. 

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

Brooke: From our initial DocuPodTM concept to the final delivery of the piece you aired, it took 18 months.

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

Brooke: Innovative and beautiful

Ben: Thoughtful and educational 

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

Brooke: Creating a concise shot list that highlighted the work was a key priority. During the initial stages of production, we discovered the project involved a significantly larger network of individuals than originally outlined. To maintain a focused narrative and efficient filming schedule, we made strategic adjustments, resulting in a 60% reduction in filming locations.

Ben: The most significant hurdle was getting Charlie’s vision and life into a week’s shoot. He is much like a bee—extremely busy and always connecting and doing things. We had a bit of a challenge trying to wrangle that energy. Also, it’s always challenging to marry a director’s vision with a subject’s understanding of how a film comes together. 

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

Brooke: My initial reaction was a flood of gratitude – thank you for taking the time to watch and listen to our DocuPodTM, and then thank you for recording your thoughts!

Ben: Humbled. Hearing people say nice and thoughtful things about something you created is a humbling experience. It was also really great to hear from so many different viewpoints. You don’t often get the privilege to hear real time feedback and thoughts on your film.

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

Brooke: I have always been fascinated by how communities work, and I’ve always been a storyteller. I only caught the filmmaking bug when I met Ben Berry and saw his firm’s film work. I was immediately hooked.

Ben: I was making “films” with my friends when I was 10 years old. I wasn’t connected to any filmmakers at the time, so I didn’t even know what I was really doing, I just knew I enjoyed creating something people could watch. The pursuit then evolved into how I get my content on TV or have a brand pay me to do work for them. Since then, it’s been a trial by fire.

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

Brooke: Having lived in Winnetka from a young age, I can say with great pride that John Hughes’ films constantly play in our house still to this day.
Ben: Probably National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. 😂 I often watch the LOTR series, the original Star Wars Trilogy, and the Harry Potter series.

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

Brooke: Besides seeing the incredible works that are produced, my favorite activity at film festivals is meeting the other content creators. Developing a strong network is priceless, and film festivals are the best environments for building relationships.

Ben: I think real-time feedback and constructive criticism is so helpful! Providing more ways for filmmakers to get outside evaluation is an amazing tool to further your career. I realize that is the main emphasis of this festival, and I would say this is such a needed thing in more festivals.

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

Brooke: We love working with FilmFreeway. It’s great to keep our submission answers easily accessible to everyone involved.

Ben: I love FilmFreeway and its ability to increase access for festivals and filmmakers alike. 

10. What is your favorite meal?

Brooke: Meatloaf and a cosmopolitan

Ben: My wife’s spaghetti with fresh basil, good shredded mozzarella, and olive oil drizzle!

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

Brooke: We have another DocuPodTM in pre-production called ‘Purple’ about a lavender farm. Their story is ready to tell.

Ben: More DocuPodsTM are on the horizon, which is extremely exciting! For me personally, I’m diving more into running our Mtn Craft Film Festival in Clarksburg WV (www.mtncraftfilmfestival.com). 

REVOLTE, reactions CHICAGO Feedback Festival (interview)

REVOLTE, 3min., Germany
Directed by Julia Klawonn, Alexander Resch
In 1932, the author Klara and the journalist Friedrich meet in the artists’ bar „Luise” in Berlin. Klara is involved in the women’s movement and wants Friedrich to help her print leaflets with the text: “Against the degradation of women by fascism”. Friedrich is afraid…

Get to know filmmaker Julia Klawonn:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I have always been interested in the suffragettes movement in England in the early 20th century. But I also wanted to tell something about the 1930s in Berlin. So I googled whether this topic was relevant in the 1930s in Berlin and I found this leaflet online about the womens movement with the title „Against the degradation of women by fascism” . And I immediately had the idea for my character.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took us 3 weeks to write the script, 1 week to rehearse, 2 weeks to organize everything, one day to shoot and then another week to edit.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
It is about courage and resistance in difficult times.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
There was no real obstacle. One challenge was to create a lively atmosphere. We used a fog machine and extras for this.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I just felt seen. And it was very moving to hear that people recognized what our intention was.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I have loved the magic of cinema since I was a child. Thats why I became an actress. But first I worked mainly on stage, because to get into film in Germany, you have to have a showreel and in the beginning, I didn’t know how to do that.
But then I found a group of actors who wrote their own stuff, so I also started writing and creating my first scenes. And I found this very empowering. And I came to the conclusion that I should start producing my own stories, so I don’t have to wait until somebody sees me or gives me a a chance. I can do it myself. This is very liberating.

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

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Everything was fine. I always felt very supported by your team.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
The submitting was very easy and the communication was always clear and very friendly.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Lasagne

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I just had my first bigger role on German television. And next week I will start writing a new film project with my writing group.

Space Trash, 9min,. USA
Directed by James Jarosz
Short film and first installment of web series. A galactic garbage collector picks up a seemingly innocuous piece of space junk but it turns out to be more than he bargained for. This sci-fi action comedy will have you laughing, entertained and wanting more.

https://www.instagram.com/jimbrokenreelpics

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Back in the mid 90s I read an article about space junk and how difficult it was going to be for shuttles and rockets to launch without hitting orbital debris. I was also very interested in the idea of taking an ordinary blue collar job and making it the most dangerous job in the future. The marriage of those two ideas along with my love for 70s and 80s sci fi films became the seed for Space Trash.

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

I came up with the idea and wrote the first draft of Space Trash 30 years ago. About 8 years ago I began preproduction and started filming a year later. I finally finished the final version of the film in December of 2024.

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

Surprising and entertaining.

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

Wow, there were so many unforeseen obstacles that I had to overcome to finish this film including a worldwide pandemic and a natural disaster. But ultimately, time and money would have helped in most cases.

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

I was very pleased. It was great to hear what people outside of the project thought of the film and that they very clearly understood the world I was trying to create. I’m glad that the humer landed and that overall people found it entertaining.

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

I always loved films from as early back as I can remember and was always particularly interested in how they were made. However, When I was in Highschool I made a short animated film that was screened in our school auditorium for the senior class. When the credits rolled and the end I was very nervous as there was total silence. Then the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause. I knew at that moment that I wanted to make movies.

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

Often the movies we watch the most are not necessarily the best movies but rather one that make us happy or inspired or comforted. Big Trouble In Little China, Raiders Of the Lost Ark, and The Fifth Element, were some of these for 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?

I feel that the biggest or most important elements are exposure, having your film seen by as many people as possible and making contacts with other filmmakers. The experience of a live in person event is a great way to build community and make instant connections with other filmmakers and film lovers.

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

I am new to FilmFreeway but I have found it to be a great and very easy way to share and submit my film.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Just about any meal I don’t have to make myself, haha. But I’m a sucker for Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

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

I have so many scripts and ideas for films that I have wanted to make for years. But I have shot two more installments of Space Trash and would love to finish those and continue the story and to completion. Perhaps a Space Trash feature film.

My Block My Hero, 25min., USA
Directed by Gina D’Onofrio
Jahmal Cole is the founder of My Block My Hood My City, a Chicago-based non-profit with a mission to inspire youth and empower local communities. He has been shot twice in his day-to-day life, an unfortunate reality that the teenagers and communities he has dedicated the organization to uplifting face on a daily basis in the murder capital of the United States. By leading community-driven efforts, Cole has made it his goal to build a better world one block at a time, while positively impacting the lives of the teens who grow up there. Through the Explorers program, My Block My Hood My City enables youth from Chicago’s divested neighborhoods to discover the world beyond their blocks, by taking them on enriching experiences across the city and the country that open the doors to new possibilities. In their latest adventure, the Explorers went behind the scenes at the Shedd Aquarium to learn how researchers are working to preserve the world’s endangered coral reefs.

http://www.youreverydayheroes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/youreverydayheroes/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Jahmal Cole is doing amazing work with teenagers through My Block My Hood My City in Chicago, where I’m also from, and I’ve read quite a few articles about him. When I was tasked with finding a “hero” who was really impacting the community, asking if he was willing to participate was a no brainer.

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

Around a year and a half. There was a lot of coordination between MBMHMC and the Shedd Aquarium, where they allowed us to film the teenagers on an Exploration that involved going behind the scenes and propagating coral. The editing process afterwards was also lengthy.

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

Community hero

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

Production time. We had a very specific time frame that we could have access to both the MBMHMC Explorers and Shedd after hours. Everybody was amazing through the process, from the kids being totally engaged, to the staff at the Shedd, who worked like a well-oiled machine to provide the most otherworldly behind-the-scenes experience. Despite all of that, I would have loved another day for production.

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

Getting unbiased opinions about the film is invaluable. It’s completely different than screening for family and friends, who skew towards being proud and complimentary.

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

When I saw Home Alone as a child. Thought I wanted to be in front of the camera at first, but after an acting seminar, I realized that I would rather be behind it.

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

Fight Club.

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’re already doing it. The audience feedback is why I’ll continue to submit to this festival.

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

I’m a huge fan of FilmFreeway, it absolutely streamlines the submission process.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Trapped on a deserted island with only one option for the rest of my life… Pizza.

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

Currently focused on getting My Block My Hero premiered on our website, youreverydayheroes.com, and submitted to additional festivals.