STAY HERE, 12min., Canada
Directed by Amelia Mitchell
A troubled young man’s infatuation with his coworker spirals out of control after she introduces him to a dangerous coping mechanism.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It probably shows, but when I made this film I was going through a pretty rough patch of my life. I began thinking lots about loneliness, and how someone in my situation experiences it–while living away from my parents and hometown, working a minimum wage job, and spending a vast majority of my time alone. I feel that this is a relatable situation for people my age, particularly for university students. What we don’t tend to talk about very much is that loneliness makes us vulnerable in ways we might not imagine. This story is meant to show the dangers of isolation, but part of why I felt the need to tell it was to put it in context. I really wanted this to feel like a plausible story in a specific place and at a specific point in time. This is how it feels to be alive right now.

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

Most of the planning, shooting, and editing happened within the winter semester, so it technically took four months. However, I came up with the idea two months before, and spent way too much of my Christmas holiday on it. So, about half a year.

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

Very dark!

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

Being a fourth year completing my final film in an entire class of other fourth years completing their final films was definitely the biggest obstacle. Everyone is busy with their own projects!

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

I was grinning the entire time–I loved hearing their interpretations of the events and their takes on what it all meant! There were different opinions, too, so it’s cool that so many people got different things out of it.

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

Since I’ve been old enough to string words together I’ve known I want to tell stories in one way or another. I used to spend all my time writing, but I’d daydream about some famous filmmaker adapting my ideas for the screen. Soon enough, I was like, why don’t I just do that myself?

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

Probably The Lord of the Rings. The entire thing. I grew up on those movies but I still adore them as an adult, they’re incredible!

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

Anything to do with networking! I would love to meet other people, however I could not attend due to the distance.

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

Pretty good, the festival site is pretty intuitive and I really don’t have any complaints. I only wish it could somehow filter out festivals that are regional-specific. It would save me so much time.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushi!

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

I always have a million ideas swimming around in my head! For now, I’m focused on finishing my final degree of university. Once I’m done, however, I’ll have lots of time to sit down and write another short film. There’s a great community here in Saskatchewan and I can’t wait to get another idea up off the ground!

ALISHER’S GIFT, 16min,. USA
Directed by J Matt Wallace
An Uzbek and Kyrgyz blended family learns there are more than ethnic issues behind their historic misfortune. The recent death of their uncle Alisher prompts the delivery of gifts to a nephew and niece who learn important truths about both their recent and ancient past.

https://jmattwallace.com/alishersgift/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Another person who lived under the USSR in Tashkent – a person with a deep, long, love of Central Asian history (especially ancient Christianity) – asked me to help him with a massive media project. Over the years, he couldn’t make up his mind if we needed a series, a fictionalized narrative story movie, a documentary movie, or a web-based tool. After learning a bunch from him, I told him that I was going to use some of what I learned to construct a short story/film. In the meanwhile, he’s still working on his project. Just helped him recently.

Plus… I’ve always wanted to go to Central Asia. This gave me a reason.

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

Idea came in 2018…. crowdfunded early 2019… into production March-April 2019.

I edited to 90% complete in spare time over the next year with intentions to finalize it and release mid-2020. When COVID hit and all of the festivals shut down, I held onto it. Attending festivals is great fun and I didn’t want to miss that with this film. Life was weird…. things happened…. about the time when festivals started being a thing again, I was too busy trying to pay bills. It wasn’t until summer 2024 that I did the last 10% of the post-production.

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

Difficult History

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

Everything related to producing something like this in other cultures/languages/countries. That magnified all of the typical & substantial challenges of film.

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

Very positive. It was gratifying to hear what they (total strangers) garnered from the film… where you could see them reading in their own experiences & priorities. It also felt like they picked up on the things I was most proud of.

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

Initially in the 1990s. However, I treated that as a silly trope… not wanting to think I would be a good director, since everyone thinks that about themselves. However, after doing video assist from 2012-2021, I saw up close and personal directors, DPs, producers, and everyone else around the video village. I worked on big projects, series, and TV commercials… and it became clear I would be a good director, and the evidence is (per recent crews and cast) that I wasn’t wrong 30 years ago… but just maybe not ready yet.

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

Probably Monty Python & the Holy Grail. (maybe 50 to 75 times – especially in college)

Favorites: Aliens, Galaxy Quest, Patton, Blazing Saddles, Wedding Singer

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

Not sure. Be fair. Promote actual quality. Make sure you don’t add to “award factory” elements of the entire festival space. The whole feedback thing is fantastic. If it were slightly less expensive OR had more people, I’d not hesitate doing this for every film.

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

Excellent. I’ve got multiple projects out through them.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Depends which country I’m in. But probably medium rare steak cooked properly.

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

Recently inspired to produce a theatrical short film version of an original song my wife and I wrote. We were at a festival where the music videos were not inspiring… except for maybe 2. This song has the potential to be festival & visually friendly.

Also, I’m about 70% done on the first draft of a feature RomCom. And I’m still sitting on an original SciFi comedy screenplay I wrote, but may be converting it into a book series.

Plus, I forgot that we have a feature length music documentary “7lbs of Bacon” coming out within the year. Not my primary baby, but a key producer.

WHAT ARE WE?, 15min., USA
Directed by Eileen Hanley
Jess and Kayley, two platonic queer bffs with benefits and unfortunately both bottoms, have a threesome with the top of their dreams and define their unorthodox relationship.

http://www.eileenhanley.com/
https://instagram.com/theeileenhanley

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I am fascinated by different human relationships and how complex our dynamics can be. I wanted to showcase multiple queer relationship dynamics while normalizing these relationship styles: anything goes if everyone involved is on board! And I wanted to show that in a way that was playful and not taking itself too seriously to demonstrate that it can be easy and simple.

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

I wrote the film in August 2023, we shot it in March 2024, and finished post in August 2024. So one year from conception to delivery.

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

Fun & Gay ❤

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

I self-funded this film so every expense came out of pocket. We had a few hiccups while shooting but nothing crazy, and all of which could have been easily solved with more money.

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

I am so happy that people liked it and that they seemed to understand the relationship dynamics between the characters. I think I was expecting perhaps harsher feedback (which is welcome to me as I always want to learn, grow and improve), but was pleasantly surprised to hear that it was well-received.

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

I grew up in the theater and really love to be on stage. I started off making a web series in 2018 as a way to put myself on camera for reel material, and I loved the immediacy of seeing the results of my efforts rather than waiting to be cast in something. I started writing roles for myself, specifically ones that I wanted to show myself in. I’ve now made 6 films, and I love using the process as an opportunity to explore the areas where people are grey, good people just struggling to do the right thing, and the nuances of humanity.

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

Hmmm… I have rewatched Parasite many times. It is one of my absolute favorites.

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 guys have done a great job! I’d love to have facilitated intros to other filmmakers, perhaps through an NYC networking event or even introductory emails between filmmakers and executives/producers.

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

Great! I love FilmFreeway.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love steak.

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

I am acting in a few projects and working on a couple features and TV series. I have so many ideas and it is hard to find the time to really flesh them all out. But I’m chugging along.

ATLS, 11min., Canada
Directed by Mishka Balilty
In a dystopian future where a powerful elite class prolongs their lives by exploiting young women for their babies’ organs, two women, find themselves on the run from their oppressors. Desperate to escape a fate of forced impregnation and organ extraction, they flee to a remote cabin. Their refuge becomes a sanctuary where they share their dreams and fears, finding solace in each other’s company. However, their fleeting happiness is overshadowed by the ever-looming threat of capture. Their love story, which began in desperation and hope, culminates in a tragic and devastating finale. ATLS is a powerful exploration of love, freedom, and the inescapable shadows of a world that seeks to tear them apart.

https://www.wtfimproductions.com/registration
https://www.facebook.com/wtfim
https://www.instagram.com/whothefuckismishka/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I was inspired by Romeo and Juliet one day while listening to the soundtrack from the movie, I started to see this film come to life in my mind. I always loved the reading the play when I was younger… and so I began writing a tragic love story and soon I had a script.

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

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I don’t think there was anything super big. But the person who was going to play Arielle’s role dropped out. However, it was very early in the process. And I cannot imagine the film without Arielle.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very nervous how it would be received. But I was overjoyed to see that people understood our creative vision and enjoyed the film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? When I was ten maybe even younger. I love movies and I have always loved the art of storytelling. When I hear music, I see visuals in my head. It’s what I am meant to do.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? That’s a hard question but there are three ( Beetlejuice, Drop dead Fred, Girls just want to have fun).

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 having a meet and greet even if its via zoom or almost zoom speed dating, but for filmmakers. Would be helpful to meet others in the industry.

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

10. What is your favorite meal? Fresh rolls ( I dream of them)

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I hope so. I have written a lot. I would like to create a new project. I also want to direct a music video.I think having a meet and greet even if its via zoom or almost zoom speed dating, but for filmmakers. Would be helpful to meet others in the industry.

LIVE FROM THE GENEVA!, 13min,. USA
Directed by Nick Leahy
Amidst the hysteria of the Red Scare in 1953 Chicago, a nightclub staff becomes entangled in a political scandal when their star performer’s iconic red-and-gold pocket square becomes the focal point of media chaos.

https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1295719-live-from-the-geneva
https://www.instagram.com/livefromthegeneva/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to write a story that tackled themes of misinformation on the Internet, and especially how they influence our beliefs socially, politically, and economically. And I wanted to sort of find a good way to wake people up to sort of what’s been going on around them by comparing that period in which we live in today to that of the Red Scare, and sort of show a compare and contrast between what we know as a terrible period of American history and the Red Scare, and sort of seeing if there is anything we can really learn from it and apply to towards misinformation online today in order to not repeat the same mistakes that we may have already learned in the past.

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

I wrote the very first draft in I think February of 2023 and then I tried applying for different types of funding which I didn’t get and so I kept rewriting it for the next six or so months before I finally got the idea to self-finance it with my own money and start to put together a crew and start to make the short film enter pre-production and so I spent I guess the next two months getting cast, crew, finding rehearsal space, finding locations, you know all the fun stuff you do in pre-production and then we shot for one weekend right before Thanksgiving from the 17th to the 19th of November and then editing took all of the winter and then sound design, coloring, VFX took all the spring and I premiered it to my university in late May.

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

Pocket square.

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

The biggest obstacle was definitely financing. I didn’t get any really support from my university other than equipment. So I had to do a lot of the funding myself. I spent my own money. I had help from my parents and other family members that I pitched the project to. And then I also applied for external funding through different public grants, which weren’t that much money, but they were still helpful. I would say that’s probably the biggest. And the other part was trying to get the pocket square in red with a black-and-white aesthetic in the film. It took a lot of hours for VFX work to do that.

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

It was kind of crazy, because I hadn’t heard direct feedback before from people outside my friends and family, so I was a little nervous to see what people would say. But generally, the comments were very nice, and people said that they liked a lot of the stylistic choices and themes. They liked the creativity behind the project, which I am really grateful for. I think I got my message across in a good way. So that’s always good news. And yeah, I just appreciated all the kind words.

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

It came to me in an unexpected way. I wasn’t one of those kids who knew from age five that they wanted to be a filmmaker. It wasn’t until late middle school or high school that I started to realize it. I’d always been involved in theater—starting at six years old in local school productions—and continued it through high school. I also played hockey, but I knew by age 14 that I wasn’t going to be a professional hockey player. Instead, I found a sense of purpose in the arts and appreciated the way it gave people a voice.

I gravitated toward film because, growing up, my mom was a SAG member. She would receive DVD screeners whenever it was time to vote for the awards, so I was exposed to great films early on, like The King’s Speech, the Les Misérables remake, and Argo. There were plenty of others too, but those are the ones I remember. And I guess it stuck.

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

I would have to say Raiders of the Lost Ark. I loved Indiana Jones as a kid. I probably watched that movie close to 50 times during my youth. And yeah, it’s still one of my favorite movies of all time.

8. What is your favorite meal?

Cheeseburgers.

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

I’m currently writing either a longer, short script for a short film, or maybe, potentially, a first feature screenplay. Who knows? That may change. I may not come to a decision on whether I want to make that short film or try to finance that feature just yet. It may take a while. I still need to write the thing.

RECOVERED, 50min., Canada
Directed by Tyler Anderson
RecoverED is a compelling documentary that explores the journey of recovery from disordered eating through powerful personal stories of resilience. The film highlights the vital role of community support and the transformative power of hope in healing. It delves into the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by individuals battling eating disorders, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of recovery. RecoverED aims to inspire those struggling and to raise awareness about the recovery process, underscoring that with the right support, perseverance, and resources, recovery is possible.

http://www.bridgepointcenter.ca/recovered
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566675153019
https://x.com/RecoverEDfilm
https://www.instagram.com/recoveredfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

In the beginning, we were primarily motivated by the need. People, especially those living with an eating disorder or caring for someone with eating disorders, need to hear these stories.

Then I met the participants and they were all the motivation anyone could ever ask for. Their trust was a gift and at times it was a bit overwhelming. Overall, they made this doc happen more than anyone.

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

Just over 1 year (roughly 14 months)

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

Their Words

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

Two of us basically made every part of this documentary together with almost no additional help except for one of the participants, Simeon, who regularly worked a second camera. Carla, director of BridgePoint Center for Eating Disorder Recovery, basically did everything that a producer would do, found the money, organized the participants and planned out all of the shoot. I (Tyler) worked as the director, DP, camera operator and editor. It was the definition of scrappy filmmaking, we just weren’t going to let anything stop us from making it and we needed to do it quickly. Carla constantly reminded me that she thought it could save lives, so we had no time to waste.

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

I was so happy to hear that it is universally relatable. We were always making this for a singular primary audience, people affected by ED, however we were also hopeful that it would appeal more broadly as well.

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

I visited BridgePoint for a corporate client and while interviewing Carla for that video, we quickly realized that just maybe we could make this work. It was clear how needed it was but she had never been able to find the right person to help her make it, until now.

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

Honestly, an old 80’s BMX movie called ‘Rad’. It’s my favorite movie because it reminds me of being a kid. And while I don’t necessarily aspire to make fictional films, if you happen to know someone who would fund a remake, I’d definitely be in;)

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 is my first time entering a festival. Frankly, I never saw myself as wanting to participate in the ‘festival circuit’. I find the social aspect of the film world intimidating and off putting. However, I would like this film to reach as many people as possible. So for me, that is the most important thing a festival can help us do. Whether it is finding a broadcast partner or just getting it out there to people, that is what I/we are hoping to achieve with this process.

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

It seems to work really well. Everything is easy. However, the overall process is a bit expensive for a modestly funded project like this.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushi. Wish I could be more interesting but it’s pretty definitive.

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

This was the first ‘full’ documentary I have ever made. I learned so much from carrying this through all the phases. Now I hope to put it to good use on another full length feature doc. Possibly something with more time and scope. Something that will allow for a slightly larger team, more story planning and visual development but definitely not too big either.

THE IMAGINATION OF A CHILD, 14min., Italy
Directed by Cesare Catania
The movie, mainly in black and white, completely without dialogue and interspersed with moments of reflection for the viewer in front of the written thoughts of the “narrator”, analyzes the psychological evolution of an artist who develops ideas and beliefs linked to the world of art.

https://www.facebook.com/cesarecataniaarte
https://x.com/cesare_catania
https://www.instagram.com/art_cesarecatania/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

What motivated me to create “The Imagination of a Child” was a deep belief in art’s power to unite diverse experiences and emotions. To me, art represents a non-verbal language that transcends cultural, generational, and personal barriers. This film allowed me to explore this belief through visual storytelling, where I could represent two distinct identities: an experienced Italian artist and a young girl originally from Sri Lanka. These characters symbolize two parts of a single human experience, blending the wisdom of age with the boundless creativity of childhood. I believe an artist should maintain both perspectives: the analytical insight of adulthood and the pure imagination of childhood. My motivation was to show how art can bridge such dualities, creating a shared and inclusive space where age, culture, and personal history harmonize to reveal our common humanity.

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

The actual making of the film was quite fast. In fact, everything seemed very clear in my mind at the time of creation. However, the journey that led me to develop the artistic convictions expressed in the film was long. It all began in 2015 with a drawing (The Embrace), which then became a painting and inspired an entire collection. From this collection of artworks, I developed a broader socio-cultural artistic project, The Embrace Project. Likewise, NFTs and the Metaverse opened my eyes to the possibility of bringing my artwork to life through dynamism and kinetic energy. I also created the Manifesto of Democratic Art around the same time as the Democratic and Phygital Art Project, presented at the Venice Biennale in 2024, and eventually decided to venture into filmmaking. So, while the creative process was rapid and focused, the emotional and inspirational journey behind this film was long and complex.

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

“Visual poetry.” Each shot and sequence was meticulously crafted, like a painting or sculpture, to evoke emotions beyond words and engage the viewer in a reflective experience.

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

The biggest obstacle was translating my visual language into a dynamic cinematic format. My background is in static visual art (paintings and sculptures that evoke stillness and reflection), though I have experimented with movement and dynamism in my artworks through NFTs. Translating this into a medium that inherently relies on movement, sound, and time required me to rethink my approach. I had to learn to balance the pace, allowing the audience to fully absorb each moment without lingering too long or losing momentum. Another challenge was working with multiple cultural perspectives, which required a respectful and careful approach to accurately represent elements from both Sri Lanka and Italy.

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

Hearing the audience’s reflections was deeply moving. Viewers identified with the duality and universal connection within the story, precisely what I had intended. Many commented on the film’s focus on unity and creativity, showing that these values resonate deeply with people from diverse backgrounds. Seeing the audience interact with the film’s subtleties—its minimalism, black-and-white palette, and emotional layers—confirmed that art indeed has the power to communicate beyond cultural and linguistic barriers. This response validated my chosen approach, encouraging me to continue this artistic journey into film.

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

The transition from visual art to film was natural as I continued exploring themes of unity and imagination. Over the years, I used sculpture, painting, and even digital art to explore these ideas, but cinema offers a unique capacity to convey movement and a broader narrative. I realized I wanted to make films when I saw that my artistic vision could come to life through stories, creating immersive experiences for audiences. The process of transforming static images into motion was challenging but fulfilling, proving to me that cinema could become another profound outlet for my art.

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

There are several films I often revisit for their narrative and compositional mastery. I am drawn to classics by directors like Federico Fellini or Stanley Kubrick, especially for how they balance storytelling with visual impact. I appreciate how these directors use minimalism and symbolism to evoke deeper meanings, something I also strive for in my work.

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 offer essential opportunities for emerging filmmakers, so more interactive sessions—like in-depth Q&As and discussions with directors—would be extremely helpful for artists like me who are new to cinema. A space for collaborative workshops where filmmakers can exchange insights with experienced directors and experts would also be invaluable. Lastly, creating initiatives that connect filmmakers from diverse cultural backgrounds aligns with my commitment to inclusive art, adding layers to the global storytelling network.

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

FilmFreeway has been an excellent tool, especially for someone like me, new to cinema. The ease of navigation and intuitive interface simplify the complex process of submitting to festivals. It also provides a broad overview of various festivals worldwide, offering an inclusive access point to a global network for filmmakers. Overall, it has streamlined the logistical aspects of festival submissions, allowing me to focus more on the creative aspects of my work.

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

The success of “The Imagination of a Child” has certainly inspired me to explore cinema further. I plan to develop another film that continues to delve into themes of unity, diversity, and creativity, perhaps incorporating new perspectives. Alongside cinema, I will continue with my artistic projects, such as The Embrace Project, which promotes global understanding through sculpture. Art, for me, will always be a way to explore new forms of expression, and I’m excited to see where this path in cinema will lead me.

KITE, 6min,. Canada
Directed by Jerry Trieus
A short film about a dancer on a mission to experience flight. The journey is disappointing and filled with challenges. The result is a transformation as the dance artist finds strength through perseverance and ultimately freedom.

Get to know writer/producer Virginia Duivenvoorden:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Kite began as a stage piece where I incorporated film on stage in the form of projections. I knew that I eventually would like to also see it as a film on its own. It all began as a photograph by Brooke McAllister. in one of the photos, I was wearing a black skirt and dancing with a 7 yard piece of tulle fabric. I loved the photos. In 2021 I decided to choreograph a dance to match them. That’s when Kite was born. When I started the choreography, I was in too much physical pain to think about performing. That’s when Brynne Harper started working on KITE. We spent two years developing the stage piece and we shared it in three different performances two were outdoor performances and one on stage for a work in progress showing. I approached Kites in all aspects from building and flying them to studying the history. All of the processes became part of the kite story from the failed kites that never flew and then to the handmade windsocks , which were actually amazing. It became a story about transforming from looking outside oneself to looking inside and finding that sense of flight and freedom from within the body. That was a journey that I really needed to make in order to process what was happening in my body with the pain and other medical conditions that I was coping with during the creation process.

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

3- 4 years

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

Wind watching

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

For me it was being new to many aspects of film making and having to continuously learn along the way.

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

I felt emotional seeing that the piece was clear in its message and was being received very much in the way that I had hoped for. It was rewarding to see that the message of resiliency and strength had shone through.

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

The first time that I tried editing my own camera work. It was a film with my students and we had a film permit for a public plaza in North Vancouver. Editing felt like choreography in so many ways and I could become completely immersed in the process.

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

In all honesty I believe it’s Elf 😆

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 am always on the look out for interesting professional development opportunities to help round out my skills and knowledge of the film industry.

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

So far so good. I think the big challenge is choosing which festivals to apply to.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Turkey Dinner

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

Completing a second film and collaboration with Jerry called Seams and incorporating imagery from it into a new stage piece with a solo dance project called Echo Chamber.

I am also dreaming about a new concept for a dance that could potentially become a film. I would love to take that journey again towards developing another dance film.

STRING HEAD, 7min., USA
Directed by Matthew Vargas
A man in bed, after failing to fall asleep, is forcefully kept awake by String Head – an entity made of string that psychologically tortures him by wrapping him in a cocoon made from the deepest, darkest thoughts of his mind.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
One night at 3:00 AM I had a vision of String Head walking into my room. A thread of red string was on top of me. Thinking of String Head at the end of my bed was a creepy fascinating image – I had to make it and explore it. I also wanted to push the boundaries with Production Design as I never have before and use it to really convey symbolism and tell a story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I wrote the script entirely in December of 2023. I started pre-production and crewing up & casting the film between January and February of 2024. We shot for 3 days in February of 2024. It was a very accelerated process – from script to shooting in a month and a half basically. Post-Production took the longest, lasting from February to August of 2024. Sound Design alone took 4 months after picture lock because we wanted to get the tone just right.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The costume was the biggest hurdle. I purchased 4000 yards of red yarn for this film and the costume used more than half of it – both String Head and the cocoon. My friend Eunbi and I had never set out on something this difficult to create but we loved the challenge. In the end we found a solution to create a sectional costume that was easy to remove but still made the wearer look like they were wrapped in thousands of yards of yarn. The trial was worth it in the end.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I love the reactions and I feel so giddy about the different analyses. The positive reaction to the final song made my sound designer, Rochelle, very happy as they wrote + sang the song themselves under their artist name La Roche. The comparison of the film to night terrors that occur in real life was so on point that I felt a great sigh of relief. Many ideas had to be conveyed in this film and I feel as though they all landed. I was worried because there is no dialogue, but that is intentionally so in the film because these terribly anxious moments usually occur wordless and in the brain.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
In High School. I made gaming videos for myself and other video content for my school. I really enjoyed the creative expression it gave me and I decided to pursue filmmaking as a career option. I now work professionally as a 1st AC in the Washington DC area and create/write/direct films when I am able to for self expression!

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Bit of a boring answer but unfortunately I don’t watch many films twice. Some films are fun to revisit like Fight Club but otherwise there aren’t many.

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 like the options you’ve provided in your last email! Honestly I just like meeting other filmmakers in person. I’m looking forward to an in-person festival if you all are hosting one. If you’re looking for a real suggestion though, there is one festival I’ve been to where award winning films got a chance to meet with established industry professionals (tv show writers, directors, etc.) to give advice on their career.

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

10. What is your favorite meal?
Spaghetti

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m focused on writing now – want to figure out my vision as a director and filmmaker.