Uncategorized

Filmmaker Jenni Roditi (LAND MASS)

festreviews Uncategorized

LAND MASS, 48min,. UK
Directed by Jenni Roditi, Sara Pozin
A new kind of liturgy is about to begin… a Land Mass. This is a spontaneous, vocal-visual liturgy for the land, sung by a unique choir, The Improvisers’ Choir, conducted by composer Jenni Roditi, who is creating her conducting directions as the improvised music is sung.

http://www.theimproviserschoir.com/landmass
https://www.facebook.com/ticsingers
https://twitter.com/ticsingers
https://www.instagram.com/ticsingers

Get to know filmmaker Jenni Roditi:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was the producer Jaka Skapin who motivated me. I had made the recordings and was thinking of an album release. Jaka, a young professional vocal improviser was also helping me with the promotion of the music project. He said he knew a Slovenian film maker who would enjoy making images to the music. He then introduced me Sara Pozin.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
4 years. I applied for funding from Performing Right Society Foundation for the music recording in February 2018. We recorded in July that year. I finished cutting/curating during 2021 lockdown.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
May I used four? Poetic Vocal-Visual Liturgy

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was myself. I was playing several roles and while I knew what I wanted I have a tendency to over think things when something simpler will do much better! I spent quite a lot of my time thinking how I could clarify and simplify.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I thought they were very respectful and considered. There was a nice balance of spontaneous honesty and well thought- through commentary.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I didn’t really.. I’m a musician and the film has come out of that in 2018 when I discussed it with Jaka Skapin.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Better for me to say what music have you heard most in your life? Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments. I used to have it on repeat in my bedsit when I was a student…

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 considering your other offers which look to be an extension of what you offer beyond the audience feedback. I think you’ve thought it through well.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I think the FF platform works very well, but I have been caught out a few times with what I can only call ‘fake film festivals’. I’ve now found a professional advisor who knows which ones are genuine so I always check with her first now. Her name is Rebekah Louisa Smith and she calls herself the Film Festival Doctor. She’s brilliant.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Grilled salmon, salad and baby new potatoes.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Next for me will be a new composition of mine being performed in November, a composer website designed (long overdue!) and promoting my project Vocal Tai Chi for a 2025 Apprenticeship training here in London .

Filmmaker (Iris) Concetta Lombardo (CHAPTER XIII)

festreviews Uncategorized

CHAPTER XIII, 20min., Italy
Directed by (Iris) Concetta Lombardo
Sergio is a writer who has isolated himself from the world. His publishing house puts him under pressure. Stopping at Chapter XIII, he goes into crisis and doesn’t know what to do. A presence, close to him, will force him to “look” inside himself, until he makes an irreversible choice…

https://www.instagram.com/iris_moon_concetta_lombardo

Get to know the filmmaker;

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I have always loved cinema and writing stories. I started studying acting seriously in 2019, and then took courses to specialize in screenwriting and directing. I wanted to get involved with a story that could “help” especially those who have been in a situation similar to that of the protagonist or that they are still unable to resolve.

(Ho sempre amato il cinema e scrivere storie. Ho iniziato a studiare seriamente recitazione dal 2019, per poi fare corsi per specializzarmi in sceneggiatura e regia. Volevo mettermi in gioco con una storia che potesse “aiutare” soprattutto chi è passato in una situazione simile a quella del protagonista o che ancora non sta riuscendo a risolvere.)

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

About four months.

(Circa quattro mesi.)

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

Anguishing, hopeful.

(Angosciante, speranzoso.)

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

The budget. it is self-produced by me.

(Il budget. È autoprodotto da me.)

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

I was excited, I am grateful to the public who reviewed my short film. I’m happy that the message arrived, it means a lot to me. It means that the script works and is done well. And that the directorial choices, the actors and the product in general work.

(Mi sono emozionata, sono grata al pubblico che ha recensito il mio cortometraggio. Sono felice che il messaggio sia arrivato, significa molto per me. Significa che la sceneggiatura funziona ed è fatta bene. E che le scelte registiche, gli attori e il prodotto in generale funzionano.)

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

I have always loved cinema since I was a child. Although I had initially taken different paths, in the end I understood that this was my true world, thanks also to my passion/work as a cosplayer, where I had the opportunity to interpret different characters and also create new ones. I decided to start studying seriously in 2019, even though I was already 28 years old. I believe there is no age limit to make your dreams come true!

(Ho sempre amato il cinema sin da bambina. Nonostante avessi inizialmente preso strade diverse, alla fine ho capito che era questo il mio vero mondo, grazie anche alla mia passione/lavoro da cosplayer, dove ho avuto modo di interpretare personaggi diversi tra loro e anche crearne di nuovi. Ho deciso di iniziato seriamente con lo studio nel 2019, nonostante avessi già 28 anni. Credo non esista un limite d’età per realizzare i propri sogni!)

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

I don’t have a specific movie. The films I have seen most (and willingly watch again) are: The Crow, directed by Alex Proyas; Corpse Bride, directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson; El labirinto del fauno, directed by Guillermo Del Toro; What Dreams May Come, directed by Vincent Ward.

(Non ho un film specifico. I film che più ho visto (e rivedo volentieri) sono: The Crow, regia Alex Proyas; Corpse Bride, regia Tim Burton e Mike Johnson; El labirinto del fauno, regia Guillermo Del Toro; What Dreams May Come, regia Vincent Ward.)

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

Having some feedback on a technical level wouldn’t be bad. For those (like me) who are at their first job, it could be useful for future jobs, to improve more and more!

(Avere qualche feedback a livello tecnico non sarebbe male. Per chi (come me) è al primo lavoro, potrebbe essere utile per lavori futuri, per migliorare sempre di più!)

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

Great experience, communication was great!

(Ottima esperienza, la comunicazione è stata eccezionale!)

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love pizza!

(Adoro la pizza!)

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

I already have an idea in mind for my new short film, it will definitely be released in 2025. In the meantime, I’m working on my first play, I’ve already completed the dramaturgy, I’m working on the implementation.

(Ho già in mente un’idea per il mio nuovo cortometraggio, sicuramente uscirà nel 2025. Nel frattempo, sto lavorando alla mia prima opera teatrale, ho già completato la drammaturgia, sto lavorando alla messa in opera.)

Filmmaker Sean De La Nuez (THE CAPTOR)

festreviews Uncategorized

THE CAPTOR, 64min., USA
Directed by Sean De La Nuez
An ex-soldier with PTSD decides to become the vigilante of his neighborhood, taking justice into his own hands against porch pirates.

https://www.facebook.com/alejandra.alanis.ortiz
https://www.instagram.com/alejandra.alanis.ortiz/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was inspired by the growing problem of porch piracy, and I wanted to explore the idea of vigilante justice, questioning where the line is between right and wrong in taking matters into your own hands.

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

From initial concept to final product, the film took about 2 and half years to complete.

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

“Intense retribution.”

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

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right balance between action and emotional depth in the characters, while also managing production constraints like budget or time.

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

It was surreal and incredibly gratifying to see the audience connect with the themes of the film, and their reactions gave me a lot of insight into how it resonated with different people.

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

I realized I wanted to make films as a kid, when I would grab any camera I could find and create home videos for fun. But it wasn’t until high school, when I took a TV production class, that I truly fell in love with the process. It felt like stepping into a toy store, there was so much to explore, and I wanted to learn everything. As I discovered the power of storytelling, especially when paired with visual elements, I began to take it more seriously. I started with short films, honing my craft, until I felt ready to tackle full-length features.

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

The film I’ve watched the most is “The Dark Knight”. It never fails to inspire me with its incredible performances and masterful storytelling. From start to finish, it’s relentlessly intense, with every scene and shot serving a purpose. There’s no wasted moment, the film keeps driving forward with a sense of urgency that I really admire.

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

More opportunities for networking with other filmmakers and industry professionals would be great, along with masterclasses on the business side of filmmaking to help bridge the gap between creative and professional success.

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

FilmFreeway has been a smooth and convenient platform to use, making the submission process straightforward and allowing easy access to a variety of festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal has to be tacos. I love the endless possibilities when it comes to choosing fillings and toppings, and the creative freedom that comes with making them. Plus, the process of assembling them is just as enjoyable as eating them!

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

I’m currently in post-production on my next film, and I’m excited to take my storytelling to the next level. Moving forward, I’m eager to explore new genres or even dive into a series, challenging myself to push the boundaries of my creativity even further.

Filmmaker Moumita Das (CHRISTMAS CREW)

festreviews Uncategorized

CHRISTMAS CREW, 7min., Canada
Directed by Moumita Das
“Christmas Crew – A Story About Collective Kindness” is a heartwarming documentary that follows the inspiring journey of John and Junie White, affectionately known as the Christmas Crew. What began as a simple act of generosity in their living room has blossomed into a remarkable community tradition, transforming the lives of many in Cape Breton’s Sydney and Glace Bay areas.

https://www.facebook.com/dasmoumita

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I am always drawn to human interest stories. They captivate me because of their realness, and I find immense joy in discovering and sharing the stories of real-life heroes. By pure coincidence, I came across the Christmas Crew, a group of kind-hearted people who spread joy during the holiday season by providing turkey dinners to those in need. Their generosity and compassion inspired me to create a film that would tell their story and share it with the world.

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

The idea for the film came to me while I was supporting the Curling for a Cause event, where I met John and Junie. When they shared their story at a Rotary Club event, I knew it was something special. The filming itself took 2-3 days. On the first day, we planned and packed alongside the volunteers, and on the second day, we captured the actual event when the food was distributed. The entire production of the documentary took about 10-15 days to complete.

How would you describe your film in two words?

Collective Kindness.

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

This was my first time living and working in Canada, and filming in such cold conditions was a challenge. I shot the documentary in mid-December in the Atlantic provinces, where the cold winds were extreme. However, seeing the 100+ volunteers working alongside me, despite the weather, inspired me to push through without complaints.

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

The audience feedback was invaluable. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to watch and review my film. I was overjoyed that they appreciated my work, and winning the Best Human Interest Film award, as chosen by the audience, was a truly humbling experience.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

My love for cameras began early on, starting with photography. I won several contests as a photographer, which further fueled my passion. Later, after completing my Master’s in Mass Communication, I found more opportunities in videography and became increasingly drawn to social issues. Eventually, this led me to become a filmmaker.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

I have always been a fan of documentaries, across all genres. I especially love short films because they are able to convey a wide range of emotions and moods in just a few minutes.

What other elements of the festival experience could we and other festivals implement to support filmmakers like you?

Since my documentary was self-funded, I believe film festivals could offer more support for independent projects like mine. This would encourage filmmakers to continue bringing unique and meaningful stories to the world.

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

So far, it has been a great experience. I appreciate how seamless the entire process has been.

What is your favorite meal?

A good Chicken Caesar Salad.

What’s next for you? Another film?

Yes, I am currently working on my next project, which is another human interest story. I’m meeting more amazing people and learning about their real-life heroic journeys.

Filmmaker Trieu Hyunh (THIS IS IT)

festreviews Uncategorized

THIS IS IT, 106min., Netherlands
Directed by Trieu Hyunh
An Amsterdam band creates and records a song in 1 day. The result is taken to Gili Trawangan, Indonesia. There, the band leader Trieu, finds amazing Gili musicians to study and to invite for a collaboration. The Gili musicians get to see their own shows. In the process, Trieu refinds an old lost friend.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Being a regular to Gili Trawangan, I noticed the amazing talent and skills of the Indonesian musicians on that tiny island. Knowing their hard work, I wanted to do something to create a bigger stage for them, outside of Gili as well. At some point, I decided to make a documentary. I have made short documentaries before, but this was the first feature documentary film. Talking to several people about the idea, I put myself under pressure and basically just started with test shoots and all was going very well.

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

The first idea was raised in june 2023. Then the execution was accelerated because the Amsterdam studio owner was going on holiday for 6 weeks, so we had to rush towards shooting 6 weeks sooner than expected. After the shooting day in Amsterdam, when we recorded the song, 5 days later I was in Gili. In Gili there were 8 shooting days. There was a rough idea, but I left open to the odds what was going to happen. On Gili, we planned a day, shot a day, at night I edited and showed the results to the musicians. The musicians watching their own shows is part of the documentary as well. I just wanted to helpt the musicians by showing them their own amazing performances. The biggest burden of a musician is that you rarely get yourself properly. I gave that to them. And them watching themselves, was also part of the film.


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

Feel good.

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

The post-production towards 5.1 audio and a digital cinema package. It is just an intensive process.

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

Insightful and please that they liked it and highlighted what we found important.

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

When I saw these amazing musicians, who deserved to be properly documented.

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

Avengers end game


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

Our visuals are not on the website, I would like to have heard the dates, I would wanted to drop by, I would loved to have a ceremony for the winners

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

Good.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Nasi goreng

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

Adventure…!

Filmmaker Leslie Dektor (GROWING UP)

festreviews Uncategorized

GROWING UP, 54min., USA
Directed by Leslie Dektor
16 years in the making, “Growing Up” focuses on Fernando Pullum and the impact he’s had on thousands of youth in South Central Los Angeles. Through music Fernando rose above his own harrowing childhood and for decades he’s passed that gift along to his students. Graduates of Pullum’s program have gone on to play with Beyonce?, Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, and Snoop Dogg, been recipients of 6 Grammy Awards; but he’s proudest of their growth as men and women. “When I started teaching, I just wanted to make whole people. I had no idea that I would be creating artists.”

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

– Initially, I started to have dialogues with Fernando Pullum who at the time was going through strife. And in doing so got close to him and discovered the likes and color of his past life. In untangling this I was introduced to his dream, that being the music school for the kids.

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

– 16 years

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

– Necessary Heartfelt.

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

Not Knowing.

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

They understood it, they got it, they certainly encouraged me

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

Younger than a teenager.

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

– John Huston’s Fat City

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 have indeed been satisfied.

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

Very good.

10. What is your favorite meal?

– Salmon or In N Out Burger.

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

– Tomorrow

Filmmaker Suzanne Baird (GIN RUMMY)

festreviews Uncategorized

GIN RUMMY, 17min., USA
Directed by Suzanne Baird
I’m excited to share our project made from love and friendship..
Three best friends have been playing Gin Rummy every week for over 50 years. On this Gin Rummy night they have made other plans as a final bonding of the trio.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

There were several motivators. The biggest was that my mother was dying from Dementia. It was an illness that she had for about 10 years and was in the final phases. At the same time, Roe V. Wade was repealed, and this required an examination of the question of choice on many levels. Do we have dominion over our bodies, male or female, to make choices about our health and existence.

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

I wrote the first draft of the script in November 8, 2022. 3 weeks later my mother passed away. I finished the script and shot in March 2023 and delivered the show to festivals in June 2023.

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

Thought Provoking.

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

The hardest part was trying to get into the top tier festivals. I was never sure why exactly. We got into several festivals but none of the festivals that qualified for Academy level entry.

I thought it would be the funding but oddly the money came easily. That was the easy part. I had a great producer, Julie Tondreau. Julie did an amazing job but was actually doing more than 1 job. We were short a few crew members on the day, but we got almost everything done as planned.

A few things got missed but, in the end, they didn’t really affect the film.
The hardest part was scheduling the 2-day shoot and getting everything, we wanted. We had detailed boards, but my DP didn’t really use them which was disappointing.

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

I was really gratified! They were so positive and thoughtful. It was a great
feature of your festival. So appreciated!!

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

When I was in my 20s I knew I wanted to be involved in film. Like many, I’ve always loved the movies. Unfortunately, my first entertainment job was not a good experience, I was young and had no money so, it was hard to make a living. I’ve always wanted to tell stories that would be messages of change. I’ve written since I was 14 and started writing full stories and scripts for the past 25 years. As a result, I spent 10 years in a career that made money but left me unfulfilled. I started late, but I managed to get my foot in the door as a PA on an Antone Fuqua music video. I was hooked. For 20 years I worked in Visual effects on features and commercials. It took time for me to get the courage to become a director but when I did, there was nothing else I wanted to do but write and direct.

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

The Godfather 1-3, Star Wars, It’s a Wonderful Life, My Dinner with Andrea, Under the Tuscan sun, The Wizard of Oz.

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 have been great if the festival were in person. I’ve been to festivals with other film makers and that really is the very best thing. Having audience feedback is so great but it’s even better to experience your films with a live audience.

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

It’s been good. Unfortunately, there are a few festivals that are not vetted and just take your fees. That’s always disappointing, but the set-up is efficient and I’m grateful for that.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I’m not sure why you are asking the question. But its Fried Chicken!

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

I’m currently working on two projects while I teach production at the Academy of Art University. I’m working on a documentary about plastic waste and a narrative script about a clerk for the supreme court.

Filmmaker Paul Parker (THE DIVIDE)

festreviews Uncategorized

THE DIVIDE, 14min., UK
Directed by Paul Parker, Nigel Woodley, Dom Reece Roberts
Following a global humanitarian disaster, mankind seeks survival in the midst’s of more dominant predators on the earth.

http://www.threestrandprods.co.uk/
https://www.twitter.com/strand_three
https://www.instagram.com/threestrandprods

Get to know the filmmaker Paul Parker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The Divide is taken from a section of a feature film script that we wanted to shoot a proof of concept for to show investors the kind of feel and genre that this film is going for.

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

This section of the script had numerous rewrites over a few months and then another three months of pre-production and assembling crew, locations, shooting schedule etc. In total with the post production, editing and music score, about eight months.

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

Dystopian allegory.

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

Budget! We would have loved to spent more but as always there are constraints.

Budget doesn’t determine quality but it certainly helps to enhance the quality.

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

It’s always fascinating to hear other people’s take on your work.

Like all art forms, there is subjectivity and original interpretation and expression. This is one of the reasons I make films, so that people can form their own opinions about what they watch.

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

When I was moved by watching films. Almost everyone has had that experience when you are watching a film and it’s like you are there living it. The world that is being created, you are in it, breathing it and you are oblivious to anything else other than what is taking place in front of you.

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

Difficult question as I like to revisit different films at certain times so I would say I have seen a lot of films a lot of times.

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 that creates exposure and serves to satisfy the interest that those who watch the films. Thinking outside the box, how about a live zoom question and answer session from those interested in asking a question?

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

Honestly not the best. I’ll tell you why, you submit to festivals without knowing whether you will be a part of that festival or not. I understand that there needs to be a selection process and festivals can’t show every film. But let me ask you this, who pays for something not to get anything back? As a film maker who has invested a lot of money into films, to then pay to festivals not knowing whether you will be in the festival just doesn’t make much sense to me.

This is one of the reasons why I have resisted entering films into festivals for a long time.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Chicken fricassee. A creamy chicken sauce with mushroom, pepper, sweetcorn, and rice, its beautiful.

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

We have a number of feature scripts that we are developing and its just a case of seeing which one develops and takes off next.

Filmmaker Ira Setiawati (PLASTIC TOURISM)

festreviews Uncategorized

PLASTIC TOURISM, 18min., Indonesia
Directed by Ira Setiawati
“Plastic Tourism” is more than a documentary; it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. It is a call to action and testament of the delicate balance between human leisure and environmental responsibility.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

There are many plastic trashes on beaches & we have tried hard to solve it by many ways but not effective enough to solve it. So we hope this movie can open eyes of many tourists, business people on beaches, government & local people to be aware more about these plastic trashes & together solve it well.

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

It is about 3 months.

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

Love earth.

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

Limited human resource who have experiences in the movies production, also limited equipment and short time.

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

I was so touched & happy that other people in other part of earth appreciate this movie well & pay attention to the earth’s critical condition at this moment.

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

Last year.

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

I have seen film the most in my life: Dance with Wolves.

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

We need more time to prepare it, because we don’t want to miss the deadline, some festivals the following year will not take it as not produce recently.

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

This is the first experience, positively surprised.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Tempeh with teak leaves: the fermented soya bean covered with teak leaves.

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

It is about traditional food culture connected to miracle of micro biome.

Filmmaker Nikolaus Aldrich (THE VISITOR)

festreviews Uncategorized

THE VISITOR, 11min., USA
Directed by Nikolaus Aldrich
With his relationship in a rough patch and his career stalled, A man tries to find new purpose by retreating to the Pacific Northwest. While there, strange things begin to happen as he grapples with his sense of reality.

https://www.instagram.com/thevisitor_shortfilm2024/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

As a kid I was always fascinated by the subject of UFOs and Aliens. But I never really spent much time thinking about it as an adult. Then last year it was in the news a lot. It sort of re-ignited that curiosity I had as a child. There was so much storytelling potential that I drafted out a whole trilogy of films based on an idea that had come to me. I decided to start small and develop this as a short. The short film is essentially the opening prologue for the feature. While writing the short I wanted to make sure that it could work both as an intro to a feature but a self contained story as well.

I wanted to map the films in a way that naturally progresses through the emotions of what I imagine one would go through if they were to experience this. So starting in a Sci-Fi/Horror genre made sense to me. But if I’m lucky enough to expand this further it wouldn’t necessarily stick with that genre throughout the story.

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

I began writing the script/outline in July of 2023. The script was mostly done by December 2023. My Producer and I knew since the late-Summer of 2023 that we wanted to film around Portland so it then just became a waiting game since it was getting colder. Filming occured in May of this year and technically finished the short Mid-October 2024. So from beginning to end it was about 15 months. But there was some development of the feature as well.

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

Slow Burn

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

Logistics. We had an LA cast and crew, a cast member from NYC and then the rest of our cast and crew were local to Portland. We filmed near Government Camp, OR which is about an hour outside of Portland. So getting everyone to the location was a complex task. In some ways I felt like Catherine O’Hara in Home Alone. Worried that I would be on the plane and realize one of our cast or crew members were left behind.

We had so many moving pieces while filming in a distant location with little control over weather, with a crew who wasn’t necessarily all familiar with each other and we were in the middle of the woods with virtually no cell phone service. Trying to balance all of those hurdles while filming the whole short in 3 days was my biggest concern. We planned as much as we could and thankfully it paid off. We had the best cast and crew we could hope for. Everyone got along great and was just all around a really good experience.

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

It was surreal. There were some things mentioned that honed right in on specific points I was trying to make. The idea of the Visitor(s) and how technically all the characters are alien to this location was a very intentional bit. I was happy to see that point come across. It was also so fun to see how the audience brought their own interpretations to it, what kinds of genres it fit into and filmmakers it reminded them of. There was a lot of hard work put into the film from every department and I was very happy to hear that those teams were given mentions. They really pushed the film into the next level.

The reaction to the film has been so positive. With its inception coming from a relatively dark time in my life. I really don’t have words to describe how incredible it feels to hear others talking about the film and engaging with it enthusiastically. My initial reaction was that this whole strange journey was worth it. I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out and hearing the reactions to it made me a bit emotional if I’m being honest. I was very moved by the whole experience because it’s surprisingly pretty rare in the festival circuit to really get that kind of direct feedback on your work.

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

When I was about 6 or 7. Literally, I’ve never wanted to do anything else my entire life. When I was about 10, I was making home movies with my cousin. Re-enacting Star Wars with the toy lightsabers. Around the same time my stepsister (Executive producer of The Visitor, Rachel Krause) and I would also make home videos where she played crime solving twins. We were very impressed with our opening credits sequences which included just filming an early 2000s era PowerPoint slideshow. In a weird way this film feels like a continuation of us making our childhood movies since she was a big part of the behind the scenes as well. It’s kind of a full circle moment. Filmmaking is something I’ve always known I would do eventually. I’ve been an Editor for a few years now so I’m still a part of the filmmaking process. I love my job too but making this film reminded me that Directing really is my dream. It was really nice to be on a set again.

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

Probably the original Star Wars. I don’t know the exact number of times but it was absolutely the movie that made me want to pursue this career in the first place. According to my Letterboxd account the movie I’ve logged the most is Avatar: The Way of Water which I’ve seen 14 times. So I would guess that one might one day even surpass Star Wars. George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron are the directors most responsible for me wanting to make movies. I would guess many of my most watched films are from the three of them.

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

Each festival is catered to a specific thing. In a lot of ways this early festival run for The Visitor has been a bit of a trial run to see who or where we will get the best response. For example, I don’t think it’s a surprise we’ve gotten the best response from the Sci-Fi centered festivals. But we’ve also done well with horror festivals. I do love the feedback we get, especially from the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Film & Writing Festival. That experience is so valuable not just to hear kind things said but to also get a sense of what is resonating with the audience. This only helps us grow as artists and storytellers. I think any expansion of that would be immensely valuable.

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

It’s been a very positive experience thus far. Having a centralized place to submit the film to most festivals has made the whole experience so much more convenient.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love Kung Pao Chicken

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

Right now I’m focusing on the festival run for The Visitor. The Visitor was conceived as a proof of concept for a feature film. So I would love to expand this into a feature film. There’s so much more story I want to tell in this world.