AFROLISTIC: BLACK HEALING FROM ZIMBABWE TO THE BAY, 22min., USA
Directed by Nekia Wright, Shylet Ndarambwa
Black American healer shares about her practice and explores traditional healing, music, and dance in Zimbabwe.

Get to know filmmaker Nekia Wright:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I traveled to Zimbabwe in 2021 to study traditional healing and prepare for the Liberated Learning Teacher Fellowship. The trip had a profound impact on me and I wanted to share this experience with other Black folx. Especially those who haven’t had an opportunity to travel. I recorded entirely on my phone during that trip and began sharing clips during my community performances and sound baths. One audience member was so touched by this one clip from the Binga region that she began weeping. This was the final affirmation for me.

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

I drafted the idea for a grant on April 16th 2023 and completed the production by October 1st.

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

Black Holistic

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

This was my first film and I hadn’t taken any film or production classes. I was back in the US when I realized I needed to get releases signed by all the participants. It was a little complicated organizing this from here and took a few months but we all worked together to make it happen.

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

I wanted to make a film that engaged people’s heart, mind, and spirit as we explore African cultural healing and wellness practices. I felt like I achieved success. Watching audience members share how much they learned and one even expressed a desire to see more. This really affirms my vision of this becoming a series.

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

I began recording interviews with folx using my phone in 2021 during my first trip. This was my first time in Zimbabwe as well as Africa. I’m the first person in my family to travel internationally outside of the military and the first in this generation to travel to Africa. Many of my clients and workshop participants had never been either. I really wanted to be able to share with family and friends. I began to realize that my experience in international education, project management, and communication studies had honed the skills and discipline needed to make a film on a small budget in a short period of time in Zimbabwe. I applied for The Ubuntu grant through the African American Arts & Culture Complex to make the film on April 16, 2023 which was funded by the SF Office of Workforce Development. This was the day I decided to become a filmmaker.

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

My film, Afrolistic.

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 really enjoyed the process and love the audience feedback videos. I’m a brand new film maker and would love some technical and legal training

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

It’s been good so far. Can you please update my project to reflect the Best Direction award?

10. What is your favorite meal?

Soul food: Smoked turkey and brisket, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, cornbread and peach cobbler with ice cream on top

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

I would like to turn this project into a series. There are several other magical regions in Zimbabwe including Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo. It would be great to explore a different country each season. I’d like to start with other countries where I have ancestral lineage.

TALKING TO MOON AND BAEK, 36min., South Korea
Directed by Francheska Dyne Hong
“Only four calls,” He says. “Starts at 11:11 ending exactly at midnight. Just 49 minutes. No more, no less.” And they say, be very careful what you wish for.

http://ceoh.creatorlink.net/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
+ One of the greatest film directors, Peter Chan, once spoke to me that “our greatest revolutions are begotten from our most intimate deprivations”.
And I have learned and experienced this to be the greatest standing truth – I think the magnitude of pain can sometimes determine the magnitude of one’s greatness.
There was a lot that inspired me to write, create, direct, and act “for” this film and I think pain was the greatest motivation. I knew what solitude, loneliness, and being hurt from the people you love the most felt like – and felt compelled to write a love letter to the past me, present me, and future me – which actually is the audience who are going through their darkest times (or have been). Most importantly, there were nights – even still today – I would just walk or bike endlessly staring at the moon in the middle of the night. It was the only place and moment I would find some form of solace and warmth, so that was another big inspiration.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
+ The pre-production and the filming surprisingly didn’t take as long – but also because I am very impatient and driven. It took about 5-6 months but the editing took a lot longer than expected. As a first time, well, for EVERYTHING, I struggled a lot to not only give directions but really find directions in the editing process. My editor did wonders but it was one of the most emotionally-draining parts of the whole process. There were days I had to literally force myself into the editing room because I was dreading the thought of staring at the project file not knowing what to do. So I would say a little less than a year but almost – but I really thought I would be done in six months 🙂

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
+ Love. Letter
I’ve said this in a few interviews but I really cried a lot during the writing process. It was a love letter to myself and all the audience out there.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
+ Myself – and funding. I ended up funding the entire venture by myself because I could not wait but I think it’s the obstacle for all filmmakers.
But probably the biggest really is myself – as in my own doubt, fear, and uncertainties. I wanted the film to touch people and mean something to them and I was afraid it would not because I wasn’t doing a great job. I did endless journaling, praying, meditation, crying to finally come to terms with the fact that at the end of the day, you have to let your art stand on its own to live and breathe with the audience.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
+ so much gratitude, joy, and heartache… just.. everything. Thank you so much!!!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
+ Good question – I am not so sure. Not trying to sound all “destiny-wise” but I really never thought I would make films. I am an actress and a writer, and never saw myself as “ALL OF THE ABOVE”. But to quote some of the great players, one said “good players know how to play the game. the great players write the game themselves”. I think there was a part of me that wanted to create the entire playing field and see what it would be like – of course, once I started to realize how much of my bravery came from my naivety, it was a bit too late and I just had to keep pushing forward, with literal blood, sweat, and tears. Had I known it all, I am really not sure if I would have done it.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
+ Hrm, a lot of Richard Curtis films. I’ve “seen” different films but I study them more than watch them but if I am watching something to enjoy, I am a big Disney, Pixar fan 🙂

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
+ Podcast, interviews, and audience feedback are ALL so amazing, so thank you!
I think maybe a live-zoom call with the audience for a QNA? As a filmmaker, actor, the greatest reward and joy come from being able to hear directly from the audience so I think that would be something amazing 🙂

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
+ Really great – smooth. The only downside is I wanted to withdraw from a few festivals so I could apply to others.
The refund process has been completely non-responsive.

10. What is your favorite meal?
+ Korean food all the way – just the way they are prepared and served really feels like so much love was put into the whole process. And incredibly healthy is a pure bonus

11. What is next for you? A new film?
+ Yes and yes! Already finished about four different scripts. But now I think it’s time to secure funding since it was too difficult to fund the venture all by myself.
So whenever I can get the right investors, would love to start as soon as possible!

LAST STAND: SAVING THE ELWHA RIVER’S LEGACY FORESTS, 23min., USA
Directed by Dan Herz
When a large, ecologically sensitive legacy forest in the heart of the Elwha River Watershed was identified for harvest, the Earth Law Center, Keystone Species Alliance, and Center for Whale Research began using all legal means possible against the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in an attempt to halt the impending clear-cut. Through breathtaking cinematography and intimate interviews, witness the profound beauty and ecological significance of the watershed, as well as the dire consequences of unchecked deforestation.

Get to know director Dan Herz & Star Elizabeth Dunne

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Dan: I met a woman named, Missy Lahren, at an event in San Francisco and she told me about the legacy forests up in Washington state and how she and the law firm where she worked – Earth Law Center, were trying to prevent the state from auctioning off legacy forests for timber harvest. After she explained about the Elwha River, the undamming, the healing of the watershed, the salmon coming back, etc., and how logging could damage the watershed, after spending hundreds of millions of dollars to remove the dams, I felt that it was a story that needed to be told.

Elizabeth: I want people to understand the imminent risk to our last remaining older legacy forests in the Elwha Watershed and Washington state, and really throughout the Cascadia Bioregion. My hope is that through watching the film people will understand what is happening to our forests and why it is important; that they will take action – including by voting for Dave Upthegrove, who was featured in the film, to be the next WA Public Lands Commissioner; and will feel empowered to bring people together in their own communities to protect the places they love.

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

Dan: About 3 months

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

Dan: Powerful and Inspiring

Elizabeth: Heartfelt and Motivating

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

Dan:I went up to Washington in the middle of Winter, when days were very short and the weather was mostly rainy and overcast. It was challenging to get all the filming done in the week that I was there. Thanks to cinematographer John Gussman allowing us to use b-roll from his decades of shooting in and around the Elwha Watershed, we were able to complete the film. Also, the accelerated timeframe in which we wanted to get the film completed was challenging, as I had other productions I was committed to.

Elizabeth: It was on a very expedited schedule. I coordinated all the people to be interviewed in less than a week and did 4 days of filming straight while taking my son to and from preschool – the shoots during the weekday were in between drop off and pickup! I felt a sense of urgency since when we started filming, the “Power Plant” plant timber sale had not been canceled and logging was set to begin any day. So we didn’t know if we were potentially going to be filming the start of logging. The timing of filming turned out to be serendipitous as we didn’t know that the announcement to cancel the sale would be coming when it did. I had literally just finished filming with Dan and was headed over to the Dave Upthegrove fundraiser when I got a call with the news about the sale being canceled. I was ready for a break over the holidays, but we kept on moving forward with edits to the film as there is still urgency for the rest of the forests!

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

Dan: Very pleased and proud to have been a part of this film

Elizabeth: The feedback made me feel uplifted, supported, motivated, and grateful.

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

Dan: I have been working as a visual storyteller for over 30 years, mostly in TV. I have always wanted to make longer films, but never could figure out how to do it AND make a living. I knew from my first days as an intern at a TV station that I wanted to do this type of work.

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

Dan: Goodfellas

Elizabeth: The Snowman (1982). It’s a little under 30 min, with beautiful drawings and music and no words and my son loves it.

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

Dan: I love the opportunity to be interactive with an audience…answering questions after a viewing and hearing first hand what people thought of my work. It is rare in this business to get direct and immediate feedback, and it is such a valuable thing.

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

Karie – the FilmFreeway platform provided a seamless application process which made it a breeze from start to finish. I rate it 5 stars.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Dan: Grilled salmon, rice and sauteed veggies

Elizabeth: Any meal with fresh, homegrown veggies

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

Dan: No current plans for a next film currently, but we have talked about some other environmental films that I would love to develop and produce.

Elizabeth: I’ll continue to work for the forest and would like to do other films that help people reconnect or form a deeper connection with Nature and that counter some of the misrepresentations by the timber industry.

UNTYPICAL, 95min., Belgium
Directed by Michael Jimmy DUPRET, Marion VAGNER
The documentary is cameos of five neurodivergent adults who are witnessing the radical changes happening by being more and more in touch with their neurodiversity. Atypical adults in Europe are often undiagnosed and having to mask their whole lives. They face discrimination in their professional lives and often struggle with low self-esteem and feel worthless. Through their journeys they will see their neurodiversity not as a deficit or dysfunction but as a distinctive cognitive style, with its own strengths and benefits. An estimated 20 percent of the world’s population are thought to be neuroatypical.

Get to know the filmmakers:

MV Marion Vagner) and Michael’s (MD Michael Dupret) :

1. What motivated you to make this film?

MV : As a journalist, I love telling people’s stories but I find documentaries in which people tell their own stories extremely powerful.
“Untypical” is about people having a different cognitive style and thinking outside the mold. I really wanted to meet neuroatypical adults, because we often talk about atypical children and the difficulty of raising atypical children but there is less talking about what these children become.
When the topic is neurodiversity, there is no one else than neuroatypical people themselves able to explain what their lives are made of.
Having a few neuroatypical persons in my life, I also knew many diverse conditions are misunderstood at best, and mostly stigmatized. It is hard to relate to it and hard to explain. Hard to get the big picture.

MD : This project interested me as soon as Marion proposed it. The first thing I love about a documentary is the discovery: showing viewers another side of a societal issue and also being able to learn new things myself. I was also attracted by the opportunity to offer our interviewees the chance to present themselves as they truly are. Working in fiction as well, I love the truth in documentaries: it’s “real life.” What I enjoy most when working on a documentary is being able to show the daily lives of the people we follow. I want to be able to transport the viewer alongside the witnesses we follow to better understand what they are going through.

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

MV : It took me 2 years to find 5 adults representing the 5 different ways of thinking or functioning which are ADHD Autism, dyspraxia, Tourette’s syndrome and giftedness. Then we started filming in August 2022 and finished in May 2023. Editing took us a month or so. We were a very very small team which made the whole process very special.

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

MV : If I have to pick up two words to describe the film I would say “all different”. I am hoping that at the end of the film, it is understood that brains can process information differently without it being an issue. We are all different in the way we think, solve problems, love, understand. That makes us as humankind a community.

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

MV : The 5 persons I filmed had issues with their professional or educational environment. None of their employers or schools agreed on being part of the documentary and on telling one of their employees were neuroatypical. One of them has even been fired. There is such a lack of awareness about neurodiversity among employers and even healthcare professionals. It is part of the problem.

MD : With this subject, there was a challenge: showing the invisible, showing without staging, showing to create change. I love when the camera disappears, when the technique fades away to highlight the people we are following. The idea was to make visible to the viewers what our interviewees experience from the inside.

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

MV : I was really really moved. First because they watched the film which I find amazing ! And also because the message we wanted to pass on was understood. The stories are relatable.

MD : I was really happy that all these people watched our film. It’s also interesting to see that so many people are concerned by this topic.

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

MV : At 13 I was fascinated both by journalism and cinema. I was not allowed to watch TV or the news, so I still find it amazing that there was way to mix both my teenage passions.

MD : I was 7 when I watched the movie Poltergeist. I was not supposed to watch this movie at that age, but I was totally fascinated by it, by the emotions we can feel and share while sitting on a couch.

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

MV : It would be the first movie I have ever seen, “Le grand bleu”. It moved me so much at the time it remains my cult classic.

MD : “Jaws”. I love the way the “monster” is shown by Spielberg. The music, the shark’s point of view. I’ve always been fascinated by how we can be so afraid of something we almost don’t see in the movie.

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

MV : I think feedback are what we thrive as filmmakers. Being selected or not, having an award or not, we progress with feedback.

MD : As Marion said, feedbacks are definitely great. It would be nice to get pictures from the movie projection.

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

Great, it is the second documentary we present, and it is so easy and a great way once the film is over to give it a life.

10. What is your favorite meal?

MV : I would say a French dish called quenelle. Is is a mixture of creamed fish and breadcrumbs and I am crazy about it.

MD : Definitely Quenelle!!! It’s a specialty from Lyon in France.

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

MV : I am working on a documentary about Sanda Dia, a Belgian student who died in 2018 as a result of a fraternity hazing ritual. I work with his family to raise awareness on hazing, class-based justice and systemic racism.

MD : I just finished a documentary about the 1989 Tour de France, the biggest cycling event in the world. 1989 was a remarkable year when the American Greg Lemond made an incredible comeback. He won the race over the French favorite, Laurent Fignon, by 8 seconds on the last stage. It’s a kind of sports thriller. Now, I’m working on my second feature film, a horror movie.

PEACE IN MY NIGHT, 13min., Canada
Directed by Abigail Mascher
“Peace in my Night” is a compelling documentary that follows the extraordinary life of Elsie Mascher, a woman whose unwavering faith in God guided her through the darkest chapters of World War II.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

This film is one I have been wanting to create for a while. I recently moved to Canada for university. While I’ve been here I have been living with my grandmother (Oma) and I have been able to have many conversations with her. She has taught me a lot and it’s been interesting to hear her perspectives on life. I always felt her story would be one that could encourage others. Although it wasn’t easy for her, there was hope within the difficult experiences. Many people today struggle a lot in life. I wanted to share my Oma’s story so that those who watch it may feel encouraged and realise there is hope even in the darkest of times.

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

It took me a whole year, two semesters, to make this film. It was a capstone project for my degree. The first semester was spent on pre-production while the second semester was spent filming and editing.

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

Emotional but hopeful

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

One of the biggest obstacles I faced was trying to cut down the huge amount of my Oma’s story into a short twelve minute film. She has so much to say and has experienced many things. There was a lot I wanted to include in the film but wasn’t able to due to time. But she is working on writing her story so hopefully soon there will be a book out to find out in more detail all the things she went through. 🙂

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

My first thought was, “I can’t believe all these people I don’t know watched my film and actually enjoyed it!” 🙂

I was encouraged by the comments and it was interesting to see all the different interpretations. I am mostly glad that my Oma’s story could make a positive impression on the people who watched it.

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

I started making films during the pandemic. I was bored and wanted to use my time so I began making short videos on my two dogs. I enjoyed the process so much I decided to study it in school. I want to make films because I love telling stories in a creative way. I feel like I can make a difference with the stories I share through film.

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

A film I love is the Sound of Freedom. Although it is very intense, I love the way it was made. The visuals and music are beautiful and draw you in. But my favourite part was how they were able to share a true story and use it to raise awareness. I want to make films like that, where I share stories that have meaning and make a difference in the world.

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 honestly do not have much to say. The Toronto Documentary Feature & Short Film Festival has been incredible. I never expected all the opportunities given to continue showcasing my film. Thanks for sharing all the extra resources to increase the popularity of my film and share it with more people.

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

FilmFreeway has been amazing. A professor first told me about it. I had never even heard of it before when I was searching for places to showcase my work. I love how it’s a reliable place to connect with festivals and share my films with the world.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I grew up in Kenya so one of my all time favourite meals is a Kenyan dish called mukimo. It is basically made by mashing green peas, potatoes, maize, and spinach leaves altogether. You can have it with stew and chapatis (flatbread). It is so yummy! The crunch of the maize with the softness of the potatoes mixed with stew will always be a nostalgic meal for me. 🙂

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

I am actually heading to the University of British Columbia next year to complete an education degree to become an elementary teacher. I wanted to give myself as many options as possible and my dream would be to teach during the year and make films over the summer. That being said, I have started working on the script for a narrative film I hope I can make once I have finished school. 🙂

THE BRIDGE, 85min., USA
Directed by Evan Jackson Leong
Fifty years ago, our country grappled with widespread discrimination. In Los Angeles, neighborhood leaders challenged these barriers by establishing a community-focused bank, aiming to deliver the American dream to all. The East West Bank Foundation commissioned director Evan Leong to create The Bridge, which explores the struggles, perseverance, and successes of this remarkable journey.

http://www.thebridge-film.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

As a 6th generation Chinese American I’ve been fortunate to tell the stories of my community. The Bridge is a story about a humble Chinatown bank that not only grew the community but became a global influence furthering our place in society. For me, I’d be happy to tell these stories for the rest of my career. I was not only inspired but blessed to collaborate with the East West Foundation and Dominic Ng.

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

This project took about a year and a half to completion.

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

Bridging Communities

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

I think the biggest obstacle was finding a way to portray the bank as a character and give this film a heart. By definition, banks are financial institutions not community centers. But East West Bank’s story was different because its journey mirrored Asian America for the last 50 years. But to be fair once I started, there were such a wealth of beautiful ways the institution touched the community that the narrative revealed itself.

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

Just a lot of awesome feels! As a director, you’re constantly working in a silo with your editor and small team, so when you get positive feedback from your peers it affirms your own journey. Also, the feedback really highlighted underlying themes that I tried to subtly explore. Its great when the audience gets it!

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

I never thought being a filmmaker was a viable career choice growing up. Hollywood just felt so unattainable. But fortunately for me, while I was a UCLA undergrad I took a documentary class called Ethnocommunications. This program gave students the opportunity to learn about documentary filmmaking while telling stories about their own community. My first documentary was about a Chinese American historian from San Francisco who did the research that no one else was willing to do. I never felt so passionate about a process and I was hooked.

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

My first narrative film SNAKEHEAD

2nd would be Chungking Express

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’re doing a great job! It’s just nice to have an invested audience in this era of multitudes of content.

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

Using FilmFreeway has been intuitive and experience using the festival platform site has been positive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My wife’s Sun DuBu-jjigae

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

A feature length documentary about LPGA phenom Rose Zhang.

A docuseries on IMSA racing featuring Daniel Wu.

O palhaço que há em nós, 18min., Portugal
Directed by Eduardo Robalo
“He says he will be a clown until his last day, but father, you will be a clown, forever. An actor in soul, a clown at heart.”

https://blackcastle.pt/en/project/o-palhaco-que-ha-em-nos-en/
https://www.facebook.com/blackcastle.pt/
https://twitter.com/BlackcastlePt/status/1611799462908665861
https://www.instagram.com/blackcastle.pt/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

This film is not just a story; it is a tribute to my father who, besides being a professional clown, is the main actor. Despite his career not achieving the success he deserved, I am determined to immortalize him through my film, aiming to win awards to show him that it was all worth it, which makes this project profoundly special to me.

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

The concept, cinematography, and almost all of the pre-production were developed roughly between May 2023 and July 2023. However, we put the project on hold until January 2024 with the goal of investing in more material for a better final result. In February 2024, we had five days of shooting, and it took us about a month to edit and finalize the project.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Eduardo prefers not to answer this question.

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

The biggest obstacle was undoubtedly my inexperience. Despite having a communication company and creating videos for companies and other artists, this was the first film I made, and since I never attended a film school or university, I had to learn a lot of new things as I encountered needs I didn’t know how to address.

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

Receiving feedback from the audience is incredible. They reflect intense months of work, so I believe it is important to enjoy this phase, listening to them and feeling what they want to convey. After all, without them, there would be no cinema.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

After finishing “The Clown Within Us”.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

“Joker” by Todd Phillips.

What is your favorite meal?

Eduardo prefers not to answer this question.

What is next for you? A new film?

In September of this year, we will be shooting our second short film to be released later in 2024. Additionally, I have already started writing my first feature film, which I intend to produce in 2025. However, we will face a new challenge of finding executive producers and investors who believe in the project. It will be our first high-investment project, and we aim for it to be recognized globally (the film’s foundation has everything for this to happen).

The story and forgiveness of José and Maria, 15min., Brazil
Directed by Victor Amaro
After 50 years, José and Maria definitively break off their marriage and agree to give statements to their grandson, for the first time, about the reasons that led them to make such a decision. A story about love, pain and forgiveness.

http://filhounicofilmes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/filhounicofilms

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I always found it sad the way the Brazilian family is portrayed in Brazilian cinema. There are countless layers that are never addressed, when I saw my grandparents’ situation I couldn’t think differently. I needed to document this, but I didn’t know I was capturing their last moments.

2. From idea to final product, how long did it take you to make this film?
The entire process took more or less 1 year. It was a very challenging process, finding a good narrative that respected both parties

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It was definitely my emotional side, being able to complete the story without getting emotional and wanting to drop everything. Even though it’s work, seeing my grandfather being completely weakened by cancer and my grandmother’s emotions with this situation is something that hurts a lot.

5. What were your initial reactions to watching the audience talk about your film in the feedback video?
It’s impressive how cinema unites cultures, even though I’m a young Brazilian from the countryside, the public’s observations spoke in a cultural way with my artistic proposal. My family was moved and it even became an article in my city’s newspaper.

6. When did you realize you wanted to make films?
Since I was a child, I always wanted to watch films whenever possible, when I discovered that there was a profession as a projector, I fell in love. This triggered me observing that no film seemed like my life, that is, there were many narratives that had never been addressed in national cinema. This culminated in my profession.

7. Which film have you seen the most in your life?
Definitely Fight Club. It was the first experience I had on internet forums, we discussed and debated as much as possible about it. This awakened me to the fact that a raw film can have its fantasy side, losing its essence.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you advance your film career?
I believe it helps with publicity and industry relations. Brazilian cinema urgently needs support and encouragement from large industries.

9. You registered for the festival via FilmFreeway. What has your experience been like working on the festival platform website?
Perfect, thank you for being so kind.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Pizza for sure!

ECHOES OF DREAMS, 84min., USA
Directed by Vanessa Mariveles
Reyna, a struggling DJ in Silicon Valley, has to pivot her career in order to survive. Having the worst year ever, she is forced to join the “gig economy” so she can pay rent while living with her pushy mother. While dating women for the first time, she finds herself in comical situations. Through determination, self-discovery, and the power of faith, Reyna learns to overcome adversity and finds her true calling and love.

http://marivelesproductions.com/
https://instagram.com/mariveles.productions

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? What motivated me to make Echoes of Dreams was wanting to tell an underdog story mixed with romance and comedy since those are my favorite genres. I wanted to write something quickly and get it made in 2023 so I decided to tell my own story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It took 7 months to make the film from idea to finished product. I had the idea to write this story early July 2023 and wrote the first draft on 4th of July weekend, started casting in parallel, then shot my first scene July 28th. Editing took most of the time from October to end of January 2024.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The color correction and post-production audio were the biggest obstacles I faced, because I did it myself with limited experience. Then I had to come up with funds to hire a Post-audio/music score person and collaborate with them and give them direction on how I wanted the final product to sound.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? My initial reaction from the audience feedback was that I am glad they enjoyed the story and the stop-motion animation. I’m glad the feedback was also about technical things that should be re-visted like color-correction and audio.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I realized I wanted to make films in high school.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? I have watched Avatar 3 times in the theaters. Also, Home Alone is one of my favorite movies even now.

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 your festival does a great job in promoting filmmakers through interviews and social media posts. If there was a virtual networking event that your festival could host at the end of the year, that would be great for filmmakers to collaborate.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? My experience with FilmFreeway is great and seamless. Makes it easy to search for specific festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal? I love Italian food and Thai food.

11. What is next for you? A new film? I am currently writing an action feature film titled Bad Ryder that is a blend between Baby Driver and Thelma & Louise.