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Filmmaker Trieu Hyunh (THIS IS IT)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: THRILLER/SUSPENSE Film & Screenplay Festival

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Deadline Today: THRILLER/SUSPENSE Film & Screenplay Festival

https://filmfreeway.com/ThrillerSuspenseFestival

Deadline Today – Thriller/Suspense Screenplay Festival

The monthly festival that showcases the best of Thriller/Suspense Genre Stories and Films from around the world.

THRILLER festivals occur 12 times a year in Toronto & Los Angeles. Go to the website for information on the next events.

This is a HYBRID film festival with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

With THRILLER screenplays and films, there will always be a market. This is a genre that will always be popular. Agents and producers are always looking for the next great writer and the next great filmmakers who tell great THRILLER stories. So if that is you, we will showcase your script or short film and make sure the right people see your work.

Over 40 FIVE Star Reviews: 

I had a great experience with this festival and particularly loved getting the audience feedback video. Thank you for giving us the Best Story award.

– S. MacKie

I am glad that I entered the film in this festival. Particularly love the reviews done on the selected films. I truly hope it becomes bigger and better with time.

– A. Odera

thank you for the selection, amazing feedback and our win for best performances.

– A. Chang

Thank you so much for screening our film. The feedback video was such an amazing treat to have. We look forward to submitting more projects here in the future.

– A. Alfaro

Today’s Writing Festival: ANIMATION Feedback Screenplay Festival

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Submit via the site: https://feedbackanimationfestival.com/

Or, submit via FilmFreeway:

Submit your Animation Short or Feature Film and get it showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival. 10 film festival dates a year held in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Screenplay Festivals occur every single month. Submit your animation geared script.

FULL FEEDBACK on your screenplay from our committee of Professional Screenwriters, Production Heads and Script Consultants. Get your entire script performed at the writing festival. SUBMIT your FEATURE, TV or SHORT SCREENPLAY.

Submissions take 3-5 weeks for evaluation. Looking for screenplays from all over the world.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: WILDsound Festival

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Entering it’s 18th year, WILDsound now gives filmmakers 5 tiers to showcase and promote their film. (all accepted films garner the audience feedback festival, the 2nd bonus screening, and the interviews)

Submit via FilmFreeway:

1) Screening #1 where you will also obtain your audience feedback video.
2) Screening #2 virtually on the streaming service WILDsound TV (optional)
3) Screening #3 at a sold out public screening at the Carlton Cinemas in Toronto, or the LA LVE Regal Theatre in Los Angeles.

4) Podcast interview at WILDsound Radio on ITunes
5) Blog interview promoting you and your film.

The first film festival screening gives you our award winning Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films.

Festival is also known for it’s Screenplay portion of the festival. We do recorded script readings performed by professional actors. FULL Feedback no matter what on all submissions from industry professionals.

WILDsound Writing and Film Festival – Daily Deadlines

EP. 1336 – Screenwriter Mel Masry (SHADOWS OF STARDOM)

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LISTEN to the podcast: http://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/10/23/ep-1336-screenwriter-mel-masry-shadows-of-stardom

Watch Best Scene Screenplay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX2e0_LBGVI

“Shadows of Stardom” (Inspired by True Events) is a screenplay that follows the journey of Jack, a middle-aged man with unfulfilled dreams of acting and dancing. The story delves into the stark contrast between Jack’s vivid dream sequences, where he experiences success and fulfillment, and the harsh realities of his daily life in his dimly lit living room. Through a series of poignant scenes, Jack grapples with perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of his passions as he navigates the challenges of pursuing his artistic ambitions. The screenplay explores themes of longing, disappointment, and determination, offering a character-driven narrative that resonates with the complexities of human experience.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

My screenplay, Shadows of Stardom, is inspired by true events and explores the intense pressures and hidden struggles of an up-and-coming actor in the entertainment industry. It delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the cost of fame, as the protagonist navigates the fine line between personal integrity and the seductive allure of stardom.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Shadows of Stardom offers a fresh and poignant look at the entertainment industry, providing an introspective and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by actors behind the scenes. It speaks to universal themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the human cost of success, making it a story that resonates with a wide audience. Additionally, the script’s blend of drama and psychological tension, grounded in real-life experiences, makes it a compelling piece for the big screen.

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