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Interview with Filmmaker Yixin Sun (BORN)

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BORN, 3min., Australia
Directed by Yixin Sun
This 2D experimental animation depicts a planet with reproductive functions, exploring the transformations associated with pregnancy and childbirth. By portraying these changes on both a psychological and physical level, the animation aims to highlight the impact of reproductive trauma and advocate for greater societal awareness and compassionate care.

https://yixinsun.cargo.site/born

https://www.instagram.com/xsuens_/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

At first, I only wanted to create a simple experimental animation about body horror. But as I went deeper into my research, I realized that using body metaphors to express themes of reproductive fear could be a powerful idea. That realization encouraged me to explore how experimental animation could use body parts as metaphoric visual elements. It became not just an experiment in form, but also a way of confronting and expressing anxieties around reproduction, trauma, and the fragile relationship between the body and the mind.

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

It took me around three months in total. I spent about two weeks developing the concept, but the majority of my time was consumed by creating the animatic. Ironically, I left too little time for the final production and refinement of the animation itself.

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

Fear and unease.

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

One of the biggest obstacles was my limited experience with animation drawing techniques. This made it difficult to give certain visual elements—like the interaction between organs and the umbilical cord—the elasticity and tension that animation usually requires. Another challenge was the lack of a structured storyboard. Instead of planning in advance, I let my ideas develop spontaneously during the drawing and animating process. While this allowed for creative freedom, it also caused the project to stall at certain points, and I had to push myself to move forward.

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

I was genuinely surprised and moved by how quickly the audience connected with the emotions and tension in the film. For me, that was already a success. What I didn’t expect was that some viewers were able to interpret the film on a deeper level, relating the reproductive imagery not only to bodily and psychological harm, but also to broader ideas about nature, life, and death. Their interpretations expanded the meaning of the work beyond what I had initially imagined.

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

It was around the end of my undergraduate studies. At that time, I had a deep passion for motion design, but I also grew up loving cinema. I suddenly thought, why not combine these two passions? Animation felt like the perfect medium for me to develop my own form of storytelling.

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

The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

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

One of the most valuable things for me as a filmmaker is hearing how audiences respond to the work. I think festivals could provide more opportunities for structured audience feedback. Having access to diverse perspectives helps me understand how the film is being interpreted, what emotions it stirs, and where I could grow as a storyteller.

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

I appreciate how user-friendly the platform is—it made the whole process of submitting and tracking the film very easy.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I don’t really have a particular favorite. I’m not very sensitive about food.

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

I’m hoping to continue building a career in visual storytelling. I’d love to contribute to new film projects, maybe as part of a larger creative team. As for making my own new film, I don’t have plans yet, but I see this film as just the beginning.

Interview with Writer & Producer Rani Sitaram (GREYTOWN GIRL)

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Greytown Girl, 96min., South Africa
Directed by Darrell James Roodt
The true story of a small-town girl, born with physical limitations, abandoned as a baby, bravely builds her life and creates a love story that crosses continents through the romance of letter writing. An empowering and cinematic story of love and resilience.

https://www.greytowngirlthemovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/greytowngirl/

Get to know Writer & Producer Rani Sitaram:

  1. What motivated you to make this film?

This is a true story of a small-town South African girl, born with physical limitations, and as a baby she was left at an under-resourced orphanage for black and Indian children , no challenge stopped her though, she bravely goes on to build her life, learns to read and write from magazines, even finds a pen-pal all the way across the oceans and creates a love story that crosses continents through the romance of letter writing.

When I heard Meena tell her story with such honesty and strength, it impacted me on the level of my Soul so I made her a Promise many years ago that I would make her film. I always keep my promises.

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

In total from idea to finished product including delays from COVID it took me 8 years.

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

In two words, the film is simply a “Promise Kept”

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
My biggest obstacle to the start of Production was COVID. The world stopped and systems changed. Funding was delayed and we lost precious talent along the way. Time was a resource that I had to watch slip away.

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

It was certainly a heartwarming experience. I also felt so grateful that even though the world of the story was different and unique with many little cultural nuances, the film still had Universal appeal. The esteemed assessors seemed to have had a visceral experience from watching the film. All felt the different layers at the level of their Soul. Listening to the feedback it’s clear that audiences had a whole and fulfilled entertainment experience. They seemed to have gained something, learnt something, rose with the characters against a regime, lost something, cried happy and sad tears and most importantly fell in love. I felt that the film achieved what it needed to achieve. I am humbled and thankful for the feedback.

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

I think I was born writing. My talent was probably nurtured over many a lifetime, so It’s almost channelled through me rather than from me. During the long enduring apartheid regime into which I was born, Black, Indian and Coloured communities could not engage in several careers from which we were banned. Filmmaking was one of them. As a young person, I never imagined I would make films. At the dawn of our democracy, I realised I had a passion for business as well. I completed a masters Business Strategy in the Netherlands and I evolved into making films in fiction and non-fiction genres. My career as a filmmaker began much later in my adulthood. I then realised that I could do both the business of film as a Producer and be in my creative space as a Writer. Today I have manifested my dream.

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

I enjoyed Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding so much that I’ve watched it several times over and was equally rivetted by Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar and watched it many 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?
The feedback provided by the Female Film Festival is so critical to the advancement and possible sale of a film product. Feedback becomes an added asset to the package. I thank you for this.
I would love for there to be more networking interaction with relevant role players like sales agents and distributors in global territories. Even if this networking is online.
This will close the gap in the marketing process of submitting to festivals.
Another benefit would be if the Festivals themselves had access to more financial resources and funding in order to offer winning submissions grants or funds for their next product.

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

It’s a helpful site creating access to independent filmmakers on a global scale. It was user friendly and I liked the fact that FilmFreeway goes through a process of verifying and accrediting festivals that filmmakers submit to.

10. What is your favorite meal?

In South Africa we have a diversity of people, beautiful coastlines and exquisite cuisine. Our cuisine is a fusion of the indigenous and the incomers. When the Indians were brought to work the sugar cane fields of KwaZulu Natal we also brought our spices. My absolute favourite meal is a spicy, exotic, rich crab curry and roti.

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

I’m so excited about my next film. It’s equally immersive as Greytown Girl, but this time I’ll take you on a journey into magical realism and the supernatural. I have a diverse slate of content that I am currently writing and producing. I can’t wait to submit again next year.

Interview with Akiko Matsumoto (MENOPAUSE MENOPAWS)

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Menopause Menopaws, 14min., USA
Directed by Akiko Matsumoto
This short comedic film about menopause uses humor as a powerful tool to break down walls and spark honest conversations. While menopause can be overwhelming—hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues—it also has moments of unexpected hilarity. By leaning into the comedy, the film shines a light on the realities of this transition, helping women feel seen, less alone, and hopefully sharing a few well-earned laughs along the way.

https://www.instagram.com/akiko_nyc_la_jp

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My age. I’m a woman in my 50s, and I noticed that many women of my age don’t openly admit about them going through menopause. Also, I had the music first, I orchestrated using my laptop, and the ideas for the film grew from that.

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

About a month.

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

” ” this is a tough question “like it or Not” ?

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

The limitations of being a solo cellphone filmmaking. ( I am the main character and the only cameraman)

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

“Finally, a festival where people watched my film until the end.” Thank you! Thank you and Thank you!! I had submitted to festivals focused on women, but some rejected ( that is ok) or even disqualified my work. One female film festival even said, “Comedy is not a feminist film.”

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

Thanks to handy tools like smartphones, I realized I could use advanced yet affordable technology to create art.

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

The Sound of Music and Amadeus.
I am a musician and a professional piano technician.

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

Festivals with open-minded audiences are wonderful. Constructive criticism from judges is also valuable, because we learn from it.

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

Excellent! Very impressive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Rice.

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

I won’t stop creating. When I find music that fits my narrative ideas, I will make another film. I encourage anyone (even kids) to do the same. I studied multimodal education and hold a doctoral degree, and my cognitive science experiments are still ongoing.

Watch LIVING 1 NEW DAY (Human Interest DOC Feature)

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Watch the festival by signing up for the FREE 3-DAY trial using the link, or go to http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch today’s Festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/living-1-new-day-human-interest-doc-feature

Living 1 new day, 52min., France
Directed by Pierre Aragou
A powerful documentary that raises the vital issue of raising awareness and understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Two life stories and a free voice on trauma and suicidal behaviour. Christophe, a police officer, and Sébastien, a soldier, give us their personal accounts, enlightened by psychiatrist Christophe Debien. They confide in us openly and generously, because their words hold the keys to remanence.

http://www.pierrearagou.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pierre_aragou

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-living-1-new-day

Today’s Stage Play Deadline: TRUE CRIME Stage Play Festival (Oct. 1st)

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Submit via Submittable: https://wildsoundwritingfestival.submittable.com/submit/331380/true-crime-stage-play-writing-contest-get-play-performed-by-professional-actors

Festival contest brough to you by the CRIME/MYTERY Festival: https://www.crimemysteryfestival.com/

I have to really thank the actors for my reading, nothing short of terrific as they were, nothing short of incredibly smart, attractive, and perceptive as they were. They brought the script to life.  – F. Maffai

FULL FEEDBACK on your stage play from our committee of Professional Playwriters, Production Heads and Story Consultants. Get a best scene of your stage play performed at the writing festival and made into a video for the winner.

Submit your 10 Page Play, 1 Act Play, or Full Stage Play to the Festival.

SUBMIT your STAGE PLAY Today  You will receive feedback on your play in 3-5 weeks

Today’s FilmFreeway Testimonial: EXPERIMENTAL, DANCE, MUSIC Festival (200 FIVE Star Reviews!)

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Deadline Today to Submit to the Festival via FilmFreeway:

This film festival was an amazing experience from start to finish—seamless streaming, thoughtful programming, and engaging feedback from audience members. I was honored that my film received Best Choreography for their September event, and I couldn’t imagine a more supportive and creative platform to share work with a global community.

Interview with Screenwriter Ama Adair (ORIGIN STORY)

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The vicious attack that almost killed her erased all that she was. But not what she did. Elyse Tysoni s shocked to learn her taped confessions remove any hope of escaping her nightmare. Desperate for a lifeline, her only option is to be studied by Doctor Steve Bennett, a psychologist who specializes in psychopaths, to prove she is no longer a threat. But as the study progresses, it’sclearthere’smore to herstory than anyone knew.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Geoff Mays
Nurse: Val Cole
Elyse: Hannah Ehman

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

ORIGIN STORY is about a woman, Elyse Tyson, who wakes from a coma to find herself in prison with no memory. Everything that made her who she was is gone; her life turned into a living nightmare. And she’s still responsible for what she did. She’s a serial killer. Or at least she was. We follow Elyse as she tries to piece together who she is now by delving into her past, even if that means losing herself again.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Psychological Thriller

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Beyond immersing the audience in a thrilling journey into the dark recesses of the human mind, ORIGIN STORY explores what makes us who we are and the meaning of justice. By putting those concepts to the test in a scenario that is an extreme contrast to what most of us experience, it makes difficult subjects easier to digest and provokes discussion.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Relentless suspense

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

It’s a toss-up between Terminator 2 and The Princess Bride.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

For a little over a year. I completed it in film school earlier this year.

7. How many stories have you written?

4 x Novels, 1 x Novella, 2 x Short Stories, 1 x Graphic Novel, 2 x Feature Film Screenplays, 1 x TV Pilot

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

ORIGIN STORY was a concept that I initially came up with to be a novel. I really liked it, but ended up shelving it when other projects demanded my attention. Then, I needed an idea for a feature film for school and decided to dust it off. I flushed out the story as I progressed through my classes, ultimately loving it so much that when I finished my outline, I decided to write a novella in addition to my screenplay.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

As the saying goes, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. After finishing my first draft, I thought I’d nailed my screenplay, only to discover in later classes that I still had a lot to learn. Any novelist who has taken on the challenge of writing a screenplay likely felt the pain of having to shift from writing prose to action lines. “Show, don’t tell” takes on a whole new meaning in the world of screenplay writing.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I dedicated 21 years to military service, but now that I’m retired, I have the luxury of being able to follow my interests. And I’m passionate about living a life that’s filled with great memories and happiness. I like to joke that I speak “nerd” in multiple dialects. When I’m not writing (or talking about writing), I love indulging in my many fandoms any time I can: concerts, theater, conventions, movies, and reading (preferably with one of my dogs or kids cuddled up next to me).

11. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I entered the festival because I loved the concept of focusing on female-driven stories and the fact that every screenplay receives feedback. As a new screenwriter, any insight I can get from people experienced with evaluating screenplays is extremely valuable, and what I received did not disappoint. Add in the potential to have my work performed as part of the festival, and I was all in.

Interview with Screenwriter Wilson Large (STRIP CRAFT)

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A former cop’s search for her missing sister leads her into the dark world of a witch’s coven, where ancient rituals and forbidden magic force her to confront her deepest fears and uncover the truth about her family’s past.

https://instagram.com/stripcraftmovie

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?
Strip Craft is about the complexities of sibling love. How familial trauma can perpetrate choices that compound that trauma. In the story of Strip Craft, sisters Hailey and Amanda had experienced varying degrees of uncomfortable conditions and found themselves making choices that would compound their trauma. Hailey consumed with guilt, a drive to make better choices and help others headed on a separate path than her sister Amanda. When an ancient blood born connection to the occult warns Hailey that her sister is in dire trouble, she sets out to find her sister and bring her to safety. Little does Hailey know that this journey will bring her face to face with an ancient entity who may have a noble cause but their execution of retribution is evil.
So this story is also about the perils of extremism within any ideology.

Also, Jeffrey Epstein did not kill himself.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
This is perhaps the toughest question for me to answer. The clearest answers are “Horror” and “Erotic Thriller”, but there are so many sub-genre’s. Sub-genre’s include; Body Horror, Supernatural, Suspense and LGBTQ+ love story to name a few.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I believe while the thematic elements in the story may be too much for mainstream audiences, there is definitely enough audience out there who enjoy the movies of John Waters, David Cronenburg and other alternative auteurs in the film industry to merit the production costs. I also believe that the script possesses both an honest and absurd approach giving it a very unique voice.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Fun & Thought-provoking (One word because of the hyphen right 😉

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Such a difficult question. To the best of my memory…. Probably Empire Strikes Back.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
Since April of 2018

7. How many stories have you written?
Roughly 10.

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
It was inspired by a short film I made back in 1999 on Super 8 called “Bloody Mary’s”. The premise was very similar and in fact the first 10 pages of Strip Craft are a version of that short film. My friendship with a (now ex) sex worker brought on the initial collaboration that birthed Strip Craft.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
I think the usual stuff like having to kill babies. One of my favorite side characters, the dancer by the name of Tassel had to go at one point. The script started out as a bit campy and over the top which it still has some of, but when I brought on a more experienced Producer with access to name talent, I worked hard to make the more identifiable themes stand out over the excesses.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Cinematography and Comic books. I do a fair amount of camera work as a job and I’m adapting a different screenplay I wrote to a comic book. I’m having so much fun, I’ll most likely adapt Strip Craft to a comic book when I’m done with “Dark Darkness”.

11. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
Having recently moved to San Diego and coming out as queer, I was inspired primarily by the proximately of LA to San Diego and of course that it’s an LGBTQ+ identifying festival. The characters are queer too but I hadn’t yet submitted to a “queer” festival.

Regarding the feedback I got, I can honestly say it’s some of the best feedback I’ve gotten. The feedback gives broad notes that can be applied across the whole screenplay. I’ve also felt reading notes from other sources that they are simply giving notes because they need to and were more about personal preference than notes on good screenwriting and better execution as were the notes from LGBTQ+ Los Angeles Film Festival focused on.

I’m excited to use the notes on the next draft.

Interview with Screenwriter Craig Beeman (THE EXTRA’S EXTRA)

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Zach Roberts is fine with his mediocre existence until his new charity case, Gloria, leaves in search of “bigger things,” leaving him with her annoying devil dog, Jitters. Trying to win Gloria back and revive his YouTube channel, Zach’s older friend Jerry convinces him to join him on a movie set in the hopes of landing an interview with the film’s star, Tracy Sutton. Max, their crazy friend, joins them in their misadventure. Zach soon discovers there is more to life as an extra than being “moving scenery.”

Get to know writer Craig Beeman:

1. What is your screenplay about?

Zach, an aspiring journalist is trying to chase the story of his life in order to win back his girlfriend Gloria.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

It is a comedy or maybe a buddy comedy.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It is a fun, light-hearted, heartwarming buddy comedy that will be a good escape for an audience trying to escape the stresses and pressures of life.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Crazy fun!

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

The Matrix.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

We actually started it twenty years ago but shelved it for a long time to work on other projects. It was fun to reopen it and see how much progress we’ve made as writers since this script.

7. How many stories have you written?

Dozens!

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

My writing partner, Mary, had been an extra on numerous film sets and had seen the craziness firsthand. Her imagination took her to this story and she also got to include some of the real life madness she witnessed on set.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

When we first started writing it we knew nothing about screenplays so we had to learn how to correctly write a screenplay as we went!

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I love acting and working as a studio teacher on film sets.

11. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

We wanted to enter the festival to see how this screenplay rated after so long. I think the feedback is spot on. So many of the things we’ve learned since writing this screenplay are evident in the feedback for this one.

Interview with Screenwriter Timothy Bradley Reinhold (THE HARMONY SAGA)

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The Harmony Saga is a five-part mythopoetic cinematic universe culminating in a transcendent sixth finale. Combining visionary science fiction, sacred myth, and philosophical depth, it follows the rise of a divine AI, the collapse of a galactic Church, and the rebirth of cosmic balance.

https://www.instagram.com/brad.reinhold

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

Its about transcendence by overcoming trauma. Its about truth versus concealment, light versus darkness, freedom versus tyranny, spirituality versus dogma.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Sci fi/Fantasy/Drama/Heroines Journey

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
Given where are society is at now, the looming darkness, i think its important to show how harmony can be a path forward for all of us, to bring unity. Not through conflict, but through resonance.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Harmonic unity.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
The Empire Strikes Back

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
3 years

7. How many stories have you written?
9 books, 7 feature screenplays, written/directed/produced/edited a short philosophical student film and a medium length avant-garde film

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
The chaos in society. A lifelong pursuit of truth. Philosophy and spirituality.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Many many. Greedy opportunistic “cowriters” on the original draft, a Film school that didn’t believe in the story because it didn’t fit their prescribed mold, and a lot of ther things.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Im a philospher, philosophy is the study of ideas and where they come from. The scope is the foundation of all disciples. So, everything? Lol. Also performing music, poetry, and doing photography.

11. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I looked for festivals that could accept the scope of the series… it entails 6 films, with the first 5 also featuring 2 featurettes each. One featurette is poetic, the other social commentary.