A LIFE BET, 2min., France
Directed by Marwan Tinhougga
As the game reaches its peak, a debate ensues between Amir and Seydou, while Franck, completely inert to the conversation, takes advantage of the situation. During this poker hand, both cunning and majestic, the discussion between the two friends intensifies, creating such an intense atmosphere that it prompts the viewer to reflect on their own values and life choices in a moment of introspection.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to explore the dilemmas and tensions faced by migrants through a metaphorical story, using the poker game as a stage to reflect on identity, survival, and the exploitation of resources.

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

The project took about 3 months from the initial idea to the final cut, including writing, pre-production, shooting, and editing.

How would you describe your film in two words?

Intense & symbolic.

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

The biggest challenge was to convey a complex message with very limited time and resources, while keeping the story engaging and accessible.

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

I was deeply touched and grateful. It’s always rewarding to see how viewers interpret and connect with the film’s message.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and cinema, but I truly realized I wanted to make films when I started acting and felt the urge to create my own stories.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

There isn’t one specific film, but I often revisit classics from different genres, from animation to drama and comedy.

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

Opportunities for networking and in-depth discussions with other filmmakers and industry professionals are always valuable. I also appreciate receiving detailed feedback from both audiences and juries.

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

My experience with FilmFreeway has been very positive—it’s user-friendly and makes it easy to submit and track projects internationally.

What is your favorite meal?

I enjoy discovering new cuisines, but I have a soft spot for Moroccan and French dishes.

What is next for you? A new film?

Yes, I’m currently developing a feature-length comedy and continuing to look for new opportunities as an actor, writer, and director.

Bad Chemistry, 20min., USA
Directed by Michael Rognlie, EE Tallent
In Bad Chemistry, a traumatized young woman goes to stay with her deceased boyfriend’s parents, only to discover chilling truths lurking beneath their kindness. This horror short explores grief, psychological torment, and the dark side of family.

https://www.badchemistrymovie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/miromakesmovies/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? – Bad Chemistry was inspired by a fleeting thought that entered my mind, driving home late one night through a wooded area. An image of a crazed madman running out of the trees with a baseball bat was the catalyst and I built the story around that.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? There were around seven days of production on this film, with about a month of post production.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Finding a car to ruin with fake blood.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? It’s always insightful to hear what an audience thinks of your film. Makes you smile when they like it.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? Immediately upon having the idea manifest.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? I’ve probably watched The Shining, Christine, and Casino Royale the most. I guess maybe the National Treasure movies because they are always on TV.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? You all are doing it right, but live screenings are the goal for me.

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

10. What is your favorite meal? Rib Eye Steak. Chocolate Chip cookie fresh out of the oven.

11. What is next for you? A new film? A new film which I co-wrote with the lead of Bad Chemistry. “Dotted Line” is slated for production in June 2025.

Another Saturday, 14min., USA
Directed by J.A. DellaRipa
A young teenager decides to enjoy a day of fun with her crush only to return home to find her worst fears realized.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
The increase of mental health struggles especially in young children motivated me to make a film that shows that they are not alone if they have someone in their life struggling with mental health issues. Then the slowing of the industry during the 2023 strike allowed me to use the time to get the cast and crew together to make this film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I first wrote about this subject in a short story roughly 20 years ago. Over Covid, I turned it into a short script. The script was then nominated at the 2022 City of Angeles Film Festival. A year later with adjustments, we shot in December 2023.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was coordinating schedules of the cast and crew in pre and post production. Originally, we scheduled to shoot in October, but due to changes in cast and crew, we had to push the shoot to December.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt very proud because the audience’s comments and reactions showed me that the film’s message and vision were understood. I was overwhelmed with joy to hear their compliments about the actors’ deep and authentic performances, the beautiful score, the creative editing, and the quality of the cinematography.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Back in high school, I subscribed to the Turner Classic Movie magazine because I loved reading about the movies of the 30s and 40s. I knew then that I wanted to be a film major in college which was a great experience working both behind and in front of the camara. With a few career detours over the course of my life, I have returned full circle to my first love and interest for film and the creative arts.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Outsiders (1983) is one of my most favorite movies that I watch over and over. I first read the book in my 7th grade English class which happened to be the same year the movie came out. Some scenes in my original script paid homage to The Outsiders.

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 whole experience has been so helpful to me as a filmmaker. If any additions would be implemented, I’d suggest a continual pathway to connect to mentors in the industry.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It was a wonderful experience. The platform is easy to use and all the information about film festivals is easily accessible. All of one’s submissions, deadlines, and reviews are conveniently in one place which helps with multiple submissions and projects.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Lasagna that I make from my Nonna’s recipe.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am currently working on a documentary about my dad, Luigi DellaRipa who is 90 years old and still works as a tailor.

After the Spread, 3min., Canada, Musical
Directed by Ash K Tysowski
A group of teenagers navigate their night-life, and their emotions, to the song “After the Spread” by “the Idea of machines”

https://www.ashtanimation.com/animation/after-the-spread\

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

This film was a collaboration between myself and the Idea of machines. I was fresh out of college when they approached me to work on “After the Spread” and it’s my first real gig as a professional animator. Full of ambition, I was motivated by the desire to get my work out there, to make a name for myself in the film and animation industry.

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

From start to finish this film took me a year to complete. November 2025 to November 2025.

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

Transformative and hopeful!

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

My biggest obstacle was a poor production choice of my own design. I won’t get into the nitty gritty of the animation process but essentially I left my first pass of animation too rough. It made the whole of animation take much longer than it needed to as I needed to tighten up thousands of drawings. I ended up learning quite a bit from this mistake in the end though so it was all worth it.

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

Watching the audience’s reactions was very exciting! Before now I’ve only had my work praised by my close friends and family. It was gratifying to be recognized for my creative choices by a wider audience.

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

I realized I wanted to be an animator, going hand in hand with making films in said medium, when I was in the 9th grade. I watched a lot of cartoons and animated films at the time. Not only was it just an interest of mine but it was something that helped me get through the rougher periods of my adolescence. Animation inspires and comforts me in a way nothing else does and I want to be able to pass that feeling on to someone else through my work.

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

The film I’ve seen most in my life would either be the original “The Lion King” or “How to Train Your Dragon”. Both were films I would watch on repeat as a kid and still like to give a rewatch to this day! Both are brilliant films despite their marketing towards a younger audience.

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

My experience with this festival has been great! From my limited festival experience so far it seems like it provides more marketing opportunities than most. My only request may be public in person screenings. It was unclear to me whether or not that was something the Experimental, Dance and Music Festival offered.

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

Filmfreeway has been great! It makes applying to festivals super accessible and makes the process quick and easy!

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favourite meal is probably spaghetti carbonara. I’m always excited for a good creamy pasta!

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

Yup! Another film is already in the works. The Idea of machines and I have been in talks to collaborate on another video for their next album, it will serve as a bit of a follow up to After the Spread. So far I’ve got a start on concept art and pre-production for the new project!

FLÜGGE, 25min., Germany
Directed by Leopold Schraudolph, Dani Rose Cortés
In an Austrian mountain village in 1914, the determined Amelie (20) must defy her father’s wishes of running the family sewing business to pursue her own dreams of flight and seize her only chance at finding true freedom.

Get to know filmmaker Finn-Oliver Walter

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The motivation behind “FLÜGGE” came from a deep-seated fascination with aviation and a desire to highlight the largely untold stories of female pioneers in early aviation. Growing up with a pilot father, Leopold’s (Writer, Director, Producer) bedtime stories were filled with epic adventures of heroic aviators. However, Amelia Earhart was the only female aviator represented in these stories. This realization inspired him to explore and celebrate the rich yet vastly underrepresented legacy of women aviators. Through Amelie’s journey – a fictional tale inspired by real-life trailblazers – we aim to shed light on their incredible contributions and the timeless themes of dreams, freedom, and emancipation.

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

The journey of creating “FLÜGGE” began on October 18, 2022, during initial discussions and culminated in the final master export on July 31, 2024.

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

DREAM BIG

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

One of the biggest challenges was balancing historical accuracy and magical storytelling in all aspects of the story.

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

This is a movie made for a wide audience, so seeing the positive reactions was incredibly rewarding. We couldn’t stop smiling while watching them!

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

After Leopold finished his first LEGO stopmotion animation as a child he showed it his family. In seeing how his small audience reacted to the story, he realized that this was his way of touching and inspiring people – filmmaking had taken a grasp on him. FINN REALIZED MAKING MOVIES MEANT….

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

Star Wars, Back to the Future & Harry Potter.

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

Offering networking opportunities would be incredibly beneficial. Additionally, creating platforms for filmmakers to collaborate on cross-cultural projects could foster creative synergies and expand our storytelling horizons.

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

Using FilmFreeway has been a seamless and mostly user-friendly experience. It offers a straightforward interface for submitting films and provides access to a diverse range of festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Maultaschen (German dumplings), Dim Sum (Chinese dumplings) & Palak Paneer (Indian spinach dish).

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

We’re working on a feature length version of FLÜGGE. To receive updates on the future developments of this project, send us a mail and we’ll add you to our mailer: info@willitgrain.com

Sofia Portanet – Lust feat., 3min., France/Germany, Musical
Directed by Béla Baptiste
Lust delves into themes of love, passion, self-doubt, depression, and healing. The song expresses the longing for closeness and the desire to heal someone through kisses and love. When we feel unwell, we often withdraw and isolate ourselves, making it difficult to let someone in—both emotionally and physically. Allowing oneself to be held, to be loved, and to surrender in another’s arms requires courage and a willingness to open up. Though not always easy, there is beauty in being truly seen for who we are, beyond self-doubt and difficult times.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Sofia and I are long time friends (we actually dated back when we were 15…) – I love her music and we kept wanting to work together but an ocean separates us (she’s in Berlin, I’m in New York) – one day I said I’ll be in Paris and she said: I’ll come down I have a song you might like.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took about a month – a deadline was due, which helps in terms of procrastination

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It was raining – which was great for a free wet down and cool lens effects but I also needed to protect the camera…

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I thought: damn that’s so nice – I’ve never since that in a festival. We are used to read textes but seing actual faces makes it so much more touching!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I grew up in an artistic environment but I was used to be in front of the camera/stage – only after 2 car crashes and resulting panic attacks I had to take a deeper look at my path and realized I want MAKE them as in behind the camera. I was 21.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
If you mean in the sense of THE ONE MOVIE I have seen the most I would go with Dumbo.

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 communication is always everything. I appreciate when festivals help fellow filmmakers in giving them plattforms. We live in a world where the artists also need to be promoters, marketing specialist and sales agents – it helps a lot when someone helps in that part.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I remember my father and his friends needing to submit in the 90’s – that was giant pain in the coffee cupholder! So platforms like filmfreeway really helped the democratisation of submitting –

10. What is your favorite meal?
That’s simple: Schnitzl

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m in pre-production of a feature: a dark comedy adapted from a stage play.

FRAGILE, 3min., Germany, Experimental
Directed by Lucas Buchholz, Bernd Brink
Every day, millions of packages are shipped, billions of messages are sent—our world seems more connected than ever. Even in the most remote corners of the planet, we are within reach. But have we truly come closer to one another?

Get to know filmmakers Lucas Buchholz + Bernd Brink:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

FRAGILE is the second part of a free audiovisual project by Weissraum. In electronic sound and vision we approach the topics of our time that concern us. FRAGILE (https://youtu.be/g-eE1hkR2T4) is about how aware we are of what we send – wether words, goods, or signals.
With our first piece RE, we focused on overconsumption and plastic waste. Click here for the clip RE, the first part of our series – a multiple award winner: https://youtu.be/qnXTpaTe5F0

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

The initial idea came about years ago when we found the head of “Lilli”, the blonde mannequin, at a flea market. The production of the movie itself took about eight months. During this time, we also produced the soundtrack, which gives our film its emotional depth.

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

Handle Carefully!

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

99% of all images and motion sequences were generated with AI, but all editing and cutting was done manually. This was done to ensure that every single part was absolutely as we intended. Learning: Using AI doesn’t mean it’s faster – it’s just a different approach. What’s new is that there are no (material) limits to the imagination.

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

Wow, how cool – it seems like people are feeling, thinking and reacting to our movie the way we hoped they would.

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

It’s always been a part of our work in communication design. Please also check our WS: weissraum.de

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

Blade Runner Parts one and two.

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 bigger the audience, the better. It’s important for us to reach as many people as possible. But for now, we are very satisfied with your festival.

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

It is very convenient and easy to use. We really appreciate working with it. And it’s nice that we often get direct invitations and even more favorable offers from festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

We love italian pasta – in many different ways.

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

Yes! The third, fourth and fifth parts of our film concept are already in the works at the same time. The aim is to give our individual films a larger whole. When we have finished the next parts of the entire concept material, we will let you know. Until then, thank you again for featuring us here.

Sequoia, 15min., Switzerland
Directed by Michelle Künzler
Sequoia, a diligent AI maid, works for the captivating yet mysterious Mrs. Terrance. Although not designed to harbor any emotions, Sequoia starts developing sentience, when a certain sound triggers a feeling inside her that feels oddly familiar – and human. Forced to conceal her newfound emotions to evade shutdown, Sequoia embarks on a dangerous quest for truth, tearing at the seams of her own identity and re-evaluating the intricate power dynamics that govern her place within the household.

http://sequoia-shortfilm.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sequoia_shortfilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I started writing ‘Sequoia,’ when AI tools like ChatGPT were rapidly gaining traction and the Hollywood strikes were unfolding, motivating me to explore the ethical implications and potential dangers of AI. The film was also deeply inspired by my personal experience. Growing up in a traditional household with a stay-at-home mom, I didn’t initially grasp the value and scope of unpaid domestic labor until I got older. As a feminist filmmaker, I wanted to pay tribute to housewives like my mother and shed light on that often overlooked, gendered work while connecting it to the theme of AI. I was particularly interested in the way modern technology intersects with gender roles—given that today’s AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Ameca are still predominantly female in name, voice, and/or appearance.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took 20 months. The idea for ‘Sequoia’ first came to me in April 2023, and I completed the film in November 2024.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
There were quite a few challenges throughout the entire project—from budget and time constraints to assembling the right crew. However, the biggest hurdle came during production as we fell behind schedule due to constant noise disruptions during exterior filming and a stunt scene that look longer to shoot than expected, resulting in an unplanned pick-up shoot. With some key crew members no longer available for the reshoot, it was difficult to find replacements and maintain continuity. Still, I’m proud to have persevered and overcome this obstacle. I’ve certainly learned and grown a lot from this experience.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Hearing the audience talk about my film, when it’s usually the other way around, felt like a rare and special moment. It was incredibly rewarding and refreshing to just listen to their honest feedback and kind words, and it was especially satisfying to learn that the twist at the end genuinely surprised them.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized early on that I wanted to make films, but it took time to find the courage and self-belief to actually pursue that passion. As a kid, I’d watch tons of DVDs and create stop-motion “movies” with a small handheld camera, using my toys as actors. Yet as I grew older, filmmaking seemed like an unrealistic career path—especially growing up in Switzerland, where the film industry is limited. I’ve always loved writing, so initially I considered journalism as a more realistic career choice, but I eventually realized it wasn’t for me. At 25, with the unwavering support of my family—especially my mother, who’s always encouraged me to follow my dreams—I finally packed my bags and moved to LA to become a filmmaker.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Difficult to say, but I used to re-watch a lot of chick flicks like ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Mean Girls.’ However, I’ve always been more drawn to TV shows, and I’ve probably watched ‘Desperate Housewives’ more than anything else.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Great question! First, I want to thank you for the incredible support and opportunities your festival already provides. To further support filmmakers, I suggest sharing the trailers or short clips of their films on your Instagram to boost visibility and build anticipation. Offering a short free review, with the option to purchase a more detailed one, and hosting an in-person screening and Q&A to foster networking and direct audience engagement would also be helpful.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Great! The information on FilmFreeway is clearly presented and easy to access, making the submission process smooth and easy.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Any meal my Turkish mom cooks is my favorite—there’s nothing like homemade comfort food. I especially love Turkish dishes with yoghurt like Mantı and Dolma. I’m also a big fan of Italian cuisine like Penne all’Arrabbiata.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Lately, I’ve been focusing a lot on production design, but I’m eager to shift my attention back to writing and directing. I’m planning to write and direct a new feminist thriller short film this year and would love to collaborate with Amber again, who played Mrs. Terrance in ‘Sequoia.’

serpentine, 19min., USA
Directed by Annie Young, Madeline Mack
After leaving an abusive relationship, a woman seeks refuge with a trauma treatment facility that promises healing. But as she learns more about their treatment methods, she starts to realize that the organization’s motivations may be far more sinister than they seem.

Get to know the filmmaker Annie Young:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

In my 20s, I was in a deeply toxic relationship with someone who spent most of his childhood in a cult. After I managed to leave the relationship, I started to see the parallels between the way I was treated and the ways in which cult leaders attract and keep their followers. I started to take a deep dive into learning about various different cults, consuming as much information I could find. The film was made as an attempt to understand my own experiences, and how easy it is for a vulnerable person to find themself in a situation not dissimilar to this one. There’s much judgment placed on those who experience emotional abuse and psychological manipulation, as if it’s easy to identify in real time, so I was curious how I could portray that feeling to an audience and perhaps elicit some of those emotions in themselves.

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 this in December 2022, and we shot in June 2023. With post production, the film was completed at the beginning of June 2024.

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

Insidious + Unnerving

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

I am based in NY, so setting up production in another state was a challenge. It was important to me to use as many local filmmakers as possible, and to prioritize working with womxn/non-binary filmmakers. We found a fantastic crew who were predominantly based out of Albuquerque.

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

Feedback can always be intimidating to receive, but is so essential for creative growth. I was pleased to hear the feedback received, and I look forward to applying it to the feature-length version.

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

I grew up in LA, so I’ve always been around film. My father was a cinematographer and I grew up going to sets, I think it was something I fell in love with fairly early on. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be involved in the film industry, starting off solely through acting. As I’ve grown older, I’ve expanded and taken up writing as well. I love movies, and I’m grateful to be able to express my creativity in this way.

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

That’s a tough question! I think I watched ‘Paper Moon’ quite a bit when I was younger, and I revisited many Ingmar Bergman films throughout my angsty 20s. My mum and I always watch ‘Love, Actually’ at Christmas — so perhaps that’s the one I’ve seen the most?

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’m always looking for people to collaborate with. Whether it’s as a writer or an actor, I love meeting new people and working with fellow creatives to craft a story. I started my career solely as an actor and wrote this film as a vehicle to do what I love while exploring my own experience. I’d love to continue connecting with other creators to foster a larger artist community.

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

It’s been pretty easy! FilmFreeway is a great resource.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love Japanese food generally, so probably sushi or maybe a Japanese curry.

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

I’m currently developing the short into a feature, so that’s my main focus. I took some space from the project for a while, but am now back in full force. I also have a treatment for a mini series that I’d love to shoot some day. I’m continuing to audition as well, so who knows where this next year will take me. I look forward to finding out!

Am I Still Beautiful?, 8min., USA
Directed by Tara Sekana Zulfikar
Fourteen-year-old Malaya is the quintessential tomboy who loves baggy pants and hanging out with boys. However, her world of familial expectation and rough friendships collide on the day of her birthday party, when she is forced to prove her masculinity once and for all in order to defend her best friend and secret crush, Ali.

https://www.tarazulfikar.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tara_zulfikar/

1. What motivated you to make this film?
This film is deeply personal and closely mirrors my own upbringing. I was a classic tomboy growing up—always trying to emulate my older brother. I wore his oversized checkered shirts and baggy pants, and spent most of my time surrounded by boys. With no girls’ soccer team at my primary school, I joined the boys’ team and felt completely at home in that world.

But everything shifted when I was around fourteen and developed a crush on a close male friend. I worked up the courage to express my feelings in a roundabout way, only to realize I was still seen as “one of the guys”—funny, rough-around-the-edges, and invisible in any romantic sense.

Am I Still Beautiful? is my way of exploring identity, beauty, and self-worth. It’s a personal reckoning, a way of rewriting my story and reclaiming my femininity on my own terms. I also hope it resonates with others navigating similar questions about how we define and express who we are.

2. From idea to finished product, how long did it take to make this film?
This film was created for one of my production classes at NYU. Pre-production lasted about six weeks, and we shot the film over two days. Post-production, however, took the longest—around seven months.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Post-production, hands down. I often get caught in an endless loop of edits, second-guessing every cut, unsure when a project is truly finished. I ended up sitting on this film longer than I planned, but thankfully, my editor Adriana Guevara was an amazing collaborator. After a long break, we returned to the project with fresh eyes and landed on a cut we were both really proud of.

5. What were your initial reactions to the audience feedback video?
I loved it! There’s no better feeling than hearing people “get” your film. It was like—Yes! That’s exactly what I was going for. It’s incredibly affirming.

6. When did you realize you wanted to make films?
I got a camera for my 14th birthday, and I started out with photography before transitioning into video. I made skits with my childhood friends and quickly fell in love with storytelling. I’ve always been obsessed with the way movies make you feel—it just made sense to pursue filmmaking.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Probably The Florida Project by Sean Baker.

8. What could festivals do to better support filmmakers like yourself?
Getting real audience reactions is such a rare and rewarding experience. Most of the time, it’s just a yes or no—you’re accepted or you’re not. So to be able to hear genuine, constructive feedback and feel that sense of community? That’s invaluable. Honestly, I have no notes—just keep doing more of that!

9. How has your experience been using FilmFreeway?
I love FilmFreeway. It’s super user-friendly and makes it so easy to get your work out there and seen by people around the world.

10. What’s your favorite meal?
Indonesian food, no question. I’m obsessed with nasi padang—steamed white rice served with a variety of sides like beef rendang, curried jackfruit, and all kinds of spicy, flavorful dishes.

11. What’s next for you—any upcoming projects?
I’m currently wrapping up post-production on a commercial for a local Brooklyn chocolate shop. Post was a bit of a challenge again, but I’m proud to have pushed through. I’ve also been focusing on producing, and I have several films lined up for this upcoming festival season!