Filmmaker Hsiao-Tsun CHIU (EUPHORIA)

EUPHORIA, 19min., Taiwan
Directed by Hsiao-Tsun CHIU
As nightfall cast shadows on their secrets, the woman schemes under the shroud of darkness, returning to the house to share her clandestine plans with her partner in crime. Yet, an otherworldly aura permeates the air, revealing the lovers’ true selves and dropping cryptic hints about the mysterious male corpse. Step by step, they are lured into a dance with the supernatural, spiraling into a world of trance and bewilderment, where the line between reality and the ethereal blurs into an enigmatic tale of passion and peril.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
In modern relationships, the person suffering from violence is often unable to leave. As their relatives, friends, and family, we can only watch helplessly.

One of the most distressing reasons is that the victim firmly believes the toxic relationship is due to their own personality traits, feeling they must endure and even fix it themselves.

This heartbreaking story happened around me, and I felt compelled to share it with a wider audience, taking them on the victim’s journey to witness the hopeful sunrise on the east coast of Taiwan.

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

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

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

What takes the most time is the editing.
During the process, I tried again and again with the editor and sound designer to find a way to break away from the linear narrative, so that the audience can have an engaging yet alienated viewing experience.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very nervous. It takes a lot of courage for an auteur to take feedbacks in front of audience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
My father passed away suddenly and I didn’t have time to reconcile with him, so I closed the door and started writing my first script.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I like all the works directed by Joachim Trier and have watched them many times, especially “Oslo, August 31st.”

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 feel very satisfied so far, especially with the feedback from the audience.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It’s been very convenient.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Teppanyaki, the Japanese cuisine.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
My new film has been shot and is now in post-production. The story follows a stand-up comedian who, after the sudden death of his father in the morning, must perform on stage that same evening. It is based on my personal experience, and I am very excited about it.

Filmmaker Maria Taber (KISS ME DEADLY)

KISS ME DEADLY, 9min., USA
Directed by Maria Taber
Edgy Simone decides to follow her friend’s advice of giving the online dating guy Thomas another try, little does she know all she would be getting this holiday season. Get ready for the thrilling reality of LA dating in this dark comedy.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31565894/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was part of a 48 hour film festival. Everyone was given one line to use as well as the theme, which was “Halloween meets Christmas”

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
48 hours from inception to the final edit.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
the biggest obstacle was keeping everyone on the same page and focused since we had such a limited amount of time. It was also difficult letting it be complete after the 48 hrs– when we had so many more elements we would have loved to add in addition.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
i couldn’t believe anyone outside of the original festival had seen it, let alone had things to say. It was really cool seeing people watch it and give their feedback.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I have always been interested in this medium. I think I always had an interest since I was very young. I always like watching people and hearing stories.

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

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I really liked the feedback element, I think it helps for future projects!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
My brother, who is also in the film Michael, actually submitted for us. He has had a wonderful experience.

10. What is your favorite meal?
hmm maybe Italian. Something with fresh Burrata never disappoints 🙂

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am in the process of editing and writing some things that I look forward to directing in the future.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: Toronto DOCUMENTARY Film Festival

NEW OPTION: For limited time – Option to submit and garner an automatic acceptance of your film. Agenda is to create exposure for the filmmaker and their film!

With that acceptance, you will receive an audience feedback video, plus 2 interviews (blog and podcast) to promote the filmmaker and film.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Since 2016, the FEEDBACK Film Festival has been showcasing the best of Documentary Short Films. We now will be showcasing a Documentary Film Festival every month in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Carlton Cinemas.

We have created a hybrid festival with 4 tiers to enhance your film and your festival experience. All accepted films receive all four tier options:

Tier #1 – Your film plays at a private festival event where the audience will record their comments/reactions to your film on their camera or phone, then we edit them and send you a promotional video. No matter what you will receive a promotional video of your film of people commenting on your film.

Tier #2 (optional) – We put up your film live on our FILM FESTIVAL APP for 24 hours and invite a select industry audience to watch it. With this system, some films have already received a distribution deal as many platforms are looking for solid feature and short documentaries. We can not guarantee anything of course but this has been very helpful to many in the past. (see testimonials below)

Then (Tier #3) we will send you a list of questions to answer for our blog interview that will promote you and your film. Then after that (Tier #4) we will set up a podcast interview on our popular ITunes show where will we chat with you about the process of how the film was made.

——

We also will be showcasing winning documentary treatments at our festival every single month.

Awards & Prizes

The Documentary Short Festival was created for filmmakers. The goal is to showcase the best of documentary talent in film from around the world.

Read daily testimonials: https://documentaryshortfilmfestival.com/?s=testimonial

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: FANTASY/SCI-FI Film & Screenplay Festival

Over 75 FIVE Star Reviews on FilmFreeway!

FANTASY and SCI-FI Stories used to be a fringe market. Now they are in the mainstream and forever as movies, television shows, and stories in this genre are a multi-billion dollar market.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

This is a HYBRID film festival (NOT an online 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….

Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival. WINNING reading every single month!

Get your short or feature film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get an audience video. Now a monthly festival taking place in either Chicago, Los Angeles, or Toronto

All festival dates have been updated to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

We specialize in showcasing Fantasy/Sci-Fi stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.

Awards & Prizes

Accepted Films get their films showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival. Then you’ll garner an Audience Video on your film which is a great promotional vehicle, which will set you up to get submitted to future festivals.

Accepted Screenplays get their work performed by professional actors at the writing festival. 3-5 weeks after submitting, you will be sent an email with your full feedback and told if your script is ready to be performed at our festival. We do not have finalists etc.. It is either a winner or a rewrite is suggested and you have a chance to re-submit at a discount rate.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: CRIME/MYSTERY Film Festival

This festival now takes place every single month giving filmmakers 4 tiers to showcase and promote their film (All accepted films get all four tiers).

Submit to the Festival via FilmFreeway:

1) Screening #1 is held in Toronto or Los Angeles where you will also obtain your audience feedback video.
2) Screening #2 virtually on the Film Festival streaming service (optional)
3) Podcast interview on Film Festival Radio on ITunes
4) Blog interview promoting you and your film.

All festival dates have been promoted to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

Monthly Deadlines

Short Film Festival – Occurs once a month in Los Angeles and Toronto

Your film will get screened in front of a large, broad audience.

– We are a feedback festival and you will actually hear what the industry and film lovers think of your film.

NEW Showcase: Submit your FEATURE FILM and receive an audience feedback promotional/testimonial video of your film. Great video to use to get into more festivals and/or promote your film. All submissions receive the committee’s feedback notes on their film no matter what, as per their request.

Filmmaker Lauren Pringle (WITCH-HUNT!)

WITCH-HUNT!, 6min., Germany
Directed by Lauren Pringle
Join Suzette, our hunted witch as she grapples to understand her own intuitive body. Fearful and avoidant of an inner voice, this movement film takes us on a journey that combines dance and narrative elements that wrap us into this dystopic world. Stones and dust fill our landscape as alive bodies jump out of the screen. Suzette is chased by a group of witches who are hunting her in order for her to realize her own magic powers. Once she does we are drawn into an emotive space where we see deep revelry in her surrender.

http://www.laurenpringle.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lauren.Jane87
https://www.instagram.com/laurenjaynepringle/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Covid 19 🙂

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

Around 18 months. i had no money so waited on my beautiful friends and collaborators support.

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

Thrilled motion

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

Money as always lol

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

So lovely and humbling.

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

i was around 11 and i used to write horror stories for films i was obsessed with 70’s/ 80’s / 90’s horror.

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

lord of the rings and beetlejuice.

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

feedback on the film is amazing. i love the audience review.

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

really good

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love a mezze or tapas lots of different flavours and options

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

Yes i would love to shoot a narrative dance thriller film in Argentina next year

Submit to the Experimental, Dance, Music Festival

Filmmaker Qais Sarhan (ALWAN)

ALWAN, 3min., UK
Directed by Qais Sarhan
Meet Alwan, a cheerful child longing for a friend. After a series of disappointments, a box of crayons unexpectedly brings magic into his life. The crayons come alive, creating a vibrant world filled with joy and friendship. In this magical world, Alwan discovers that his imagination holds the key to happiness. The story celebrates the power of creativity and the simple joys found within our imagination.

http://www.qaissarhan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/qaisicle/

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/alwan-review

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve always wanted to create a personal short film but never felt confident enough to do it. Last year, I went to an animation festival with my friend Gordon Howie, and we both felt incredibly inspired and motivated. So, we made a pact right then and there to hold each other accountable and dive into the filmmaking process together. For this film specifically, the story is a very personal one. I wanted to explore the idea of loneliness and exclusion for kids, as I think that’s a big issue for a lot of children, for different reasons. I think that made it more meaningful and it became a passion project for me.

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

It took around 8 months from idea to completion. However, for most of that period, I was only working on the film in my spare time in the evenings and weekends. I went into turbo-mode and started working on it full-time in the last month or so.

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

Emotional, colourful

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

This being my first narrative film, I had to figure out a lot of stuff along the way and do some creative problem-solving. The toughest part was keeping up my excitement and energy throughout the process.

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

Seeing people connect with my film in the feedback video was amazing. It made me so happy to see them get the message and feel the emotions I put into it. It was also interesting to see a few people interpret it in their own completely different way too.

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

Since I was a little kid. I was constantly running around with a camera harassing my cousins into shooting little films and music videos.

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

One of my favourite animated films is Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr Fox”. I love everything about it, from the design to the animation, pacing, and acting.

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

Experimental Dance & Music Film Festival does a great job in enhancing the experience already – getting to hear and see real feedback from the audience was an amazing extra value-add. Also, getting feedback on the film even when it isn;t successfully selected would be great, although I know that would involve a lot of extra work for the organisers.

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

Overall, FilmFreeway has been great. It made the whole submission process a lot less daunting for me as a newbie. My one piece of feedback would be that the platform can be a little overwhelming to navigate through because of the sheer number of festivals available. A simple way of rating the festivals and organisations might make it easier to pinpoint the best or most relevant

10. What is your favorite meal?

My family is from Palestine, and I now live very far away, in the UK. So without a doubt, my mother’s stuffed vine leaves take the crown as my favorite dish.

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

I’d like to make another film eventually, but I’m not ready to jump into it just yet. For now, I want to focus on shorter projects and see how much I can improve and push my style before starting a new film.

Submit to the Experimental, Dance, Music Festival

Filmmaker Herve Marcotte (AN ORDINARY EXPERIENCE)

AN ORDINARY EXPERIENCE, 52min., France
Directed by Herve Marcotte
In July 2022, I brought together two sixteen-year-olds, Jeanne and Romain, in a house by the sea. They didn’t know each other yet. I was determined to take them seriously, and make them live with all their uncertainties and reserves, an experience in the world of beauty.

http://verissimusfilms.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My first long documentary, “Encounter with Remarkable Souls,” focused on 25-year-olds, so it’s no surprise that “An Ordinary Experience” centers around two 16-year-olds. Initially, my intention was simply to gather two young individuals (not actors). The casting requirement was deeply rooted in my desire to reconnect with my youth. The art theme emerged later.

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

The shooting spanned four days, while the maturation process took a year. I stumbled upon books by chance and shared profound thoughts with trusted friends, as I do with all my films. Then, everything goes with the flow. The assistance of young Amédée Beriot, a student whom I supported during his studies at Lyon École des Beaux-Arts, was crucial in helping me realize my vision during the shooting.

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

A (fictionized) poem

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

Typically, I identify my characters from my family and friends network. However, for this casting, my initial choices for the male character lead fell through twice. Eventually, through a casual conversation about my cinema work with my chiropodist, who happened to be my former neighbor, her 16-year-old son, Romain, was enlisted. The girl, Jeanne, the daughter of my godson, ultimately agreed to participate. She later admitted that my enthusiasm was so infectious she couldn’t refuse.

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

The feedback video moved me to tears. It surpassed my expectations that one of my films, which is headed to an international festival for the first time, could evoke such emotional responses. Inspired by Saint Charles de Foucauld, my films revolve directly or indirectly around universal love, portrayed by young characters (not necessarily in age but in spirit) who make viewers see another perspectives. I am deeply honored that the testimonials confirm this.

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

My profession is Financial Manager, but I purchased my first camera in 2018, and filmmaking has become like a second life to me. I aim to convey insights about inner life to the world. I previously worked as a desert photographer, shooting diapositives together with musical cross-fade editing.

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

“Into the Wild” is a film I’ve revisited several times; it blends adventure with meaning of life.

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 greatly appreciate the feedback from the festival. It encourages me to continue pursuing my cinematic endeavors my way. Currently, I’m seeking a distributor for my films to reach a younger audience. While I’m unsure of the potential outcomes, winning the award for “Best Documentary” should significantly facilitate the relationship between Verissimus Films and art cinemas.

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

FilmFreeway.com is undoubtedly an excellent platform; everything is clear and reliable. In my opinion, it is the best international platform for festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Eggs and bacon

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

I am currently filming a threefold documentary exploring the intertwined themes of the invisible, silence, and light. There’s a clear progression in my subjects, focusing more on inner life. However, it seems I’ve found a style that resonates well with “An Ordinary Experience,” which makes no compromises in its poetic professional edit, music composition, and sound design. Next I dream of a spiritual festival in France where my films are shown!

My new feature films “Au fil de l’AUTRE” 1hr 22’ is now ready for cinema screening,

Submit to the ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIP Festival:

Filmmaker Javier Java Santiago (PEPPER CHICKEN AND TOSTONES COMBINATION)

PEPPER CHICKEN AND TOSTONES COMBINATION, 12min,. Puerto Rico
Directed by Javier Java Santiago
Juan, an oriental cook in a fast food restaurant in Puerto Rico, tries to make a gourmet dish, to convince his nebulous boss to release him and thus set up a fine restaurant, while Hiu Yan, his co-worker and arts expert supposedly tries to avoid it.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

What motivated me to make this film is the great admiration and respect I have for asian culture, and above all the intrigue and mystery that exists within the kitchen, the sounds and smells of these asian fast food restaurants.

They settle on the island of Puerto Rico or anywhere in the world, mixing their culinary skills with the cuisine, people and local culture, learning the language and becoming part of us, where everyone is equal, demonstrating that there is only one race, the human race.

They take a Puerto Rican food like Tostones con ajo, and include it in their menu and do it better than the Puerto Ricans themselves.

Every time I visit one of these interesting restaurants, there is so much to see, so much to imagine, so much to analyze and learn. It is inevitable to think or write a thousand stories on the subject.

That’s why I took on the task of interviewing Jimmy, (Hiu Yan in the Movie), a Chinese, actor and restaurant owner and friend of mine, who has been living in Puerto Rico for many years, to tell me a little about his story and that of many like him. And from there, I was able to complete the idea for my story. We can understand that in the story there are many elements that can be considered, based on real stories.

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

It took me 7 years to make this short film, from idea to final product.

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

Intriguing comedy

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

The biggest obstacle was getting the money and the location, until I met the actor Shuming (JUAN in the film). It turns out that I found an asian fast food restaurant out of service, with a phone number to call and rent it, I tell my producer Kathy (THE CASHIER GIRL in the movie) who calls Shuming, to see if he knows who owns that restaurant, since all of asian people are they know each other, and it turns out that it was his and there, we were able to get the location after so much searching.

My producer and I say that the universe conspired so that this short film could be made.

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

When I saw the reaction of the public speaking so highly of the project and even the direction, I felt a feeling of satisfaction that I had not felt for a long time, it was very emotional for me, it has been one of the best experiences in my life. That’s why I always say that festivals like this are what make filmmakers like me live their dreams.

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

Since I was a child I always wanted to make movies, but it wasn’t until I decided to take the reins, find a way to make it myself, and do it, that I realized I could make movies.

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

I think “Ghostbusters”

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

That they can expose our works more to industry professionals, such as representatives of film directors and investors. I have a colleague, a film director in Puerto Rico, who is now making films in Hollywood, because he submitted one of his feature film to festivals, and from there he managed to get a representative of film directors to recruit him and get him those new projects.

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

FilmFreeway is excellent. Thanks to them I have been able to submit my project to many festivals, seeking the growth opportunities that you offer.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Chinese food!

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

The next thing is to make the feature film of “Pepper Chicken and Tostones Combination”.

I’m already writing it because there are people interested. Meanwhile, I continue making music for films, which is my daily life, such as coordinating stunt rigging and looking for financing for another short film that I have written ready to film.

Filmmaker Nevin Boila (WAR COUPLES)

WAR COUPLES, 3min,. USA
Directed by Nevin Boila
In a desert war land, the elite tactical team, only know as BRAVO, must be the eyes and ears for their comrades, ALPHA Team. With time on the essence, both teams need to be on alert for the capturing of the 6 mass villains of the land. A war of stealth, values, and friendship lay on the line as BRAVO Team must overcome their own internal struggles if they wish to accomplish the mission. The question is, will they?

http://www.nevinbolla.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The truth is the motivation was just to film. Any filmmaker’s goal- well the majority of filmmakers- is to bring some type of entertainment to everyone. For me, not only motivation to film was the reason ‘War Couples’ was made, but I also asked myself this question right before I began creating a film, “Is This Possible?” Location, time, money, the team, when making shorts you can have the greatest script in the world, but if you don’t have the proper resources then the story will never be true to what you see it. ‘War Couples’ passed these obstacles because it was not only simple to shoot, but had a great comedy aspect to the end of the film.

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

In total: 3 months. It took a month for me to finalize the screenplay, multiple drafts, and make sure “Is This Possible” to film. Another month to establish the team that we had, the location, time, etc. And a month of me editing it to ensure we got the best out of what we could film.

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

Heighten Stupidity

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

Location. In my opinion, location is by far one of the most challenging aspects for any filmmaker. The right location can immerse the audience in the world of the film better than any sound effects, lighting, or camera angle. One of the greatest opportunities we had while making ‘War Couples’ was the location where we were able to shoot. When we found that spot, we knew it was perfect for our shoot. Always value the shooting location; it can bring your story to life not only for filmmakers but also for actors and actresses who are part of the narrative

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

It was greatly appreciated that everyone gave their opinion on the film. One of the things I dislike most is not criticism itself, but rather not knowing. Many people watch the film, yet most keep their views to themselves. That’s why feedback is crucial for all of us, and I’m very grateful that a feedback video was provided.

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

When I was in third grade, our entire third-grade school put on a ‘play.’ Yes, it’s quite impressive. Each student had a speaking role, and overall, it was an informative play for parents about the rainforest, featuring different creatures—a piece that most of us have done around that age.

My speaking role managed to bring laughter to the audience, which no other student did. The next day, my teacher, Miss Wolley, awarded me the ‘Person of the Week’ in front of the class, specifically for my acting—a concept I didn’t even fully understand back then, let alone recognize as a potential career.

From that moment on, it set off a chain reaction leading me to become an actor, writing screenplays, and eventually, to filmmaking. You never know who will give you that initial push. For me, it was Miss Wolley, and I’ll always remember her for that.

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

The Lord of the Rings

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

A way to communicate with other filmmakers that submitted to the festival. It would be great if winners/finalists could reach out to them and let them know how much you enjoyed their work.

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

Very convenient. I love that the layout allows you to pick any festival that fits your needs. It brings organization to submitting to festivals easier than any third party.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Pizza with a “Glass” bottle of Mexican Coke. This should be everyone’s last meal by law.

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

I’m acting in some drama films that I’m excited to share with everyone when it’s premiering. Additionally, I’m currently working on a couple of full feature screenplays and just finished a tv series comedy screenplay. You have to keep working – no sitting and waiting and hoping and praying.