MAKE A MOVE, 20min., USA
Directed by Dalia Caudle
Make A Move is a docuseries about a national and international speed chess tournament with players from all walks of life and different levels of experience.

http://www.makeamovela.org/
https://www.instagram.com/make.a.move.la/

Get to know Executive Producer / CEO of Make A Move Jerimiah Payne:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
When we produced our first chess tournament in the South Central, Los Angeles neighborhood, it was merely to bring a divided community together through chess and arts. As we began to produce more tournaments, in different cities, we noticed more people from different backgrounds competing. People from all walks of life, whom might never be in the same room together if it wasn’t for chess, are brought together for a few hours. Coupled with our Halftime Show, starring local talent, not only gives a platform to local talent , but also a needed mental break for the players. The Halftime Show also brings in an entirely different audience from the entertainment portion, which breeds a type of unity that’s needed. After engaging with the players, performers, and supporters, we learned how chess and art to most was an escape. Hearing the stories and experiencing the different environments, we wanted to share our unifying experience and the universal language of chess and arts with the world, in an authentic way.

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

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
“Chess unbound”

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle faced in completing this film would be the financial budget in furthering the vision.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Most of the feedback really aligned with what we are setting out to do with Make A Move. Sharing stories and experiences across the nation, through the lenses of chess and art.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Make A Move is what inspired me to want to make films. Being around our team of creatives and producing these experiences motivate me to further my pursuit in film. Sharing and creating stories that resonate with the masses.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
American Gangster. I feel some of the best films are derived from a real place in history.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Besides being able to attend a theatrical screening, this specific film festival was great. The audience feedback is a great addition that’s not included in other festivals.

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

10. What is your favorite meal? Jambalaya.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Next is to continue seeking support in bringing our experience around the world. We are looking to bring our chess experience International. Being involved in this festival, and hearing the audience feedback, reassures our team that we will have a successful international approach. We are looking to share stories from across the globe through an impactful and entertaining approach