AFTER is what some might call an ‘arty’ film. It’s a short film that many would consider what this artform is all about. I recently chatted with the director Cedric Messemanne about AFTER and his reactions after it played at the August WILDsound FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK of AFTER:

Interview with Cedric Messemanne:

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Cedric Messemanne: I initially wanted to make an ‘experimental documentary portrait’, but I quickly realized that I was more inspired by the character I had in my mind, as I did not want to change the mood and the rhythm I could picture. So it became a fictional portrait.

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

Cedric: It took me about a month to write it, two evenings to shoot it, and then about 2 months of editing and going back and forth with the music composer, Florent Paris.

Matthew: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Cedric: A feeling of descent

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

Cedric: Leaving shots out was definitely my major difficulty during the editing.
I had to take out shots that I loved because they were too long or didn’t resonate enough with the text.

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city and country?

Cedric: The film scene in Paris is quite active, but independent french films mostly have a depressing mood. It’s interesting.

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

Cedric: I was really glad to have a chance to know what people from Toronto thought of my film, because in most cases, I don’t have the possibility to attend the foreign festivals featuring my shorts, and overall I don’t get any specific feedback, so it feels a bit like a dehumanized process sometimes. Plus, there were some very interesting interpretations from the audience, it’s always fascinating to hear how people perceived your work.

Matthew: What film have you seen the most in your life?

Cedric: Well it’s mainstream but in theaters, it’s 2001, and at home, I would probably say Clockwork Orange or Pasolini’s Theoreme.

Matthew: What is next for you? A new film?

Cedric: Yes ! I am in the process of writing new short films.

* * * * *

Also, Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages over 95,000 unique visitors a day.
Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html

Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival: http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com