Interview with director Paul Jerndal (INDIGO)

Paul Jerndal’s short film “INDIGO” was the winner of “BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY” and “BEST MUSICAL SCORE” at the February 2017 FEEDBACK Film Festival. His film is a true example of a cinematic experience. An honor to chat with him.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Life. Life motivated me. I see people every day struggling with their inner emotions, with anxiety, with a feeling of not being enough – of not doing good enough. And I think its so sad because most of these emotions is just in our heads. And I know how hard it could be when living in that darkness from many of friends and close relationships. I have struggled a lot with trying to help others but it is so hard. So I felt doing this film might actually help more people to start open up their souls to their friends, to seek help, to talk about how they really feel.

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

I took forever. I was back in New York one year after we shot the film and did a few extra things. So basically one year.

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

Emotional. Hope.

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

The editing process. When early deciding to present the story through acting, cinematography, sound design and story but with almost no dialogue – the post production was definitely most challenging.

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

I always feel honored when people talk about my films messages after seeing them. It´s fantastic that so many in the Toronto audience seemed to notice the elements I value such as the soul level connection, the emotional shower element and the interesting point that I might have chosen to present the girl friends of the lead actress as they might talk to her from her perspective and not necessarily only like that.

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK VIDEO of the short film:

How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

It actually started when I heard the song Indigo that my friend Frida Sundemo showed the demo of – long before that song was released. And I also lived in New York along with the actress for a while and got inspired by how alive you can feel in that city and at the same time very lonely.

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

Dancer in the Dark by Lars von Trier.

What is next for you? A new film?

Yes. I am writing on my feature film on a similar topic and also shot a few test scenes which is one of the great things when you both write and direct. Also I completed Steps for Life last summer a important campaign film about suicide prevention. And in a week a new collaboration with actress Cecilia Forss will be released shot in India and Sweden. Also we released the video Alive for our dream pop music duo Falcor which is out on youtube.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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