Interview with Filmmaker Deborah Craig (A GREAT RIDE)

A GREAT RIDE was the winner of BEST FILM at the January 2019 LGBT Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Deborah Craig: I was working on a lesbian health project with a colleague of mine at San Francisco State University, and met most of the film subjects that way. I was knocked out by how funny, sweet, charismatic, down-to-earth, and comfortable in their own skin they were. I was also very interested in making a more positive portrait of LGBT aging, since I saw an earlier film about LGBT Aging (Gen Silent) that was good, but also a more tragic view of gay seniors having to return to the closet.

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

About 4 years

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

Comedy (about) aging!

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

Funding and insufficient expertise.

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

I don’t think you sent me the correct feedback video. See my earlier note.
I absolutely appreciate the positive feedback and insights from the audience! Still, would have loved to hear more: Any areas for improvement? Any thoughts about what communities were working for older lesbians and which ones weren’t working so well. Still, thanks so much for the opportunity and the feedback. Keep up your good work!

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

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

My Cousin Vinny, maybe

7. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

It’s convenient, for the most part. Festivals are too expensive, for the most part though.

8. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

I don’t know about this question. How would I know. Guessing: “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane

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

Yes! Already hard at work on a sequel to “A Great Ride,” a feature length documentary about one of the characters in the short. Any funding suggestions? Send them our way! 😉