NEW LIFE played to rave reviews at the May 2020 Experimental, Dance, Music Film Festival.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Chris Garcia: I wanted to talk about a subject that personally touched me. I wanted to show that any kind of art (dancing, acting, drawing…) could be a therapy and take a part of a rebuilding ourselves through it.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
It took about a year from the idea to the finished product. I wanted to take my time with pre-production especially so I can present the subject with the finest vision.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
I would describe it as a feminist and a necessary film to watch perhaps.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I didn’t really have any problems or obstacles during the project. When I made it it was very clear to me from the very beginning to the end because I kind of had already pictured it inside my head and I knew how I wanted it to look visually.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I actually weren’t totally awake when I got to see the feedback video and I couldn’t really believe what I was hearing because it was too good to be true.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?
I finished class with my friend and fellow actress Melanie Bokata, and I wanted to make a short film with her. The idea was born when I was in the train on my way back home and I literally just told her that I wanted to make this short film about the violence towards women through the art of dancing and she said yes and the rest is history.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
“Lawrence of Arabia” and “Singin’ In The Rain” are my two favorite films that i must’ve seen more than a million times in my life.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
I think it’s the best platform for young filmmakers to find good festivals for their films.
9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?
“Where is my mind” by Pixies
10. What is next for you? A new film?
I am currently in pre-production of my next film “Summer” and the subject of it will be about accepting ourselves and our sexuality.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 