Interview with Filmmaker Kate Mitchell (GOLDEN)

GOLDEN played to rave reviews at the August 2020 Experimental, Dance, Music Film Festival.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Kate Mitchell: After making a book (Fashioning Women), about how what women wear defines who we are- the outside; then TERRAIN, a dance and photography project about the disparagement of women’s aging skin yet its harmonious relationship to the natural world- the surface of our bodies; I then completed the last part of the trilogy, GOLDEN, a film about a woman who rediscovers her intellectual, emotional, and sexual vitality- her internal world.

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

About three years.

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

Passionate yearnings

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

Scheduling was incredibly difficult! This was a passion project for every artist involved. As professionals, they were also juggling other projects with sometimes unpredictable schedules. But after the inevitable delays and setbacks, everyone went all in and the production days were thrilling.

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

First, I was nervous about what viewers might say. Then, it was thrilling to hear all the positive comments from such diverse people. To know that my goals for the film had been recognized made me feel so validated. Finally, in the absence of a live festival, it was very gratifying to know that there truly was an audience for the film.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

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

My goal was to portray a mature woman’s internal experiences, to see as she sees, to touch as she touches, to feel as she feels. This project had to be a film, to reveal the solo dancer in as intimate way as possible.

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

The English Patient

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

I think the platform is great. It helps me keep my project file up-to-date, enables to me to use a common application to make the process so much easier and clear, and is platform is very straightforward.

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

Hmm. In the age of Covid-19, it’s impossible to know how we visual and performing artists will find ways to present and perform creative works. It’s all about reimagining and reframing what stimulates us. I’m working on it!