REPEAT was the winner of BEST FILM at the August 2020 DOCUMENTARY Film Festival.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Ly Bolia: My struggle with something that most people don’t expect or plan to deal with. I never thought that one day the roles in my relationship with my mother and I would become the parent. I wanted others to see this and realize that it is something we all need to plan for.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
The movie took about a year to make. I live 45 minutes from my mother and there were times she didn’t want to appear on camera. There are tons more footage of us but I wanted to keep the film short.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
A catharsis.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
My mother. She didn’t like being on camera.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was happy it connected.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?
I was out eating at a restaurant with my mother and she has short term memory loss. On the way out she insisted we didn’t pay and began to argue with me. The other patrons looked on as I tried to convince my 84 year old mother that we paid. At that point I could see I need to capture these moments.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I have watched the original Blade Runner repeatedly.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
Having struggled through years of submitting by mail and sending DVD submissions so I am quite grateful there is a service like FilmFreeway.
9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?
Hey Jude by the Beatles.
10. What is next for you? A new film?
An animated film a Vietnamese Boy during the rule of the Emperor Nguyen in Vietnam.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 