AND WE COLLIDE was the winner of BEST SHORT FILM at the February 2021 LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I have been away from home for many years. When I got back, I was surprised by how much my hometown has changed. I went to see the local rocket launch site, and was astonished, and also dismayed by the great divide I observed.
I wanted to make something that highlights the imbalance. Filming the story has been a rather spontaneous and heartfelt experience resonating with how I felt at that very moment.
And We Collide is a short film centering such a distinct divide – between the local and the foreign, the modern and the obsolete, the ones under the spotlight and the ones left behind.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
It took about 2 months – I went to see the rocket launch site for the first time in June, finished the first draft and started doing some prep work.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Tropical reverie. For me it still feels like a dream.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
To capture the rocket launch, for sure. It’s only a 5-sec scene but the planning that went into it was unimaginable. First the rocket launch time was highly confidential, so we had to do our research and tried to grasp the secret from rumors and gossip talks online. Second there were thousands of people on that beach that day, and it was so hard finding a spot that we could actually film without someone walking into the shot. We did a lot of crowd control as well, but luckily all the people there were nice enough to give our space!
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was so touched. I feel deeply grateful to everyone in the feedback video. They were so sincere and it was such a heartwarming and intimate experience watching the feedback video. Thank you thank you thank you.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I can’t exactly remember. I think it’s around middle school – but there wasn’t a magic moment for me. I just remembered one day I was like, okay let’s learn how to make films! And then everything happened.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I don’t usually watch films repeatedly but I’d say recently I’ve found A Sun by Chung- Mong Hong the type of films that I would like to revisit.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
It’s very convenient and easy to use! I’d say it’s a super helpful and highly effective platform.
9. What is your favorite snack to eat?
Roasted pineapple butter bread haha (it’s a local thing)
10. What is next for you? A new film?
Possibly! I’ve been thinking about making a sequel to And We Collide but the characters don’t have to stay the same. We’ll see about that. And me and my friends (the production team, 3 Owls Studio) have been working on a thriller short so there’s much to do.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 