303: Endless Night was the winner of BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY at the March 2021 Crime/Thriller Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I had been busy days working to give birth, raising a kid, bringing home the bacon, and living normal lives. Raising a child made me look back on another past I had forgotten. Keeping a record of the past and looking at that record from an objective point of view, I became curious about what will change my life. So I wrote those down. This movie is actually my story.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
As soon as the idea came up like a flash of light, things went quickly. At that time, there was an ongoing exchange with the filmmakers, and because I was teaching at a film school, there were many people who helped. I am so grateful. Some of the scenes were later filmed and included in editing with a grant from the museum.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
A repeating past
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
When I’m feeling down.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
First of all, I made the video so carefully that I was surprised as soon as I opened the link. I really couldn’t imagine it would be this much. I was also impressed by the content of the audience talking. I will never forget this feeling.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Since I was a child, I have been a cinephile. I watched every kind of movie regardless of the specific genre. Nonetheless, I watched a lot of Hollywood and Hong Kong movies. At that time, there were not many opportunities to see art films or experimental films in Korea. One day in my twenties. After seeing La Haine, directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, it gave me a strong feeling. Back then, I had a desire to make a movie myself.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Well… Perhaps the most-watched movies are Wachowski’sThe Matrix trilogy and George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road.
8.You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
FilmFreeway is a democratic and technically great platform. I think you are playing an innovative axis in the development of the film.
9. What is your favorite meal?
Korean Food
10. What is next for you? A new film?
I am working on a new film about collecting insects. I found a suitable place to shoot and there is a perfect spot to fit the atmosphere for my new film.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 