What motivated you to make this film?
The film was actually motivated by the Year of Light (‘and Light-Based Technologies’ if I remember correctly). And what could be more about light than film noir?
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
6 weeks
How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Evil Fresnel
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Finding the old footage!
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I wasn’t sure they knew who the killer was. I think some didn’t get it.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
How did you come up with the idea for this short film?
My partner Greg Scott thought we could burn up cameras with a Fresnel lens—which we did. And it was the cameras that were the murder victims.
What film have you seen the most in your life?
Clockwork Orange
You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
I direct the Ethnografilm festival in Paris (since 2007). And I couldn’t live without it, from a festival perspective. I think more about that.
What is your favorite meal?
Homemade pasta (mine!)
What is next for you? A new film?
I’m a professor of sociology and right now I’m doing a 10 country study of coronavirus so I have to finish that before my new film!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 