ENTER NIRVANA played to rave reviews at the April 2021 Dance & Music Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
Weird and long story I’ll try and keep short. I had a small operation while working on another short film Puppy. This operation unfortunately didn’t go as planned which resulted in needed life saving surgery and a badass 9 inch scar down my abdomen. It was actually this experience and my recovery which inspired Enter Nirvana – exploring rebirth spiritually and physically.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
From its initial concept to finished product was probably 8 months -within that time I found my incredible cast and crew, redecorated my house (that appears in the film) and convinced a friend to let me fill her bathtub with 50 litres of back gunge!
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Disturbingly Beautiful
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I was SO lucky with Enter Nirvana that I can honestly say that either I nor the team had any obstacles really, it’s probably one of the smoothest films I’ve worked on.
However if I’m going to pick anything, how we were going to fit a 24′ Camera Jib ( Jibstar) in a domestic bedroom was a pretty fun conundrum to solve.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was so honoured and thrilled to hear so many interpretations of the film. There’s a intentional ambiguity to the piece which lets everyone take away what they want from it. Working with minimal dialogue I wanted to create almost a gallery of art in each frame and I feel that audience picked up on that. I loved how some people where disturbed, some moved, others confused. I made me feel like is done my job.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. When did you know that you wanted to make movies?
I’m an actor and have been fortunate to have worked with some amazing directors. I was writing for theatre but always in awe of the film making process. It was those indie directors that really inspired me and continue to support my work.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
It’s a close tie The Labyrinth and Lost boys. I would rent both films from the local video store every weekend as a kid. Both films to me are perfected crafted in completely different ways.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
The platform is a really useful tool for filmmakers as you can filter and pinpoint to the right festival which would cater to your audience demographic. It can be easy to become overwhelmed on the site with so many festivals but taking time to do good research is essential to not going over budget in submissions.
9. What is your favorite meal?
Anything spicy, I’ll put hot sauce on anything.
10. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes, I’m currently in pre-production for my next film File not Found. It’s a short sci-fi horror with the same amazing crew as Enter Nirvana. It’s an ambitious project but we’ve just secured all of our funding and we are set to film in the 3rd May!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 