THE LAST REVERIE was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the April 2021 SCI-FI/FANTASY Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
Honestly, one day I found myself scrolling through my phone for hours, clicking on ads that were being suggested only to procrastinate from the work at hand. I realized it’s so easy to get distracted and distant from your real problems with the ocean of information in front of you 24×7. From there, I wondered, what if modern AI actually worked automatically through your history and data to get you away from your problems and kept pilling new information until you stop thinking about the problem? That’s what inspired me to one down my thoughts and come up with a story that may very well become true in the future.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
I was the director, editor, VFX artist, sound designer, and colorist on my own short so money wasn’t an issue but time was. It took me almost 3-4 months to finalize this passion project while working full time.
We spent a couple of weeks writing and 2 days shooting. Fortunately, I had a talented group of actors and crew helping me out along the way.
The most amount of time spent was on VFX. I tried to keep it simple, direct so that the audience can follow the story and not get lost in the graphics.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Futuristic, Sentimental.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
As every new short film director will tell you, the challenge is always finding a balance between budget, time, and quality. Well, we compromised on money and time 🙂
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was pleasantly surprised to see that so many people watched this film and enjoyed it. It was encouraging to see how it was interpreted differently by different people.
All in all, I am grateful that people liked the nuances of the story.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?
I love sci-fi films, especially the ones that are less about technology and more about the existential crisis of human beings. Blade runner, eternal sunshine of a spotless mind, moon to name a few. As I mentioned in question one, the personal experience of overusing technology led me to come up with a story. I approached one of my writer friends and he helped me shape the story even further.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
While studying in directing program at UCLA Extension I was exposed to a lot of different movies from all around the world and ended up watching many movies again and again. However, if I were to pick a few I would say, I have seen Godfather, and Jurassic park the most in my life.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are your feelings about the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
I think FilmFreeway is a holy grail that we have been all waiting for. At the end of the day, it is every filmmaker’s dream that his/her film is seen and enjoyed by people. And Filmfreeay made it really easy for me.
9. What is your favorite meal?
Endless tacos in summer, warm Biryani on a rainy night, and In and Out burger after a crazy late night
10. What is next for you? A new film?
Currently editing anthology shorts written by writer Taylor Hopkins.
With the same writer developing a thriller-drama feature script.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 