SOUR PATCH was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the August 2021 FEMALE Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
As the writer, producer and actress in this film, I was motivated to make a film about the clash of a long term friendship, because it is something I personally experienced and believe everyone can relate to. It’s something very difficult to go through and accept, and rarely portrayed on screen.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
It took about 6 months, to write, re-write, explore the characters, rehearse with the director and then shoot. The post-production took about a year because we had a lot of different artists working on it and they had different schedules.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
People Change. Acceptance. (I know it’s three!) 😉
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The team was wonderful, so I can’t find anything! Can I say: Poster Design. I ended up doing it using photoshop and it was so difficult. I will definitely find someone with those skills to do it for my next film.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I LOVED IT! It’s the first time I get to hear the feedbacks from people in this industry. It made me feel really happy to hear about how the film affected and was interpreted by the viewers, and it added purpose to my work as a filmmaker and motivated me to keep making films.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I began acting at around 11 and its only 4 years ago that I started exploring writing and filmmaking. It seemed so intimidating coming from an actor background, but I’m learning so much every time and that’s the biggest reward; to carry a project from the beginning to the end. It’s all about team work!
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I would say Mathilda as a kid, and Requiem for a Dream as an Adult…ohhh and perhaps The Notebook when I need an injection of romanticism in my life ahaha
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
I was targeting Female oriented festivals based in Canada and the Toronto Feedback Female Film Festival seemed like a great festival embracing all my targeting points and offering great follow up that you rarely get from other festivals.
9. What is your favorite meal?
I am the weirdest but if I could eat just one meal it would be Salad. I make the best ones and I never get tired of them. But I’m also a bad cook so I’m sure that’s the only thing I know how to make properly too. Otherwise; sushi with some fresh salmon or grilled eel
10. What is next for you? A new film?
I keep pursuing my acting career, but I will also be entering Film production school at Concordia this September. I am also in the pre-production of another short film titled Firecracker that I’m co-creating, co-producing and acting in it, that will be shot in September.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 