BANGKOK 2.5 was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the October 2021 DANCE Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The unchanging condition of Bangkok’s air pollution. I was back in Bangkok in December last year, and one night I was driving through the city centre. It was quite late and the road was super empty. The thing is, the smog was so intense. It was super eerie and horrible because it’s our air condition. Thai people tried to talk about it a lot but the lack of care or action from the authorities was something that perpetuated this issue for a few years now.It angered me to be fair, so I decided to start thinking about it in themes of work that I do.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took about 5 months, which was weirdly fast for me.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Surviving and suffocation
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I think maybe the challenge in terms of lighting when we shot it. But mostly, I think it was the fact that things passed by so quickly. The production calendar was very well planned but things were shorter than what I am usually familiar with. We finished it kind of quickly and it was a bit hard to wrap my head around that. But mostly, this project went by very smoothly big thanks to Tam, my producer.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very grateful for all the kind words they gave us. I’m very honoured that they enjoyed the film and speak of it so graciously.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Quite young but that was a bit random. For when I really realized and decided to do something with, it was when I was 20 I think.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I don’t rewatch films so much. I like the idea of leaving it how it was when I first saw it, unless it’s a rare occasion so I can’t pick one out of my head right now. But if I have to talk about one thing, I rewatch Fleabag a lot. It’s the series by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I love it so much.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
I think it’s very helpful. The site is very convenient for us to track the festival timeline, to explore the festivals, and it also helps a lot to keep record of our submission and plans.
9. What is your favorite meal?
This is very random, and I hope I’m getting this right. I like a late brunch, or like breakfast for dinner. Not sure if this is even the answer you’re looking for haha.
10. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m working on a few film projects at the moment, both narrative and experimental. We have a narrative short that we’ve been trying to explore the investment opportunities, it’s also about Bangkok. I’m also writing some longer form screenplays as well – will see how it goes meanwhile while I’m working on bringing these shorter ones to life.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 