ERASED was the winner of BEST FILM at the October 2021 SCI-FI/FANTASY Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The seed of an idea for ERASED came from heartbreak. I was in my early twenties and I was in so much pain at the time that I used to daydream of a way to erase someone or a memory from one’s psyche to stop the pain of loss and grief. I realised I would have paid for the erasure service. I carried this idea around for a long time hoping to turn it into something. So that idea merged with my love of filmmaking, storytelling and science fiction to become the story for ERASED.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The original idea for Erased came to me in my twenties about 30 years ago. The principal photography was my graduate film from film school from 10 years ago. I completed a rough cut but knew I wanted to do so much more than was available to me at the time. So Erased sat on my shelf for about 6 years. Then the pandemic hit and I began discussions with partner and producers, Ruth Sligo and Harriet McKern, and we decided to do whatever we needed to finish the film. SO we began to assemble the post production team which finished Erased and elevated it to the film I originally wanted to make.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
About love.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Doing post production before and during the pandemic had its logistical issues. Especially when needing to do ADR while having your actors in different states and countries.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was a huge boost to my spirit as a filmmaker. You always wonder if you will connect with an audience. That feedback reel confirmed the connections for me.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I was about seven years old, my mother took me to see the film musical “Funny Girl”, starring Barbra Streisand. The theatre was quite full so we had to sit in the third row, front and center. I remember looking up at my Mother during the film, she was laughing so hard with her head thrown back. When I looked over my seat to the audience I could see the light coming from the projection room glowing over all the laughing heads, including my own, projecting the moving images onto the screen in front of me. I think that was the moment I was hooked and fell in love with this amazing art form. When we were walking back to the car talking about how much we enjoyed the film, I said to my Mom, “I want to do that”. As she unlocked the car she asked me, “You want to be an actress?” I said “No, I want to make them.” I wasn’t sure what ‘them’ was at the time but have spent my life in pursuit. I know that day I created a deep connection to filmmaking and storytelling. It’s a feeling that has never left me to this day.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I have three answers…I can’t pick one. All three are standouts I have revisited frequently over my life. (1) Julia (1977) Dir Fred Zinnemann. (2) Reds (1981) Dir Warren Beatty. and (3) Moulin Rouge (2001) Dir Baz Luhrmann
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 great. I have really enjoyed using Film Freeway.
9. What is your favorite meal?
Being Mexican – American my favourite meal is really good Mexican food!!
10. What is next for you? A new film?
I have another short film, ‘Tattooed” which is currently in post production. I am also interested in developing Erased as a feature film.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 