NO GOODBYES was the winner of BEST CINEMAOTGRAPHY at the April 2022 Toronto LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
Project Links
1. What motivated you to make this film?
After a trip to Warsaw, filming a documentary on a painting that had been stolen by the Nazi’s, I went to everything that was about the Nazi’s, museums etc. I was shocked on how little there was about homosexuals in the camps.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I wanted to do something regarding this for many years but after my trip to Warsaw and also meeting Simon O’curra, a playwright that focused on gay experiences during that time. I knew I could now bring it to fruition. I was fortunate to have HERE TV come in and help me get this made.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Thought provoking.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Making sure it was authentic and shooting during COVID.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film n the feedback video?
My heart soured. I was so moved that it made such an impact.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO8drxHWqLE
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
About 5 years ago.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Wizard of Oz. Such a classic story about misfits.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I think your doing a great job and can’t wait when we can do this altogether and watch it in the same theatre.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
So great compared to the days when you had to send out DVDs. Makes the submission and tracking process much easier experiences.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Anything Italian: pizza, pasta, etc. Lots of garlic and cheese.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m finishing up a feature called, HERE WE ARE, which is about racism in the LGBTQ+ community. I’m also doing a short film titles JACKED, a true story about a young man who comes to Hollywood with stars in his eyes but ends up homeless and addicted to methamphetamines. Additionally, I’m in pre-production for a limited series on HERE TV. It’s called SILVER LAKE, which is about a group of young people (gay, non-binary, trans, disabled) who find solace in a chosen family.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 