A WINDOW THAT BREATHES THE CITY was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the May 2022 Science & Nature Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The aim of this project is to explore the link between artistic expression and urban space, an experimental short film that combines bodily expression and sound design, everyday gestures are transformed into dance movements and noises and sounds become music. In fact, The protagonist, along with the dancer is the landscape, understood as a cultural and auditory landscape. This short film is an attempt to experiment and network new forms of local development “from below”, based on the valorisation of territorial heritage as a common good.
Through this short film I would like to show that residual areas have the potential to become fertile lands and urban laboratories for new types of activities, with the aim of identifying methods to integrate the potential of the temporary into city management and urban design.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
After being selected for a film contest, I wrote the screenplay and took care of the production of the short film in May and June 2021. In July and August I filmed with my crew, while in September and October we worked on post-production. The first screening was on the 30th of November 2021 during the 39th Turin Film Festival.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Urban deconstruction.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I think one of the biggest obstacles was the budget. To make films you need a lot of people, good equipment, locations, etc.
But surely this experience has been a great opportunity for growth and a challenge to learn how to find alternative solutions, new ways of working and above all to realise ideas in a concrete and realistic manner.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was very touching. Sharing your work with other people is a great satisfaction. Hearing opinions and impressions is very enriching and an opportunity for growth.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Dance, discovered at the age of 5, has always been my passion. I started studying ballet at an early age and then specialised in contemporary dance in established schools and with international choreographers. My passion for cinema, on the other hand, was passed on to me by my father.
During the Covid-19 emergency, theatres and dance schools were closed for a long time, so the need to express myself artistically and the idea of combining these two great passions of mine grew more and more. I prepared a teaser and submitted it to the Piemonte Factory contest, a film workshop for young directors, promoted by the Turin-based Piemonte Movie Association. My project was selected and so I had the opportunity to direct this short film.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Nuovo Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore
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 know it’s not easy but it would be great if there were more facilities (eg. a film distribution guideline, monetary help, masterclasses and so on) for young people to submit their work to festivals and to participate in person. Every festival and film event could be an opportunity for growth, for training, a chance to meet new people, new genres, new realities.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
My experience was great! I found everything very clear, interesting and I was motivated to submit my short film to your festival.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Risotto with asparagus.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes, I would like to make another film, to carry out projects that still involve the use of urban spaces
through art.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 