INTROSPECTION was the winner of BEST FILM at the May 2022 EXPERIMENTAL/DANCE Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I made this film during the height of quarantine in NYC after all of the live performances for the dance company I was working for had been cancelled. I was feeling that I needed an outlet to create something artistically. The idea behind this film was inspired by my divorce. As my marriage disintegrated, I found myself feeling lost in my own identity. My innate beauty had withered away and felt I could not gain control of who I was anymore. The moment we realized we could not be together, a weight had been lifted and I felt free. Finally I was coming back to who I knew myself to be. The duet in the film relates to the struggles of a relationship and trying to fix something broken. The solo at the end reflects what I had learned from the process and also what I had learned about myself.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Without realizing it, I had been creating choreography for this project since 2017. I accumulated various choreography phrases that I never developed into anything. The initial idea for the film itself began in December of 2020. I finally realized I had a place for this choreography upon the development of this film. Rehearsals began in January 2021 and I finished the product in February of 2022, so just over a year.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Emergence, self-worth
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
My biggest obstacle was obtaining the music rights to the songs I wanted to use. It was quite difficult to get in contact with all of the publishers and record labels and the process was pretty slow.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
My initial reactions to the audience feedback were tears! To see strangers watch and enjoy my film and provide thoughtful feedback really struck me. This is why I create: To use my own life experiences and express it artistically in order to invoke emotions in others that might provide inspiration in their own lives. It’s truly an honor to have people respond to my work.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized I wanted to make films during the pandemic as all live performances were continuing to be cancelled. The world was making a drastic change to digital art even in the dance scene. Creating a film was a way for me to expand my artistic capabilities while staying in the dance world.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Star Wars Episode IV
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Perhaps a more clear communication of when you are showing the films so that the creators can view the entire festival.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I’ve been very happy using this platform. The platform made it very simple to submit to many festivals. My film has been chosen for 4 different festivals across the world so far and I thank FilmFreeway for that.
10. What is your favorite meal?
I love sushi! Tuna and Salmon especially.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I do plan to make more films. This summer I plan to create material and choreography for a new project I hope to begin in the fall of this year. My idea behind my next project will encompass more dancers with an idea of strength within a community. With this strength brings a sense of unity and a desire to uplift one another even amidst a world that seems wild and uncontrollable.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 