Interview with Filmmaker Matthew Jehle (CINEFILIA)

CINEFILIA was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the July 2022 COMEDY Film Festival.

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I originally made this for a Rode Mic competition “My Rode Reel” but because of a VFX shot I was unable to submit in time. The grand jury prize was 250K so you can imagine how bummed I was.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

I think around 4 months. We ended up doing additional photography and reshoots.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Cinefile Heaven

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Besides the VFX I’d say chasing the sun out in Lancaster.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I’ve received a handful of others and these aligned well with those. I think there is an overall acceptance of the style and humor I was going for which is great because I can only express my humor as it is, I just hope that others pick it up like I intended.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I started shooting camcorder short films back when I was around 14 or 15 years old. In 2017, after a long break, I decided to get back into it.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Probably Jurassic Park.

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’ll be releasing three teaser trailers during October, one trailer per week. The last week before Halloween I’ll drop the film on YouTube for it’s official online release. Maybe share those teaser trailers?

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

FilmFreeway has been a great experience. Now not getting into most of the festivals I submitted to was something I assumed would happen, but I’m glad Cinefilia has been selected into more genre specific festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Ribeye (medium rare), veggies, mashed potatoes and gravy.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I have a few projects in the works, three to be exact. As of now they are all proof of concepts: a comedy pilot, a drama feature based on my life and a sci-fi action comedy feature. I’m hoping to shoot the comedy pilot first, It’s a very fun concept.