1. What motivated you to make this film?
As with all of our projects as Filmmakers, we have a goal to create stories that inspire, empower, raise important issues and bring beauty to this world.
“Time is Eternal” is very meaningful to us because it tells the story of two highly significant women who changed the world-Cleopatra Queen of Egypt and Writer/Educator, Mary W. who fought for women’s rights.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The film took about a year from our first meeting with Berite Labelle who gave birth to the initial concept. Our goal was to make every frame look like a painting and to stop the audience in their tracks, cause them to forget everything this planet has been through in the last 2 years and fill them with intense beauty. So it took a tremendous amount of work to get there. From me, Daniel, writing the screenplay to the cinematographer to the original score, sound design, fashion sensibility etc.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Hypnotic Otherwordly
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Pushing every department to the highest level was the big obstacle for example in costume design and styling. We didn’t want to be slaves to history fashion wise so we had to interpret these two women in our own personal way which took imagination, experimentation and detailed care. Luckily we collaborated with stylist Wilford Lenov who works frequently with Bebe Rexha, Saweetie, Loren and Cassie. He was amazing at collaborating and getting our vision on the screen through his amazing styling.
5. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Since we are a husband and wife co-director team, for Bayou it was at age 11 when she made films with her friend Maggie on a High 8 camera. Also, movies like “The Dark Crystal” and “Laybrynth” caused her to make films that showed people whole new worlds. She got her Masters of Fine Arts and experimented in film.
For Daniel it was when he saw “My Own Private Idaho” by Gus Van Sant and took his first film course at Art Center College of Design.
6. What film have you seen the most in your life?
For Bayou it is “Beetlejuice” by Tim Burton for Daniel it is “Mulholland Drive” by David Lynch.
7. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
For us it is mainly getting us in front of distributors, funders, brands and top proucers that can take our careers and films to the next level.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
LOVE IT
9. What is your favorite meal?
Bayou: Cioppino with all the seafood at NIck’s in Laguna Beach
Daniel: A really epic juice at a good juice bar.
10. What is next for you? A new film?
We just completed a powerful and inspiring new film called “Destination Angels” with the artist Fences and the Jack Kerouac Estate. Jack is one of Daniel’s absolute favorite writers and inspired him like he has with generations of artists with his books like “Subteranneans” and “Dharma Bums.”
We are also working on a Tv pilot that will bring back why we love hollywood and bring our attention back to art and aesthetics rather then negative things in life.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 