1. What motivated you to make this film?
>I wrote the original poem years ago. I was looking for a source for a new short from my pervious works. As soon as I reread this one the visual and sound struck me, from there, it was a go.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
>Not long, at most 2 months.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
>Poignantly inspirational.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
>Funding the film itself was done via Kickstarter. From there it was the film festival entry fees that were a killer. There are so many great festivals I’d love to enter, that are simply out of reach.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
>Wow, just wow. To see “ordinary” people giving me the reaction I really wanted to get for this film, was incredibly gratifying.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
>I started writing as a child. I wrote sketch comedy in university. I’ve published poems. But I started writing scripts, including fan scripts of pro wrestling, and other an fiction. But I had my own voice too, and created plenty of original material. It wasn’t until just over a year ago that I realized making short, animated films, could actually be achieved with a modest budget.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
>The correct answer is most likely “It’s a Wonderful Life.” As counter-programming, I saw “South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut” four times in theaters. I maintain it’s an absolutely brilliant movie, even if I fin some of South Park’s overall message to be troublesome. For example, on the TV show, they mocked SARS with no idea of what it really was. Those of us who do live in Toronto, know it was no joke.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
>You do a really good job.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
>There are some fake, laurel mill, festivals out there. It’s not always easy to separate the wheat from the chaff. One can end up being an “Award-Winning” filmmaker without that really meaning anything.
10. What is your favorite meal?
>Garlic Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Including this one, I have four films on the festival circuit; but, I’m far more excited about the unproduced scripts that have been gathering good feedback. I would also love to have this piece used as a PSA for a suicide prevention organization. If anyone, especially agents, who can suggest ways to do that, please contact me at davidcreightonauthor@juno.com.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 