What motivated you to make this film?
This film is loosely based on my own experience upon my arrival in the US for the first time in 2019. I found it very hard to adapt to the new environment. Everything was so different. I had a rough time making friends and completely felt like an outsider. I was always feeling like I was in a fever dream. It was a tough time and of course, I didn’t enjoy the food very much. So, that’s what motivated me to make this film. I wanted to share my experience with homesickness with everyone.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took me around three months to make this film.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Tenderly sweet!
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
One of the biggest challenges that I faced was definitely shooting on 16mm. It was my first time ever working with a film camera, or any movie camera since I mostly work as a writer/director. Before this project, I had been working only with my DSLR and a camera phone. So, it was quite a hassle, but in the end, it turned out to be a good learning experience.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was overwhelmed. It’s so great to see how people respond to your film and how it resonates with them.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve been making films with my friends since I was 13, but I decided to take filmmaking seriously when I was 16.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
It’s probably Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s Mary is Happy, Mary is happy. It’s a Thai coming-of-age/drama/black-comedy that came out in 2013. The film is adapted from 410 consecutive tweets of a random girl on Twitter.
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 already appreciated the way the festival helps getting my film out there to a wider audience, especially the people in the industry. It’s a good opportunity for a student filmmaker like me to get my foot in the door. Thus, it would be nice if the festival could help promote my upcoming project with a fundraising campaign.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It was great! FilmFreeway is a very convenient and easy platform to use.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Som Tum!
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m currently working on my BFA Thesis film called Phantom Waves. The film revolves around the theme of nostalgia, the longing for the past. The film is currently in the pre-production stage. My producer and I are currently running a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo. Here’s the link to our Indiegogo page for further information in case you’re interested: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/phantom-waves-film/x/29159409#/
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 