CONVERGENCE, 7min., USA, Experimental
Directed by Anahita von Andrian-Werburg, Maya Marzuki Peters
Breaking a long slumber, a mysterious rope leads a soul through a decaying world as he attempts to connect with another.
Get to know the filmmakers:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
A desire to understand the theme of loss in the experience of our own relationship. The act of making the film itself was very healing and felt very forgiving. The biggest take away is that making Convergence brought us closer together.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
From concept to a finalized cut, the film took us 7 months. Pre-production took four weeks. Production was the fastest aspect as working in tandem was effortless. That’s the beauty of two directors who have an almost telepathic connection. We shot everything in a day.
We had a picture lock in about 4 months. However, the scoring process took us the longest because we scored to the visual, and used the visual to inspire and guide our musical artists.
Pius (Singer) & Irlaith (Producer) live in Dublin so the work we were doing was entirely over Zoom. So constructive communication and cherishing moments of silliness were really key in creating something we could all be proud of as well as keeping everyone motivated through hard COVID times.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Maya: Intimate and reconciling.
Anahita: Resilient embrace.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Maya: Perfectionism is the biggest obstacle for every artist, I suppose. However, aside from ourselves, navigating the post-production process was our largest hurdle – especially the rope VFX.
Anahita: Post-production. Yes. The rope. It actually had a bright green chroma color; we were planning to VFX it in-post to resemble Wonder woman’s lasso of truth. And well… we don’t talk about it anymore.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Maya: Aww I’m so touched. It is always intriguing to find out what aspects connect with a certain person, and sometimes a viewer reacts to something that we didn’t even notice! That’s the beauty of art.
Anahita: “This is so cool. People are actually taking the time to watch our piece, voice their opinions and… they enjoyed it! That’s awesome.”
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Maya: When I began to discover where I fit in the big wide world.
Anahita: I’m still realizing. I realize it more every day.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Maya: The honest answer is the Scooby Doo live action movie.
Anahita: Rat race. It was my first rated R movie.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Maya: I would have loved to have the chance to engage in discussions with other filmmakers or just any opportunities to connect with other festival winners on a personal level.
Anahita: ^ retweet.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Maya: Laborious.
Anahita: Expensive
10. What is your favorite meal?
Maya: Salmon Chirashi.
Anahita: Khoresh-e Fesenjoon with tahdig rice
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Maya: Yes, there’s always something new on the horizon. Art films, dance films and narratives coming up!
Anahita: Hopefully many more films filled with feeling (especially experimental & documentaries).
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 