Interview with Filmmaker Chowoo Lee (HOW TO EAT A KIWI)

HOW TO EAT A KIWI, 18min., USA, Drama
Directed by Chowoo Lee
Soo-Ah and Jae-Hee decide to eat kiwi together.

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I only remembered the overall appreciation after relationships ended.

I spent a lot of time talking nonsense, but I couldn’t think of the specifics.

It was definitely a precious moment but ironically subtle. So I wanted to capture a precious part of the conversation in the movie so that it wouldn’t flow away.

I wanted to tell you that killing-time conversations could be a key to determining the relationship later.

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

It took 3 months. Writing a scenario took 2 weeks, and my staff and I took a film for just one day.

We spent the most time in post-production.

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

Beyond Love

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

Most of the scenes are in a small home so room settings were really important.

Finding a place where can reveal SooAh’s personality was the difficult part.

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

I rarely meet audiences so this is my first time getting feedback through videos.

It was a surprising, precious experience for me. I shared the videos with all my staff and actors.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:

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

I cannot tell because really don’t know. But when I’ve watched masterpieces, I always want to be like them.

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

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), directed by Wes Anderson.

I’ve never counted yet, but I’ve watched it more than at least 10 times.

Every single time I watched it, I could feel the different nostalgia.

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 guys are perfect. It was an impeccable film festival for me.

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

Very simple and easy to submit. I like it.

10. What is your favorite meal?

That’s the most difficult question! I’m a big fan of omelets.

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

I’d like to draw the various shape of love. Maybe comedy, maybe thriller but still with love.