BALLO DA SOLA, 3min., Italy, Music Video
Directed by Emma Scarafiotti
We see Nica at a high-end tea party, looking slightly apathetic, before climbing under the table into a conceptual otherworld. She finds herself catapulted into this parallel dimension with her cat – her animal alter-ego – and finds that every logical rule is reversed, and anything can happen.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I have always loved to work with performance in my video projects. I had this project in mind for a long time, so after having written the song I started putting down all the visual ideas the music suggested to me. While composing the music and the lyrics
I knew exactly what outfit, color, and choreography I wanted to create.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took me a year to shoot it, as it was a personal project, and I was alone in believing in it at first. I had to find all the forces within myself, from creative development to the making of crowdfunding. I also had to scout and look out for all the crew that could believe in me.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Intriguing playful and dreamy
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest challenge was to find a compromise between the finance I had and the creative ideas and quality I wanted to achieve. Another big challenge was for sure, to be both in front and behind the camera. It was my first time, I found it very tricky, as I knew exactly how I want to frame every single move of my body, but of course, I had to try to explain it to the camera operator, as I haven’t found yet the power to physically duplicate myself!
OMG That would be a dream ( Laugh! )
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was really moved. When all the effort and passion are finally recognized by others it is a unique emotion.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I was studying art direction at university, I always ended up taking up a camera and shooting films with dancers or performers. Theatre and cinema have always been in my vein since kind.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
This is a hard question…. Well, I have watched Artificial Intelligence by Spielberg at least 20 times…
I know it is not a dance film, but I really love its candid and imaginative essence of it. The mise en scene and Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography gave it a certain theatricality I love!
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 Think the connection to production companies and studios that could believe in my creativity to help me shoot and grow with my creative portfolio
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How have your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Very well
10. What is your favorite meal?
I really love dinner and I love meatballs
11. What is next for you? A new film?
My next move… Well, I have so many projects in my head. I want definitely get back to shooting more film with dance
I need to stop and start developing one of them.
I always dream to shoot a performance dance film back in Sicily…
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 