FIVE MOMENTS, 19min,. UK, Musical
Directed by Magdalena Maria Herfurtner
The film explores grief by bringing five distinctive moments in a woman’s journey to life as she tries to cope with losing her partner. We follow Joan as she remembers, faces her feelings of emptiness and isolation and confronts her anger and pain – until she finally breaks free, if not from her grief, then at least from being stuck in what is no more.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
When we lose a loved one, the impact of such an event – the shock, the pain, the sorrow – can feel unbearable. And it’s often the little things that set us off: the memories that get triggered when we get back to our daily lives, when we are processing what has happened. I wanted to make a film about these moments, and try to express the emotional inner state of the character through music.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took exactly a year from the moment I began writing it to the completion of post-production.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Audiovisual poetry.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We recorded some of the music/singing live on set. The authenticity this created on the performance side of things was really important to us but it certainly complicated the preparation and shoot, as well as music editing afterwards.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was very emotional for me. Hearing people’s thoughts – seeing the impact our film had had on them – was wonderful.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
About 10 years ago. It started with making music videos and my love for cult classics like Alien, Rosemary’s Baby and Silence of the Lambs.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I have a thing for romantic comedies from the 90ies and early 2000s. There are films within that era/genre I must’ve seen 20 times. Also – the Lord of the Rings trilogy which I’ve watched every year for a while now.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
The audience feedback is a wonderful idea. Anything that connects filmmakers with their audiences is just so helpful and rewarding.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I quite enjoy working from the platform. It’s nice to have (almost) everything in one place as opposed to having to submit assets over and over again. Useful also to see people’s reviews and feedback on a festival.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Pecan pie is high on the list at the moment.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m working on a couple of short films and a feature at the moment. I’m also in the process of composing/recording soundtracks for a few films, and I regularly release new songs for my music project Madil Hardis.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 