BEAT, 11min,. Canada, Experimental
Directed by Martin Daigle, Sylvain Pohu
To subject to repeated beatings or physical abuse, to strike against repeatedly and with force, To shape or break by repeated blows, to defeat or subdue, and many other meanings of the word beat is thematic content that influenced the structure of this solo for drum kit and electronics. Furthermore, the abstract and various meanings of the word are represented by the sound of free jazz and noise music is present during the entirety of the piece.
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Get to know the director:
What motivated you to make this film?
I was interested in capturing a performance of beat which was initially conceived for a concert setting. I thought it would be a great challenge to capture it and present it as a short film because it had great potential in a 2D render. Combining film with the performance it allowed me to draw the viewer’s attention to aspects of musical interpretation.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I was practicing this piece in 2020-2021 and I first performed it in April 2021. After convincing Music NB and Canada Council for the Arts to fund a capture of this performance, I was able to record it at the Centre d’Experimentation Musicale de Chicoutimi and include many professional artists to collaborate on this project. These projects often get delivered later than expected when you have a small team and limited resources, as soon as I had help from my funders, the process accelerated.
How would you describe your film in two words!?
Chaotic Homonym
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Spending many hours on the computer making micro-edits to make sure the composer and I were happy with the representation of the piece.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was strange because it was my first time receiving such comments for a film; however, I was really happy to hear from the audience. Even though this piece is very experimental, It was clear that they felt something from it which was driven by the arc of the film.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I just wanted to capture a musical performance at first and I realized quickly enough that it could be more interesting. I wanted to play by the medium’s rules and strengths so it eventually became a short film.
What film have you seen the most in your life?
I often re-watch the same films up to 40/50 times. Les triplettes de Belleville is a classic in my book for the amazing animations and even more for the foley work.
What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I would love to meet people and collaborate in the production of films. I think that I’m really looking forward to the chance to be a foley artist soon. I think that the simple act of participating in festivals will help me get there.
You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It is an easy-to-use platform—especially when submitting to various festivals.
What is your favorite meal?
This is a very difficult question. Today I’m craving lasagna, we’ll see about tomorrow.
What is next for you? A new film?
More music, the production of music CDs and eventually gravitate towards a full length animated film.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 