SPACE JUNK, 9min., USA, Black & White/Experimental
Directed by Adam Peltier
An astronaut returns to Earth so he can meet his newborn baby girl…and attend his wife’s funeral.
https://instagram.com/bigduckpix
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
As an actor I’m waiting on an audition. As a writer I’m waiting for a director. As a director I’m waiting for a producer. There are so many gatekeepers in this industry and at a certain point it just felt like I was waiting around for someone else’s permission to be creative. So after that realization I came to simple conclusion. One sentence. Two words.
F*ck that!
I’m not interested in their permission anymore because I don’t need it. My short movie Space Junk came out of all of that.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took about a year for us to start and finish Space Junk. It’s nuts to look back on now. One year for about nine minutes. It sounds crazy but I loved every second of it.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Punkish Melancholia
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We had no money. No time. And no permits. Essentially the fact that this was a truly independent movie was our biggest obstacle but it’s also our biggest strength. A lot of the “can-do” charm shines through and it really bonded my friends and I. If we can make this with nothing. Imagine what we can make with just a little something. Just thinking about that gets me pumped.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was overwhelmed by the positivity. I called my DP and was like “Dude, they got it. We made the movie we thought we were making.”
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
In the womb. I’m convinced I was conceived in a movie theater. My parents have neither confirmed nor denied this.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Fall directed by Tarsem Singh. It was made over the course of four years, was shot in more than twenty countries, and was mostly financed by Tarsem’s own money. This movie is a masterpiece. Go watch it.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Hearing feedback is crucial for all filmmakers. I wish more festivals offered this sort of transparency.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
10. What is your favorite meal?
I’ll eat when I’m dead. I’m too busy making my next movie.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m currently in preproduction on my next short. I can’t say much about it but what I can say is that it’s going to take place in real time and will be filmed in one continuous shot. BOOM!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 