REMAIN, 3min., New Zealand, Dance
Directed by Kit Reilly
“Remain” explores themes of solitude and subtlety within the naked body. It exists in an abandoned space where small shifts in movement create tides of energy that swell and reignite a sense of hope. This project was self filmed during a Covid-19 lockdown and is part of the 9 part dance film series “Turbulent Kingdoms.”
https://www.kitreilly.com/turbulent-kingdoms
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
This film is part of a 9 part dance film series titled Turbulent Kingdoms. The idea for this came out of the beginning of covid and lockdowns and being in a state of observing the world around us shifting and changing at such a rapid pace while we essentially had to stop a lot of what we were doing and stay home. Remain in particular is the final film of the series and the first one that I actually made. I felt it was very fitting during the time of being in a lockdown to challenge myself to create a film almost completely by myself.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The overall film series has taken about 2 years from idea to finished product (50 minutes of films in total). Remain itself has just been one part of this overall journey!
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Simplicity. Independence.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I actually had another location booked to film in, with a separate cinematographer and lighting designer. Then the week before our film shoot we went into a 4.5 month lockdown so I had to completely redesign the idea and do everything myself in my garage which is where the final iteration of the film was made.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was quite surreal actually! Especially when a project so close to your heart has not had a lot of outside eyes on it, it is really quite special to hear people talking about your film from the other side of the world!
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
About 2 years ago at the start of Covid I got really serious about it! And just tarted teaching myself 🙂
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Hmmmm. Possibly the Hunger Games!
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Honestly my experience was so good I have no complaints! Your festival went above and beyond to deliver a stellar experience!
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Really easy! At first I found it overwhelming with the amount of festival choices but soon I got used to the system.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Thai Panang Curry with tofu
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Possibly! I have some ideas in the works!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 