MEMORY, 7min., Canada, Documentary
Directed by Keefe Jassoy
A story about the Canadian identity and the histories of one particular woman as she learns about her grandmothers past through the living memory of music and dance.
https://www.instagram.com/jassoyfilms/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
This film was an attempt by my friend and I to “do it ourselves” and break into the industry by telling a story that interested both of us. A story of exploring personal identity and the Canadian identity as something that evades a single definition and is almost always a story of hope.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
This film took four years to make because we filmed during fall and went through many drafts that acted as the best kind of film school ever where we had to constantly make adjustments to the story to fit our means without sacrificing our story.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Lasting Hope
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was not knowing a damn thing about making a movie and only having the excitement at a great challenge ahead of us!
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I loved hearing the different perspectives on the film and especially the audience member that completely understood the sentiment of the film as being more important than the narrative itself as we wanted the audience to feel that same sense of curiosity when peering into a place and time from long ago.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I found myself sharing the joy of movies with people close to me in my life especially during my childhood.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I watched Iron Giant at least a hundred times when I was a child suffering from seizures and was made to stay under close watch by my family in our living room.
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 opportunity to meet and connect with other talented individuals is always something that I’m striving towards as well as any career guidance as a filmmaker.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
The festival site has been wonderful.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Homemade Vegan Lasagna. It’s kinda my specialty.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I have many short films on my agenda and look to produce a short a year from this point on. As deadlines are very important and if I can plan my deadlines around film festival submissions then even better!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 