1. What is your screenplay about?
It is about two different women finding their voice in two different time periods, linked by one powerful true love story.
It is also about having the courage to follow dreams despite odds.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
It is a biographical drama – part historical and part contemporary.
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
It is a poetic story that celebrates subtlety and strength.
It weaves common threads of women and their struggles across time and place.
It reminds us that though we may be ordinary, so are we extraordinary.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Passionate. Poetic.
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
The English Patient.
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
Quite a number of years. It has taken many different forms and has finally been shaped into what it is.
7. How many stories have you written?
Many stories. Fewer scripts. I’m working on them.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Difficult question… Maybe ‘Blackbird’ (originally by Paul McCartney but there are many great versions)
During the writing of this screenplay, I often had Spiegel im Spiegel playing. It’s classical music and tells the protagonist’s story perfectly.
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Carving time, information overloads, fear and doubt.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Life! In all its many forms.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
Great. User friendly.
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
Initially I didn’t think about entering this competition as I didn’t consider my script as a Romance/Relationship – not in the traditional sense. Then I thought, actually, the great big, true love story is what has always inspired the telling of it.
I realised that this was the right place for it to be read. I am very grateful to whoever sent me feedback. It was incredibly encouraging but also constructive. I was able to take what was written and apply it. Overall, I am so so pleased to have entered and then been selected in this festival. Thank you.
Watch the Screenplay Reading:
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Val Cole
Lucy: Hannah Ehman
Hannah: Kyana Teresa
Jack: Steve Rizzo
Leo/Student 1: Sean Ballantyne
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 