HAPPY EVER AFTER, 4min., Musical Animation
Directed by Leyokki
This movie shows and sings the tale of a poet; falling into dreams, travelling in fantaisies. A movie made of images generated by an artificial intelligence, giving to the movie the flickering texture of daydreams and memories.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
To explore the possibilities of images generated by artificial intelligence, and how to conduct it.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I would say around two full month, maybe more. But it is difficult to say because it was spread between four months.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Shimmering mist.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The fact that using AI is a long process, where you can’t really predict the result, but only guess. It is a trial and error process that takes a large amount of time.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It is really cheerful to see people enjoying the movie. I was also really interested to hear how they would apprehend the images, and since it is a technique not yet well known [the AI generated images], people are feeling the images, as watercolor, paintings and photographies, and filling these images with their own emotions. I love to see that.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
At 15, I think, when I discovered at the same time the software after effects and blender and decided to make a video clip.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
It should be Koyaanisqatsi, an experimental documentary from 1982, on which was my masters’ degree. The research was about the possibility to express concept or ideas without any words, in a movie.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I love your idea to make a podcast. I would also love to have the opportunity to exchange directly with the audience and other film maker, maybe through a chat session, or to answer to questions asked by the audience.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It has been a nice experience, the platform is efficient. The most difficult part is to know how and where to send your movie – does it fit better the experimental, the animation or the music video category? – but your festival seemed exactly right, since it name blends all the themes dear to me.
10. What is your favorite meal?
The rougail saucisse, a special dish from Réunion.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Of course a new film! But first I have started to work with a theatre company, the Printemps du Machiniste, on a project with an important mapping projection. And I am also working on a project of new videos that should be played live.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 