SPECTATOR SPORT, 10min., USA
Directed by Arden Grier
You don’t have to be a political junkie to run for office.
Get to know filmmaker Arden Grier:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
It started as something to do during election week as I was feeling all of the anxiety and uncertainty about the uniqueness of this election and the stakes of another Trump terms, but while working on the first edit, I actually decided to run for local office in Los Angeles, and that inspired me to take the edit in the direction of a call to action. When I brought on our editor Matt, it was a game changer because he was able to take the thesis of what we wanted the film to be about, and find the story in everyone’s answers.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
This is a bit of a triggering question!!! It started right before the election – October 2020 and finished it fully August 2022.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Disarming + Inspiring (hopefully lol)
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Finishing the edit – can’t speak highly of our editor, Matthieu, enough. He was a saving grace – he’s a super talented filmmaker and we needed those fresh eyes to take the story to a new place.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It made me very emotional – this film took so long to make and has been through a lot, and I haven’t showed it to anyone really yet. So hearing that the messages and themes were coming through and giving people something to think about… I found it really uplifting to get the feedback.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I think it was the first time I watched 50/50 in the theater. I don’t know why – that movie isn’t even one of my favorites! I just loved that it made me laugh and cry all at once and it was daring to talk about things that most people in our culture don’t talk about. I thought to myself “I want to make movies like this.” And honestly it remains true – I try not to take myself or this industry too seriously, and just make something that’s fun and thought provoking in some way. It doesn’t always have to be high art, sometimes it can just make you feel something, and that’s enough to make a good film.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Die Hard, for sure.
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 think just clarity on an in-person premiere if that’s happening. I think this is a unique festival and super cool, it’s just hard to understand at first, but really happy to have discovered you and to be welcomed into the festival. Thank you all so much!
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FF is easy to use so pretty smooth.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Pasta.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Writing some things which is not my forte, and also have an independent pilot doing a festival run right now called Earth Girl. It’s a comedy show about climate change and it’s WILLDDDD.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 