TAEKKYON REIGN, 1min., South Korea, Music/Dance
Directed by Jaye Wynn
Taekkyeon Reign is a non-verbal music video showcasing the different forms of the South Korean Traditional martial art of Taekkyon fused with a dub-step music.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film? Taekkyon is a martial art that’s older than Taekwondo but not as well known. Studying the artform/sport myself, I was motivated to share and spread the knowledge. A universal method of sharing is through video and I wanted to share in festivals in front of an indefinite and eclectic number of viewers.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? As I was already putting the buzz word out to film a Taekkyon documentary for about a year, interest was building. The actual implementation took an estimated 7 months.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!? By far the hardest question for me to answer: Sincere Intentions
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The hardest obstacle was finding the proper venue. While, yes I spoke “functional” Korean, most places did not quite understand the concept of independent filming for a passion. So a lot of compromising occurred to, both, practicing for and filming the various scenes.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? My initial response was “reluctancy”. It even took me a day to return to the link and press play. I am my worst critic, so I had mentally prepared for the “ripping off of the bandaid” effect. I was ready to hear how certain scenes were confusing and I would need to make changes etc.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I actually always wanted to do sound for films, even receiving my Bachelors Degree in Sound Engineering. But it took getting involved in the foreign film scene, like the 48 hour Competitions, to really give me the push that “I can do this too”.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life? The Dark Crystal by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, is a dark fantasy film, created through puppeteering, that’s still on repeat mode for me.
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’d say nothing. I quite like that ease to submit and the ease to receive feedback. Perhaps a live feed to one of the festival viewings, where I don’t have to spend excessive money (that I don’t have the budget for or time from work) to attend. I love that after the feedback session, there’s still something to do with the film piece.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? Submitting through FilmFreeway helps make film submissions simple, as long as festivals do not ask for too many additional requirements.
10. What is your favorite meal? Soups/ stews (liquidy hot bowls)
11. What is next for you? A new film? Working on several film projects (from editing on the Taekkyon documentary to a dark fantasy) and also a comic book project. With the right connections and a great start, I hope to turn the comic book into an animation. Sooo, I’m looking for aspiring animators that would like to work on a Taekkyon martial art-dark fantasy animation! 😉
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 