WHO IS LIKE YOU, 40min,. Israel
Directed by Shira Green
Wild nature in an unfamiliar landscape. An indigenous Jewish community called The Abayudaya has lived in Uganda since 1919.
http://www.videovision.co.il/
https://www.facebook.com/shiragreena
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
This film wasn’t a mission I had in mind when I took camera equipment with me to Uganda. I went to teach film to the youth, in a very informal manner. The local youth got GoPro’s we brought from Israel, and I would walk with them to cool locations and give them ideas how to plan what they want in front of the camera. How to pay attention and why it matters to be flexible when you want to shoot X and in reality Y happens. And as the footage gathered I felt there was magic about the different scenes that came up, it wasn’t anything I could imagine. For example a lady passed away and there was a local funeral, really interesting situations and local traditions. I learned about Idi Amin, everyone spoke about his place in their history. And that’s how the work on a film came to life.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
6 years. My mother and I traveled to Uganda in July 2017, I started editing the footage after watching it and writing notes for half a year, and after that 2 years of editing by myself, and then I started paying professionals I hand picked to create the ensemble making this film. Each person working on the film had a big impact on the final result, I didn’t make this film alone.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Ugandan Jews
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I’ll start with Corona, that brought a lot of financial instability and I was working so hard to finance the film in addition to working as a video editor on TV. My own motivation after year 4 was probably the biggest obstacle I faced. Once a year, I thought the film was ready, and then something changed and we had another version and then something didn’t add up properly and I found archive footage from my childhood and that became a layer in the film. It wasn’t a smooth ride. I had moments where I thought I wasn’t going to make it to the finish line with the film.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Honestly, it filled me with so much happiness and I was amazed. Knowing people saw the film and had so many thoughts because of it, it really got me excited and thinking of future screenings, how I want this film to be seen by as many people as possible, I am very grateful for the platform and opportunity.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I think I keep choosing it over and over. It’s an ongoing relationship.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Neverending Story
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 would love as many networking opportunities as possible.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Yeah it’s a great platform, I would have never known you without filmfreeway
10. What is your favorite meal?
Pad Thai
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I want to travel to new places I’ve never seen
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 