EVOLUTION, 1min,. USA, Animation
Directed by Romina Schwedler
Humanity finds itself caught up in circles as life leads to progress and progress to self-destruction.
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Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The idea sparked during the pandemic. As we all did during that time, I messaged my friends to ask if they were OK. Among them, Ignacio (the composer of the music), who I had met on a previous project. Our convo finished with a mutual wish: Wouldn’t it be great if humanity learned something during this stop? Then, a more realistic wish (or at least a faster one to achieve): Let’s make a short-short to help continue creating awareness about how we’re destroying ourselves and our planet.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Almost 3 years! The concept that had motivated this film evolved, just as the world did… With more (and more) catastrophes following suit (George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and over 200 black lives taken; wars; floods; forest fires and too many other disasters), the word “evolution” became more and more debatable. And thus, Ignacio and I found ourselves making real-time adjustments to the original idea… Until finally, we said “this is it!”
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Global warning.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Along the lines of my previous answers, given that Evolution explores (in 1 minute) human existence from genesis to (a hypothetical) self-destruction, the pace at which new relevant events took place —and how exponentially-fast technology changes— affected the narrative and added to it. I wanted to feature as much of that “evolution” as possible (most recently, with AI joining in!), and this inevitably got in the way of wrapping that edit… I went from “final cut” to “final-final”, to “final-final this time I mean it”.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Oh! I wish I had footage of that! I was so moved and amazed. I loved the innovative way to fest, and hearing such in-depth analysis and interpretations of something I/we put so much love into was extremely rewarding. We are very grateful to the fest team for gathering that feedback and putting it together.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I directed and starred in a spec commercial in 2014. The goal at the time however, was to have something new and fresh to show around as an actress. But between first draft and final cut I just fell in love with the process. So I had to do it again. And again! …I still performed in my next works, but I went from lead actress, to supporting actress, to director’s cameo, to… Well, in “Evolution” I am “the eye”, so I still made it in, but you get the idea!
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Ooh, this is a tough one. I’m gonna be bad and give you 3 (extremely different) films that I’ve found myself coming back to over and over because they are so brilliant, each in their genre: “2001: A Space Odyssey”, “Shawshank Redemption”, and “Idiocracy”!
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 it when festivals shine a light on the creative process as well as the huge challenges and the artists behind it. Yes, those red carpets can be a lot of fun too, but I think helping filmmakers’ voices be heard through insightful Q&As like this one make a difference in the overall fest experience. To fully answer your question, I would add in-person screenings and Q&As. This would help filmmakers network, experience audience’s reactions in real time and support other people’s work as well.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
Love FilmFreeway, it’s one of my favorite platforms out there. So intuitive and user friendly, it’s really a pleasure to submit films through the site.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Lol! Ice cream, unquestionably. Although not entirely sure it qualifies as a meal.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m in development for my first feature. A rom-com! Very excited about this project. That’s all I can say about it at this time. Stay tuned!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 