THE FAUN HEALWOOD, THE EDGE, 16min., France
Directed by Stephane Artus
During a walk in the forest, a young woman, Jane, meets a wounded stranger pursued by strange hunters. She asks her to help her reach a dolmen in order to bring a magical object. Jane is reluctant to accept the adventure for which she seems destined.
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Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The motivation to make this film came from frustration at the lack of French fantasy films.
French cinema shuns the fantastic, whereas it’s part of our culture through books, music, painting and storytelling. As a fan of fantastic creatures, I wanted to deliver my vision of a mythological creature.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
it took several years!
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Generous, marvellous
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was finishing the special effects and post-production. We had a lot of technical problems. The last 6 months were very hard.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
My first reaction is a lot of emotion.
I’m very attentive to their comments, their interpretations and I’m very touched that they’re touched by the story.
It’s great to see that some viewers have understood or felt the feminist subtext, even though it’s not tackled head-on like in some current American films with leading women.
It also shows that another way of supporting this change is possible.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I was 6 years old, I’d just seen Empire Strikes Back and I said to myself, I want to do that.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The film I’ve seen the most, and this will surprise you, is Die HArd and Predator. I’m a great admirer of John Mctiernan. I analyze his “mise en scène”, how he shot the point of view of his characters in his films.
For my film, I spent a week analyzing how he shot the forest/jungle in Predator.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Continue to show films to more professionals and TV broadcasters. The feedback of the audience is a great idea ! it’s a great communication tool.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It was a very good experience, everything was clear and well organized.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Then it will be a dessert, red fruit panna cotta.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m working on adapting the short film The Faun of Healwood into a TV series.
With a director friend, I’m developing a script for a feature film, a fantasy romance with the backdrop of time travel.
I’m thinking of a new short film, and it’s going to be a scary story. The duration will be shorter and without complicated CGI !
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 