FOLLOW THE SUN, 4min,. Mexico
Directed by Ernesto Ruvalcaba
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
Since I’ve started doing music videos and commercials, my goal was to reach the sensible fiber of people. Most of the times we do not see this sensorial and emotional projects and with YEKE (the client) we had a a lot of creative freedom to propose this beautiful ode to the sun.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
This collaborative effort that us in Minimal (the production company), especially Alex (the producer and DP) and me as director lasted for more than 3 months since the client originally approach us until we delivered the final product.There was a lot of pre production and post production, we really crafted the piece to be as beautiful as we can, and as we know good thing take time.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Majestic nature.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Production wise, the main obstacle was to shoot everything during sunny days, the rainy season was coming to the region of Mexico we shot and we needed to be very careful on how, where and when to shoot to optimize and take advantage of the beautiful locations that we had in mind.Conceptual wise, one big challenge was to maintain the video as majestic yet tasteful as possible, being subtle yet impactful.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Gratefulness. In general I’m extremely happy and honored that the audience managed to connect with the sensations that we wanted to convey.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Since I’m young I’ve always gravitated towards the film making process and how a huge group of professionals manage to work together to deliver one single product. Also, I’ve always have had this need to bring imaginary worlds into reality. So when I had the opportunity to direct my first Music Video I had a good archive of references inside my head on what things I would love to pay homage or that were aesthetically beautiful and I tried to implement my ideas of what good leadership on set can be.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Great question. There have been films for different part of my life. I think right now I’ve been watching the most Uncut Gems by the Safdie Brothers, I love how real, absurd, tense and imaginative it is. When I was a kid my father used to play a lot The Empire Strikes Back in the TV and it definitely marked my childhood. However, when I was a teenager my taste changed more to a surreal, urban and intense type of films, I remember that I used to praise and watch a lot Trainspotting and 127 hours from Danny Boyle.
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 you did a perfect job encapsulating the meaning of film making empowerment. It was a really beautiful experience to hear the feedback from people around the world and to see their faces while they are saying it. Thanks for binging a platform to independent filmmaker and try to bring more to the table so that we can continue our journey and we can keep growing.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Everything good.
10. What is your favorite meal?
I think I don’t have a favorite meal right now. I’ve been enjoying different types of meals.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m looking forward to start directing fiction. I think the commercial world is a great medium to experiment with financial back up, but I really want to decipher my inner voice without any client attached to the project.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 