PINWHEEL HORIZON, 14min., USA
Directed by Ian Ebright
On a barren planet, three elite warriors learn their final confrontation- a gang of 40- is waiting for them nearby.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
After a personal loss, I became interested in exploring the topic through characters with different reactions to the same event.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Two years and four months.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
minimalist fantasy
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The pandemic and related delays and logistics nearly kept us from shooting the film and delayed things by at least a year.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was encouraging to hear that story elements (characters, motivations, and themes) and our team’s intentions resonated so clearly for viewers—and I loved hearing the words the viewers used to articulate what happens in the film.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I saw Patriot Games in a theater at the age of 14.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
That’s a tough one…I would guess either Sneakers or Terminator 2.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Getting eyeballs on our short films is difficult—even when it’s selected at a film festival—so I really appreciate creative and attentive festivals like yours.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway is much simpler and smoother to use than previous submission platforms. I’m a fan.
10. What is next for you? A new film?
We’re putting the finishing touches on a feature I wrote and directed called The Way We Speak starring 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards nominee Patrick Fabian. Those interested can check it out at https://www.instagram.com/thewaywespeakfilm/
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 