OCD, 1min,. Canada
Directed by Madonna Gonzalez
“Amanda, a girl with a debilitating “tick” fights to survive the war raging within her terrifying psyche – all while stuck sitting in a Psych 101 lecture.
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Get to know Kallie Hu & Madonna Gonzalez:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
Kallie Hu, Writer & Story Creator:
The film is based on a true story that is very close to me and my family. It’s meant to be a raw look at the reality of its namesake, attempting to demystify the disorder and sharing what success could mean for those living with it.
It was originally written as a submission to Vancouver’s Mighty Asian Movie Making Marathon (MAMM), hosted by the Vancouver Asian Film Festival, which required me to infuse my own heritage into the story while streamlining it into a 1-minute film. I wanted to build empathy by showing how every minute living with OCD can be an intense and terrifying struggle. This struggle is only compounded by the habits of ignoring, misunderstanding, and dismissing mental health issues which are so prevalent amongst Eastern cultural groups. OCD rips back the curtain for those seeking to understand anxiety disorders within the larger context of cultural stigma, while lending a life preserver to those who already know.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Kallie: It took two months from the first draft to the final product. The idea was rattling around inside my head for a couple weeks before that, but the first draft was written in early June 2023 to meet the MAMM deadline. Filming for the competition took place between July 21-July 30, but we were able to film the entire project in 1 day. Then, we submitted our final cut to the competition on July 30th. As first-time filmmakers, it was the wildest and most eye-opening experience we could have ever asked for. What an absolute blast!
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Madonna Gonzalez, Director: Sharp & thoughtful.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Both: Fitting this all into one minute based on the requirements of the original MAMM competition. Kudos to our editor, Bryce Iwaschuk! The edit helped execute our vision of building tension throughout the film. It created a sense of urgency and anxiety that is so deeply intertwined with OCD.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Madonna: I was honestly smiling ear-to-ear! It was extremely validating a director to hear such positive, nuanced feedback from audience members. Made my heart so full to know that it resonated with so many other people.
Kallie: I started to tear up. It felt that we did what we set out to do — people had built empathy for the character’s struggle, understood OCD, and recognized the shame, stigma, and emotional/physical harm that manifests with it. The appreciation for the edit, Ghe cinematography, and direction made me so proud of the team. Thank you so much.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Kallie: Frankly, when this project was selected as a finalist by the MAMM film competition! The film started as a writing exercise. It prompted me to ask, “How sharply can we tell this story? What truly needs to live here so it can be a 1-minute script?” But when it was selected for the competition it was like, “Oh no, we actually have to make this thing”. Looking back, I’m so glad we did!
Madonna: When Kallie asked me — haha. I had directing experience in theatre school and Kallie and I work so well together, it was a match made in heaven.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Madonna: How the Grinch Stole Christmas — every year baby!
Kallie: Mean girls or Stupid Crazy Love – guilty pleasure movies I can watch anytime, anywhere ;
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Both: We love the feedback element of this, such a direct way to hear from the audiences. We’d love possible mentoring or coaching opportunities to help us further hone our skills and storytelling abilities.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Micah Kelpin, Producer: I’ve had a good experience working with the FilmFreeway platform.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Madonna: It’s hard to narrow down, but I probably have to say the crispy chicken burrito from Tacofino.
Kallie: My mom’s spam fried rice. Delicious, delicious childhood (and adult) memories.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Kallie: I’m currently writing a new script — the topic is pretty hush hush right now but I’m drawing on things I learned from my major in university, Cognitive Systems (a mix of Psychology, Computer Science, Philosophy, and Linguistics). Stay tuned!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 