I’ve heard about the topic “comfort women” many times in the news, media, books, newspapers, etc. but I never had my interest in the subject until we began our research with the students about a possibility of putting together a documentary. We traveled thousands of miles to visit the actual historical locations and had the opportunities to meet with the ladies still alive and be witnesses of the scars left on their bodies and souls. Some were supported by the political platform and some were a part of an organizational base trying to make their voice heard which is unknown to the rest of the world. They are becoming weaker day by day and we believe that such traces of painful memories and tragic stories cannot be restored but by remembering them and embracing them, we will provide them the sense of closure.
Category: directing a film
Interview with Director Kjersti Steinsbø (HEVN)
Kjersti Steinsbø’s feature film HEVN (Revenge) is a fascinating take on a classic movie plot. What happens when you seek revenge? It also tackles the subject of sexual abuse and the men who get away with it. HEVN is currently playing at the TIFF Lightbox in downtown Toronto. HEVN is a terrific film and it… Continue reading Interview with Director Kjersti Steinsbø (HEVN)
Interview with Writer/Director Rebecca Miller (Maggie’s Plan)
Rebecca Miller is known for The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (2009), Personal Velocity (2002) and The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005). She has been married to Daniel Day-Lewis since November 13, 1996. They have two children. She is the daughter of playwright Arthur Miller and photographer Inge Morath.
Interview with Filmmaker Mike Callaghan (HOLE)
I was excited to see the what an audience made of it. You make a film for people to watch and enjoy and it was great to see that your audience responded so well to it. It’s a great idea to do these videos.
Interview with Filmmaker Frédéric Poirier (NODE)
It’s always nice to see an audience take the time to talk about the film, in any way. There’s no better way to tell what works and what doesn’t. Here some people were confused about some aspects of the script, but others took it upon themselves to explain it to them. Having random people understand and stand up for the most intricate parts of the script is very gratifying.
Interview with Filmmaker Steve Catieau (MARIE MADELEINE)
MARIE MADELEINE was the winner of Best Film, and Best Performances at the April 2016 FEEDBACK Film Festival. I recently interviewed the filmmaker to chat about his experiences making the film. Interview with Steve Catieau: Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Steve Catieau: I wanted to express something about our society. For me,… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Steve Catieau (MARIE MADELEINE)
Interview with Filmmaker Philippe Woodtli (ACROPHOBIA)
It’s amazing to see people from the other side of the planet that are watching our movie and enjoying it.
Then I was amazed seeing the different reactions. That some thought it’s a parody or the cure for Acrophobia. I’m always impressed on the different views and approaches that different people have. And on the different mindsets and how exactly the same thing is interpreted and analyzed in totally different ways.
For me that’s the beauty of filmmaking. You can have an idea on how people will react to it, but you can’t be sure until they have seen the film. Which makes it really interesting.
Interview with Filmmaker A.D. Cooper (ACE)
The FEEDBACK reaction from the audience was Exactly the response I’d hoped for. Positive. Engaged. Subtleties observed e.g. the playing cards. Plus it was good to hear that there was laughter during the screening. Other North American family festivals have rejected it because it they didn’t understand the story – which is baffling. For info, the ‘no fun’ park is actually in Mamaroneck, New York state but we did the filming in west London in the UK.
Interview with Filmmaker Tyler Wallach (FROG)
Tyler Wallach’s short film FROG played at the Family FEEDBACK Film Festival in March 2016. It was the winner of Best Cinematography at the festival. WEBSITE Interview with Tyler Wallach: Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Tyler Wallach: The belief that stories are important and best when shared. And that Frogs are… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Tyler Wallach (FROG)
Interview with Filmmaker Oliver Park (Award Winning Short VICIOUS)
I write what scares me. As a massive horror nerd, I often walk into a space and think “wouldn’t it be scary if….”. Vicious was born from wanting to tell a story that is both horribly tense yet looks beautiful – something that could happen to any of us and that the audience could take home with them afterwards. I wanted to make a short film that was in the league of all these incredible three minute scare-shorts, but one with a meaningful story behind the tension.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 