Interview with Filmmaker Mahée Merica (A SIGN)

matthewtoffolo directing a film, feedback film festival, film director, short film, short film festival, toronto film festival, Uncategorized, wildsound film festival , , ,

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Mahée Merica: It’s a pretty silly reason… It all happened during the exam period of my university, and I needed to get distracted. See, people at my uni were really competitive, and always stressed out during the exam period, so everyone is just studying, studying, studying and talking about the exams, creating a pretty worrisome atmosphere on campus. On the opposite, when I am under pressure, I like to do plenty different stuffs to get my mind fresh and relaxed on the actual day of the exam. So I thought it would be the perfect time for me to make a film with some of my friends. I decided to try to write a comedy, because until then I have been doing dramas and experimental, so I wanted to challenge my self and see how it would be to write and direct a comedy that would be both funny and thoughts-provoking.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

It was very fast: I wrote this film in one afternoon, shot it the following day with my two friends Siham and Thomas who act in it, and then edited it overnight, while Siham was taking care of the music. So we basically made this film in literally two days.

3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Cheeky Fantasy.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

I would say the cold. We shot it in December, in Montreal. So the temperature was very low, definetly hitting the two digit negative. We had to take lots of breaks during the day to be able to continue shooting in the cold. But the breaks had to be super short, because the sun sets very early in winter, and we had to finish the film before night. As we were only three, and I was simultaneously directing, DOP-ing and recording the sound, it asked a lot of reactivity and organisation from us, but we really had loads of fun!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was so pleased! It’s incredible to see people process your film and debate about it. I put a lot of efforts in everything I do, and I really tried to make the best film possible with the means at my disposal at the time. But this short film was initially just meant to be a small and funny project I made with my friends to distract our selves during the exam period. So seing that people take so much interest in it, truly enjoyed it and even engage in deep discussions about it is just magical. I always aim to provoke thoughts amongst my audience, even with light films like “Un Signe”, and I am really happy to see the spectators understand and react to the themes I wanted to approach, and the questions I wanted to raise. It’s a great motivation boost, and just made me eager to make more films.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

Kind of personal experience! I feel like comedy is the most efficient when it is something visual everyone can relate to. When I am a bit lost or stressed out, I tend to see signs everywhere. “If the light turns green in less than 5 seconds, he’ll call me before the end of the week”. I think a lot of people actually think this way. And I know that a lot of us create big fantasies out of small things. We all want to believe in fate. And I feel like we all tend to see our lives as more romanesque as it is, but to me it is not something sad, on the opposite, these believes bring color to our existence. So I thought it would be fun and interesting to make a film that plays with the border between reality and fantasy, and that makes the spectator think about fate and free will.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Hmmmm probably Pirates of the Caribbean, as it was my favorite film as a child, haha I know it by heart. But aside from that, I watch Fight Club every 6 months or so, and still discover new aspects of it each time I see it.

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

I think it is actually very user friendly. I really enjoy submitting my films through this platform. You can present your film the way you want to, and the festivals they suggest are all pretty nice.

9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

Probably Numb from Linkin Park. I am a huge fan haha

10. What is next for you? A new film?

I am currently studying at the London Film School, and should get my Masters in Filmmaking by 2021. Right now, I am editing a film I wrote, directed and produced that will be released next April. It is a drama about two friends who want to become actresses. One of them breaks through, while the other has to remain in her shadows. My film explores how the unsuccessful one is torn between her love for her friend, and the envy she resents towards her success, and how she feels guilty for being jealous. I am also writing a documentary that I hope to be able to shoot in May.

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Interview with Filmmaker Natacha Thomas (BLOSSOM)

matthewtoffolo directing a film, film director, short film, short film festival, toronto film festival, Uncategorized, wildsound film festival , , ,

 BLOSSOM played to rave reviews at the February 2019 ROMANCE Film Festival in Toronto.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Natacha Thomas: The motivation to continue to tell stories, to test pictures and especially the big desire to redo projects with a genius team that we started to create on the first film (Red Tale)

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

More or less 6 months from the idea to the finished movie (the time available to make independent film clearly dependent on the availability between personal life and “food work” )

3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?

toxic temptation

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The chance to work with a creative and attentive team is that the main challenge is always to let other people really understand your vision, your idea and transcribe it into the reality of a shoot, a post-production process, and this challenge was not an obstacle thanks to them.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It’s really cool to hear people talking about your movie! To bring personal theories about what they saw, a film is also made to tell you about your personal ideas, your experiences, so it’s a real chance to hear people speak about one of your stories.

It’s always great to know that people have taken personal time to see your work, to talk about it.

Thank you at the festival team for this idea, especially for the directors that could not be there during the screening!

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

The idea for a film (short or feature) is a strange process, it is made up of many stages, sometimes unconscious and really personal…
For Blossom, most obviously, the film speaks of a sacrifice in the name of a vain and futile desire, it speaks about the temptation to metamorphose to please the other.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Seven probably but this is clearly not one of the movies that I used as a reference for Blossom.

For Blossom you could find “movies wink” with for example likes the mirrors scene of “The Lady from Shanghai” (https://youtu.be/F-BqDWG72iM) or the scene of the car in Titanic (https://youtu.be/wlDp2aqFhR0) or again the scene of the curse of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty (https://youtu.be/N6UYITSXjfc ),
and I will let you find the other references… 😉

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

It’s really a chance to have this kind of platform, it really simplifies festival submissions. It also allows you to discover opportunities to show your work.

9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

During the process of creation of Blossom I listened mainly: Toxic (Britney Spears), the soundtrack of Lost River (especially Chromatics), the soundtrack of Neon Demon or the works of The Goblin and the soundtrack of the videogame The path (Kris Force, Jarboe)

At the moment for another project I listen mostly Loosing my religion (REM)

10. What is next for you? A new film?

Yes I work now on a 3rd short film that will be a prequel of Blossom and Red Tale (my first two movie) SAUDADE and on other projects  

 

 

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Video Interview with Filmmaker Sashi Arnold & Stephen Gallacher (UNEXPECTED ITEM)

matthewtoffolo directing a film, feedback film festival, film director, short film festival, toronto film festival, Uncategorized, wildsound film festival , , , ,

 UNEXPECTED ITEM was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the February 2019 ROMANCE Film Festival in Toronto.

UNEXPECTED ITEM – Response to Romance Festival Feedback from Six Missing Chairs on Vimeo.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

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Interview with Filmmaker Erika Kramer (SHE’S MARRYING STEVE)

matthewtoffolo directing a film, feedback film festival, film director, short film, toronto film festival, Uncategorized, wildsound film festival , , , ,

SHE’S MARRYING STEVE was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES & MUSIC at the February 2019 LGBT Film Festival in February.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Erika Kramer: I’ve always wanted to make films that shine light on lesbian characters and on the lesbian experience – I feel that visibility in film/tv is one of the most important methods for progress and acceptance. For this film specifically, I was processing a breakup and trying to understand if I could remain friends with my ex or not. I wanted to explore the larger question of if you can stay friends after a breakup and if being queer adds any complexity to that.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

I wrote the script very quickly. Then spent a good amount of time cleaning it up and getting smart editors to take a look at it for me. The pre-production was a few weeks then we shot over 5 days – 4 in Connecticut and 1 half day in New York City. I started editing right away and finished that within a few weeks. It was a quick rush to get it out into the world!

3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?

It’s about love and relationships and how we earn closure on relationships. It’s also about understanding that the world isn’t black and white – there’s a lot that’s gray!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Filmmaking is a constant challenge – there’s never enough time, money, people, etc. I think the hardest thing for me, as a first-time director, was remaining confident and in control. I think I did a great job of this, but it was a new experience and it takes a special level of faith in yourself to run a crew. I’m eager to do it again though, so it can’t have been all that tough! 🙂

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It’s terrifying and humbling and exciting. I just want as many people to see the film as possible. To hear that people not only watched it but were invested in the story and had smart and enthusiastic responses was sooo rewarding. I’m very grateful.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

I broke up with my first serious girlfriend and it felt like everyone i knew was settling down and getting married. I really just wanted to explore those feelings and that specific time in life.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Such a tough question! There are soooo many. I love Sarah Polley’s work – Take this Waltz is an incredible film. As is Stories We Tell. I might have to say Clueless. Amy Heckerling is a genius and that was such a formative film. That’s a nearly perfect film!

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

FilmFreeway is wonderful!

9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

I think Sound & Color by the Alabama Shakes – It’s a perfect album and the song’s beautiful.

10. What is next for you? A new film?

Working on a feature film! In the writing phase now. Hope to be back at the festival soon 😀 

 

 

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Interview with Filmmaker Camille Liu Nock (BO & MEI)

matthewtoffolo directing a film, film director, short film, short film festival, toronto film festival, Uncategorized, wildsound film festival , , ,

BO & MEI was the winner of BEST FILM at the February 2019 LGBT Film Festival in Toronto.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Camille Liu Nock: I think standing up against any kind of prejudice is important. Supporting those who are the victims to discrimination is equally as important so I want to make a film that incorporated those two elements.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

It took about 4 months, 1 month for each writing, preproduction, production and post.

3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Standing Up

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Getting everything done in time, always a race with the clock

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Wow. Absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude, really appreciate all the kind words. Cannot tell you how much it means to me. So cool to hear as well what people liked/picked up on, like the turning up of the music, the sensuality of washing the silk and the supportive sister to name a few. Seriously made me feel so happy to hear people who say they have a sister who is that person for them. Feel very connected to the people in that room and so grateful for their insights and kind words about the film.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

My Mum experienced quite a lot of racial discrimination for being Chinese as I was growing up. Later one of my best friends dealt with similar discriminations when he came out so I wanted to make a film that gave a character a chance to stand up for themselves against these prejudices. Film is such a powerful medium in helping connect people through stories and visuals. It’s an amazing change-maker for good.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Probably Love Actually, pretty much every Christmas! Beasts of the Southern Wild is also one I can’t watch enough.

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

I think it’s a really amazing tool and gives filmmakers a great directory of film festivals as well as a real ease with the application process.

9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

Signed sealed delivered – Stevie Wonder

10. What is next for you? A new film

Hopefully a new film! I’ve made a documentary since and loved making it so I think hopefully getting into some doc filmmaking next and see where it all goes after that!
 

 

 

 

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Interview with Filmmaker Daniel Montoya (HIM)

matthewtoffolo directing a film, film director, short film, short film festival, toronto film festival, Uncategorized , , ,

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Daniel Montoya: Our original intent, when we started the process of making this film, was to show that being a transgender individual is just as normal as being cisgender. The film’s concept evolved over time to focus on Ethan’s advocacy for LGBTQ rights. We filmed at different events in Dallas and in Austin centered around the fight over SB6, aka the “Bathroom Bill” proposed by different members of the Texas House of Representatives.

Something that really motivated me, was seeing the injustice and lack of common sense in the proposed law. It’s crazy how the basic human need to use a bathroom could become so divisive and create so much controversy in Texas.

At the same time, I saw how Ethan was putting himself out there, sometimes with others but many other times, just by himself, and this is very dangerous. There are many crimes committed against transgender people every day and most of these crimes go unnoticed due to bias and hate.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

It took me about a year to create the whole piece.

3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Reflective, absurd

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Perhaps the most difficult part was deciding what to include and what to exclude in the editing room. Distilling all the raw footage and interviews is challenging; you have to stay on point with your message and the specific clips used in the final edit of the film.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Oh wow, they GOT IT! Loved the discussion! I feel that the audience was really open and I’m glad that our short film can serve as a reflection in Canada as well. Even though this is a Texas story, the issues presented are worldwide issues for the LGBTQ community. It was great that the feedback was captured, a lot of times, there isn’t much opportunity for filmmakers to see these moments. Thank you!

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

I reached out to Ethan, because I wanted to make a story that could create awareness about the lives of transgender people.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Growing up in Colombia, the tv channels we had were limited, so I watched a lot of movies on tv. One movie that played on Colombian channels many times was “Big Trouble in Little China.”

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

I think it’s great. I hope that it doesn’t go the same way as Withoutabox, because platforms like this makes it very easy for filmmakers to reach out to film festivals.

9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

I really like the acoustic version of “Fell on Black Days” by Chris Cornell and “Gave Up” by NIN.

10. What is next for you? A new film?

Definitely! I’m focusing now on a narrative fiction film about a group of people seeking happiness in their own way.
 

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Interview with Filmmaker P.J. Norton (EXPIRATION DATE)

matthewtoffolo directing a film, feedback film festival, film director, short film, short film festival, toronto film festival, Uncategorized, wildsound film festival , , ,

EXPIRATION DATE played to rave reviews at the February 2019 LGBT Film Festival in Toronto.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

P.J. Norton: In making Expiration Date, it was important for me to tell a gay love story in which sexual orientation was part of the given circumstances and not the central conflict. I believe it’s important to portray the struggles that members of the LGBTQ+ community face because of who we are, but I also think it’s important to portray the everyday triumphs and struggles that we share with all of humankind. I also wanted to tell a story about a breakup where neither character was portrayed as a villain. I think a big part of coming of age is navigating shifting dynamics in relationships and coming to terms with the fact that sometimes circumstances trump connection.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

I made Expiration Date as part of a class at NYU so the bulk of the process was relatively short. I spent six weeks writing and prepping, 3 days shooting, and two weeks in post. Then, almost two years later, I re-opened the cut to finalize the sound design and prep the film for festival submissions.

3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Personal. Poignant.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

While we were shooting, we were surprised to learn that one of the apartments in the building was scheduled to get their floors redone. We had to work with the construction crew and shoot around their work schedule because the noise was insane.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Because I’m currently in prep for my next project, I haven’t been able to attend many screenings for this film. So it was truly so nice to hear that the audience responded to elements that we worked so hard to execute on set and in the cutting room. I’m very grateful that the LGBT Feedback Film Festival takes the time to edit and upload the audience feedback videos.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

When I was 19, I fell in love for the first time. The relationship was rewarding and amazing in so many ways, but after almost three years, it was time for it to end. We had been living in different states for over a year, and neither of us was ready to make a serious commitment. We were both young, and we wanted needed to see what else was out there. So…

One night in his apartment, we came up with a plan for the perfect break up (did I mention we were young?). We chose a date (February 17th) that made the most sense given our social commitments and travel plans, and we decided to remain a couple up until that day. And then ….it would be over. A clean break. I would get in my white Kia Spectra (may she rest in peace), hop on interstate 95, and we would no longer be a couple. It was a great plan. In theory. It was certainly a… memorable evening to say the least.

When I started grad school at NYU, I had been wanting to explore aspects of that night in a film for a long time. However, each time I attempted to write about it, I found that I was too close to the experience to see it clearly. So I waited. I made other things. Then, almost five years later, I decided I finally had enough distance to revisit the experience. And here we are.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

When I was growing up I would watch The Wizard of Oz every day. Sometimes multiple times a day. As an adult, my go to’s for repeat viewing are Young Adult and Like Crazy.

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are your feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

I’m just old enough to remember the days when we had to make physical screeners and mail them to festivals… so from my perspective, platforms like FilmFreeway are amazing for filmmakers, especially students and artists just starting out. They make it super easy to get your film out there and even help suggest festivals that might be a good fit for your film.

9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

My favorite song of all time is “Landslide”, but I actively try not to listen to it unless I really need it because I don’t want to wear it out.

10. What is next for you? A new film?

I’m directing a web series called Assisted Living about two personal assistants in New York. We shot the pilot last year, and right now we’re in preproduction to shoot the rest of the first season.

You can watch the first episode here:

https://vimeo.com/307366442 

 

 

 

 

 

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