Tag: documentary

Interview with Director Andrew Galloway (WALLY)

  Andrew Galloway’s short film “WALLY” was voted BEST CHARACTERS at the LGBT Documentary Film Festival in August 2017. Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Andrew Galloway: I first met Wally Linebarger as an art teacher at my school. I was in 4th grade and he entered our room pushing his art… Continue reading Interview with Director Andrew Galloway (WALLY)

Interview with director Adrian Buitenhuis (I AM HEATH LEDGER)

“I am Heath Ledger” is a terrific documentary about the life of the talented actor and artist who left us way too early. It’s told through interviews of his good friends,  interspersed with Heath’s own home videos. It was an honor to chat with the co-director of the film on the phone. The film is… Continue reading Interview with director Adrian Buitenhuis (I AM HEATH LEDGER)

Interview with director Paul Zehrer (BEING SEEN)

Paul Zehrer’s short film “BEING SEEN” was the winner of BEST FILM at the March 2017 DOCUMENTARY Short Film Festival  Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? My cinematographer, Chikara Motomura, and I were approached by the director of Lifehouse Agency in Marin, CA, to create a video that would help the community… Continue reading Interview with director Paul Zehrer (BEING SEEN)

Interview with director Cassie De Colling (GULMARG – PARADISE ON EARTH)

Cassie De Colling’s short film played at the March 2017 DOCUMENTARY Short Film Festival  Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? A lot of factors came into play when making this film. I was struck by the situation in Kashmir and I wanted to help create a perspective for the western skier to… Continue reading Interview with director Cassie De Colling (GULMARG – PARADISE ON EARTH)

Interview with director John Mollison (THE GENTLEMAN NEXT DOOR)

John Mollison’s short film played at the March 2017 DOCUMENTARY Short Film Festival Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? I believe that old warriors have great insight into life. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short? 45 days. How would you… Continue reading Interview with director John Mollison (THE GENTLEMAN NEXT DOOR)

Interview with director Diana Frankovic (THE SAD MONK)

Diana Frankovic’s short film played at the March 2017 DOCUMENTARY Short Film Festival Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? So a couple of years ago I took a sabbatical from my job. Actually, I’m a radio host from Berlin. I was exhausted, burned out and unhappy. I had to get away from… Continue reading Interview with director Diana Frankovic (THE SAD MONK)

Interview with Filmmaker Chris Hale (EVERYBODY FALLS DOWN)

I was pleasantly surprised watching the feedback video, I was glad someone noticed the use of music for instance and even the mildly negative comments were useful as a filmmaker as they were about things I’d purposely chosen to do or not include and it made me realise I was comfortable with my decisions. Also the fact that someone said they’d be more likely to help because of watching this film was fantastic as thats all I ever wanted.

Interview with Filmmaker Daniele Bonarini (LIKE A STAR)

Daniele Bonarini’s short film, LIKE A STAR, played to rave reviews at the May 2016 Documentary Short Film Festival.  Interview with Daniele Bonarini: Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Daniele Bonarini: For many years, i work primarily with people with physical and intellectual disabilities. I grew a lot as a director and film-maker… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Daniele Bonarini (LIKE A STAR)

Interview with Filmmaker Christopher H.K. Lee (The Last Tear)

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.