ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL, 20min., Australia
Directed by Dayne Sagor
In the rough and tumble of 1980s Melbourne, the Passenger must navigate a conflict with seasoned underworld figure Heath Cox. What starts out as a simple objective alongside his mentor, the Driver, quickly spirals into a bizarre, hilarious and hair-raising series of events that lead the Passenger into a crossroads in his burgeoning criminal career.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

During the Melbourne lockdowns, I was a part of one of the few industries that kept going, horse racing broadcast. Now for background, I hate horse racing, but I felt locked in as it seemed to be the best way to keep paying my rent at that stage. During one of the snap lockdowns, I'd really tried to connect with the people around me at work. It was a way to exercise the social muscle. Through this I heard stories of gang violence, of race fixing, the background of some of the most interesting characters in an otherwise mundane sport. The things happening around the races, especially in the 80s, were so much more interesting than the actual sport. So, I took these little bits and pieces and wove them together into a full-length film. The short you see today is a piece taken from it. The only manageable piece to make in short film form without it looking anaemic. To me it feels like a proof of concept because I really like the whole screenplay.

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

Somewhere around 2 years, I wrote the full length story first, and then pried off a side story to make it self contained.

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

*Sigh* ...Mate.

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

Not knowing anyone in the industry, and trying to make connections in Melbourne to make the film. I was openly emailing DOP's offering to meet and give work but so many didn't due to me not being known at all.

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

It was a bit relieving, two of my larger visual/tonal inspirations of Pulp Fiction and Grand Budapest Hotel were mentioned so I'm glad it came through.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I saw the end of Inception as a 12 year old and thought how incredible it was to feel such a way from a movie. I want to share that feeling I had because it was incredibly inspirational and gave me a lot of surety in my life regarding direction. I still get this feeling today when I see a film that I think is really something special. Everything Everywhere All At Once was one of the more recent examples.

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

Pulp Fiction. It's a comfort film.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Maybe some sort of pipeline for people who have fully fledged ideas to pitch to industry backed professionals. Like a way forward to get films made.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Pretty good so far, I feel like I've had a bit more success than I'd planned for.

10. What is your favorite meal?

The best food* is easily pasta. Such a versatile dish (Spaghetti with oil and salt is my favourite)

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

I've written another short that I'm very proud of, and can't wait to get out! Best part is that it's completely different to this short. It's nice to have variety I think.