Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

When we appreciate art photography, many people tend to focus on the results but may not consider the process or people involved. With this film, I wanted to explore what it takes for artists to create visual masterpieces and what sacrifices they are willing to make if they become obsessed about their journey.

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

The script took about a year to complete. Even without a lot of dialogue, it took a lot of planning to figure out how to create a visually stunning film to match the artistic obsession of the characters involved. Pre-production, casting, and getting the locations took three months. We had six shoot days but they ended up being split between another three months because of the lockdowns during the pandemic. The editing process took two months, the visuals were already planned out but it took some time to get the music down perfectly.

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

Art Obsession

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

The biggest obstacle we faced was having to shut down our production during the lockdowns from the pandemic. We had a total of six shoot days. We shot the first three days over one weekend. Then we had to shut down and wait three months to finish the film. Fortunately, we were able to keep the core of our small team and maintain continuity with our cast and crew to finish the film.

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

My favorite part of filmmaking is getting feedback and hearing the interpretations of the audience. Hearing their perspective is essential to my evolution as an artist. I loved hearing how detailed the feedback video was when the audience referenced how specific scenes affected them.

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

I took my first film class during my sophomore year of high school. I fell in love when I realized how many different components of art (literature, photography, music, fashion, choreography, etc.) are combined into filmmaking.

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

Inglourious Basterds by Quentin Tarintino. That film has some of the greatest displays of suspense in both the opening scene and the bar scene. I also appreciate how the film maintains a masterful attention to detail as it moves through different character plotlines, languages, locations, and setups.

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

The tier system for this festival is a great idea! I'm excited to continue further into the tiers to fully experience what this festival represents. The biggest help would be access to potentially be represented by an agency or access to get funding for the next project by a studio or producer.

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

There are a lot of complicated aspects to making a film. I appreciate that FilmFreeway streamlines the process of submitting films into a much more convenient experience.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Salmon Poké Bowls are currently my favorite meal. I'll usually have it about once a week.

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

My next film is about cannibals in an experimental rehabilitation center where they must convert or endure brutal punishments.

APPLES AND APPLESAUCE, 44min., USA
Directed by Malik Amandla
"Apples and Applesauce" is about a model that sacrifices her art career for financial security and a photographer that sacrifices everyone in their life for their artistic ambitions.

Director Biography - Malik Amandla

Malik Amandla is a writer and director born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He received his BA in Film Production from California State University Northridge. In 2020, he wrote and directed his first feature film, "Apples and Applesauce." He loves to create unique stories with a diverse cast and crew.