AFTERMATH, 10min., USA
Directed by Nevin Bolla
In a post-apocalyptic world, two survivors are caught in a tense struggle within a decaying building. As they confront their harsh reality, a siren signals the end of a critical survival round, forcing them to grapple with their fears and fleeting hopes.

http://www.nevinbolla.com/
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Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I've always been fascinated by post-apocalyptic worlds where humans are forced into these intense fight-or-flight situations. When I started writing Aftermath, I wanted to bring that vibe to life while still keeping it character-driven. The idea was to make the world feel bigger than what's shown in the short, like a teaser for something larger. With limited time and budget, I couldn't dive into elaborate effects or massive world-building, but I could hint at it.

The goal was to test the waters for a story that could expand, maybe even into a series someday. I drew inspiration from I Am Legend, Hunger Games, and Squid Game, mixing the best elements to create a mysterious world that leaves the audience with questions, not about what's happening to the characters in the moment, but about the world itself. That's the kind of storytelling I love, where curiosity keeps people hooked.

From idea to finished product, how long did it take to make this film?

It took about 3 to 4 months. Writing was maybe the first month, then came pre-production, assembling the team, scouting locations, and getting everything ready. Post-production was the longest part. I like to handle editing and color correction myself because I want every detail to feel right. A lot of time went into sound design too, which is super critical in a film like this. So yeah, it was a few months of hard work and a lot of love poured into it.

How would you describe your film in two words?

Survival and Connection.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in making this film?

Location. It's always the toughest part, especially for a post-apocalyptic setting. You need somewhere that feels isolated, away from traffic, airplanes, or any signs of modern civilization. Scouting those spots is tedious, and then there's the challenge of hauling expensive gear to remote areas, plus dealing with nature. We had rattlesnakes and tarantulas to worry about!

One example: during filming, a wildfire broke out about 10 miles away. The smoke didn't reach us, but helicopters kept flying over to drop water. Things like that can really throw you off schedule. So yeah, finding the right location and managing everything there was a huge challenge, but we made it work.

How did it feel to watch the audience feedback on your film?

It made me smile. My goal is always to create something magical, and hearing people talk about the creativity in the shots or the direction was so rewarding. No film shoot goes perfectly, we had our share of issues, like reworking shots or cutting things in post. But seeing the audience still connect with the world we created and appreciate its originality was incredible. It's moments like that that make all the effort worth it.

When did you realize you wanted to make films?

Honestly, I just got tired of waiting. I'm an actor at heart, but at some point, I realized I couldn't keep waiting for someone else to create the projects I wanted to be part of. So I decided to teach myself everything, from pre-production to post-production, even contracts and insurance.

It wasn't some epiphany moment; it was more like staring at a door for too long and deciding to just kick it open. My goal isn't to make one-and-done films, it's to build worlds through shorts that can grow into series or larger projects.

What's the film you've seen most in your life?

That's a tough one because my answer changes all the time. Honestly, it's probably whatever's on TV during the holidays, Elf, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or even The Thing. I don't rewatch movies often because I'm usually working or writing, but holiday movies seem to stick around.

What can film festivals do to help filmmakers like you?

It would be amazing if festivals created opportunities for winners to connect. Like, if a writer could meet an editor or a director could talk to an actor who also won, it'd be a great way to network and exchange ideas. I love hearing other creatives' perspectives, and it would be cool to have something like Zoom calls or meet-ups to facilitate that.

How was your experience using FilmFreeway?

I love it! It's my go-to platform for finding festivals. It's super convenient, you can filter by themes, deadlines, or popularity. Whether it's a small festival or a major one, just having people watch your work and give feedback is invaluable. FilmFreeway makes that process so easy, and that feedback is what helps us grow as filmmakers.

What's your favorite meal?

Easy, pizza and a Mexican Coke. There's just something about that glass bottle and real sugar cane that makes it unbeatable. The pizza? Thin, crunchy, and not too greasy. And if I'm in the mood, maybe some buffalo wings on the side. That's the dream meal right there.

What's next for you?

I'm actually in pre-production for my first romantic comedy! It's a big shift from the darker, more intense stories I usually do, but I'm excited to try something new. It's a fun way to take a break and explore a different tone. If all goes well, we'll have it ready by early 2025. Can't wait to share it.