ECHOES OF DREAMS, 84min., USA
Directed by Vanessa Mariveles
Reyna, a struggling DJ in Silicon Valley, has to pivot her career in order to survive. Having the worst year ever, she is forced to join the "gig economy" so she can pay rent while living with her pushy mother. While dating women for the first time, she finds herself in comical situations. Through determination, self-discovery, and the power of faith, Reyna learns to overcome adversity and finds her true calling and love.

http://marivelesproductions.com/
https://instagram.com/mariveles.productions

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? What motivated me to make Echoes of Dreams was wanting to tell an underdog story mixed with romance and comedy since those are my favorite genres. I wanted to write something quickly and get it made in 2023 so I decided to tell my own story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It took 7 months to make the film from idea to finished product. I had the idea to write this story early July 2023 and wrote the first draft on 4th of July weekend, started casting in parallel, then shot my first scene July 28th. Editing took most of the time from October to end of January 2024.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The color correction and post-production audio were the biggest obstacles I faced, because I did it myself with limited experience. Then I had to come up with funds to hire a Post-audio/music score person and collaborate with them and give them direction on how I wanted the final product to sound.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? My initial reaction from the audience feedback was that I am glad they enjoyed the story and the stop-motion animation. I'm glad the feedback was also about technical things that should be re-visted like color-correction and audio.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I realized I wanted to make films in high school.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? I have watched Avatar 3 times in the theaters. Also, Home Alone is one of my favorite movies even now.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? I your festival does a great job in promoting filmmakers through interviews and social media posts. If there was a virtual networking event that your festival could host at the end of the year, that would be great for filmmakers to collaborate.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? My experience with FilmFreeway is great and seamless. Makes it easy to search for specific festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal? I love Italian food and Thai food.

11. What is next for you? A new film? I am currently writing an action feature film titled Bad Ryder that is a blend between Baby Driver and Thelma & Louise.