FAR FROM GATSBY, 90min., USA
Directed by Faustus McGreeves
Exploring the world of Todd Smith, world champion bodybuilder and fitness club owner, as he discusses how his tracjetory started out like the fictional character Jay Gatsby, but then took a turn for the positive.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? I had just finished a tragic documentary about 90's WWF wrestler Mike (Mantaur) Halec who passed away weeks after the film's completion. A lot of my fiction is dark as well. I found out about Todd Smith and wanted to tell a positive success story. Todd's story certainly is that. It was like a breath of fresh air. Todd is not just mugging for the camera, he is the real deal. Rags to riches story, but doesn't let money get to his head. He uses his wealth and expertise to help as many people as he can. I was in awe of him.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? I had my first meeting with Todd in August of 2023 and we filmed primarily three weekends in September, with one pick up shot in April of 2024. The film was completed in May of 2024.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Really, just technical things. The video clips weren't given unique names and so that was a massive pain in the editing room. However, working with Todd, the interviewers, actors, and my crew, was a blast and very laid back.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I was all smiles because I know it's completely unbiased. We had a private screening and while overwhelmingly positive, you can't completely trust that feedback. So, it's great to hear what complete moviegoing strangers thought.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I ran around with a camera as a kid documenting family life, even when they were annoyed with me. When I got to middle school, I started making very amateur fictional comedy films with friends. I was a professional stage actor for years and then finally made the leap over to films in 2013 and haven't looked back.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? That's hard to determine because I watch on average at least one film a day. Of course, it would make me sound proper to name a title out of the Criterion Collection and I will, but it's not a snobbish film. The Princess Bride. It had some great advice like "never go in against a Sicillian, when death is on the line!"

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? Any way to foster connections and relationships with professionals in the field that can take the filmmaker to the next level in the business.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? I have been using the platform for a decade and it is awesome. Easy to use and intuitive.

10. What is your favorite meal? Chicken Tikka Masala with Rice pudding for dessert.

11. What is next for you? A new film? I am producing/acting a film currently being filmed in Hollywood alongside writer/director Brad Dickson, former writer for Jay Leno, and starring Eric Roberts. My next documentary is a collaboration with my Far From Gatsby cinematographer, Brendan Smyth, about Nebraska's all female tackle football team, Pride, that just won the national championship for 2024.