PIPPY AND THE TYPIST, 5min., USA
Directed by Rachel Nemez
Our protagonist, Pippy, discovers that a magical typewriter controls the events happening down below.

https://rachelnemez.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rachelnemez/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My studiomates and thesis friends single handedly kept me going. I was going a little bit crazy at the beginning of the process, and I think the fact that I just wasn't alone in a studio made all the difference. There were three of us in our studio sharing the space, and it was really awesome to be able to just pop in and chat for a bit and then go back to your separate working stations.

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

to make this film?

From September 18th to April 24th? Roughly?? Technically I had another few weeks before that but I had a hard time knowing what I wanted to do.

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

Interconnected silliness.

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

Honestly it was taking the photos that really got me by the end of it, because I had to set up lighting and gels and make sure everything was structurally sound. Like I built the sets from foam, wood, and grout, and it did a pretty good job for a while holding up, but I could've been more gentle with the walls so that the wood didn't splinter off. Between running in between lighting and tweaking the camera and changing the gels, I just needed extra hands. It also doesn't help that I tend to be extremely indecisive about my lighting. However, at the time, I met this guy on tinder who I brought into my school's studio and I asked him to hold my set in place while I took photos and traded out colored gels for the lights. I would've asked my friends but everyone was in the thick of it at the time and I didn't want to bother them.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking

about your film in the feedback video?

I was nervous to watch it back, because I just haven't seen my own film in like a month, because I super needed a break from watching it multiple times a day during the final editing stage. My initial thought was that what caught people's attention the most is the visual elements. Also not to mention the reviewers' slightly different interpretations of the film. It was funny, because per my own observation, there are two energies of people that watch my film for the first time. Either like "omg crunchy texture!", or "it represents the abominability of the human spirit." And I was wondering if those two reactions only existed in the bubble of my school and local festivals, but I'm slowly learning that it's a pretty vast reaction.

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

Well I never really thought I'd be a filmmaker, I enjoyed animations as a kid and knew that I wanted to do that, and thankfully I had the resources and support to go pursue it. I just wanted to make cartoons!

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

When I was a kid I think I watched Jim Carrey's How the Grinch Stole Christmas once a week year round. I think that single handedly made it my most watched movie as a kid. But I will say, Adventure Time I think is my most watched piece of media of all time in a crazy way. I used to religiously watch the episodes as they came out when I was a kid, and it's currently my goto comfort show. There are definitely bits and pieces that influenced me throughout making my 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?

I'm not really sure, I'm pretty new to the film festival submission process and have only participated in 4 so far, and only 2 I was present for. I think a way for the filmmakers to come in contact so we can network a bit? But also, this festival has been very communicative and thorough about the process and giving a lot of exposure opportunities. So thank you!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your

experiences working on the festival platform site?

It's been really straightforward and chill. It's a great platform in my opinion.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I have a restaurant panic answer and a real answer. I panic order Chicken Caesar Salad every time I go to a restaurant that serves it, but also secretly I love it. However, that being said my real answer is mofungo con chicharron, it's Puerto Rican food that consists of plantain and pork rind and it's the best ever.

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

If I'm being the realest right now, I'm trying to get a job. I told myself in two weeks I would start animating again, I've been on a little Summer break from it all since this last project was so all consuming. But ultimately yes I would like to get started on a new project within the coming month!