TALKING TO MOON AND BAEK, 36min., South Korea
Directed by Francheska Dyne Hong
"Only four calls," He says. "Starts at 11:11 ending exactly at midnight. Just 49 minutes. No more, no less." And they say, be very careful what you wish for.

http://ceoh.creatorlink.net/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
+ One of the greatest film directors, Peter Chan, once spoke to me that "our greatest revolutions are begotten from our most intimate deprivations".
And I have learned and experienced this to be the greatest standing truth - I think the magnitude of pain can sometimes determine the magnitude of one's greatness.
There was a lot that inspired me to write, create, direct, and act "for" this film and I think pain was the greatest motivation. I knew what solitude, loneliness, and being hurt from the people you love the most felt like - and felt compelled to write a love letter to the past me, present me, and future me - which actually is the audience who are going through their darkest times (or have been). Most importantly, there were nights - even still today - I would just walk or bike endlessly staring at the moon in the middle of the night. It was the only place and moment I would find some form of solace and warmth, so that was another big inspiration.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
+ The pre-production and the filming surprisingly didn't take as long - but also because I am very impatient and driven. It took about 5-6 months but the editing took a lot longer than expected. As a first time, well, for EVERYTHING, I struggled a lot to not only give directions but really find directions in the editing process. My editor did wonders but it was one of the most emotionally-draining parts of the whole process. There were days I had to literally force myself into the editing room because I was dreading the thought of staring at the project file not knowing what to do. So I would say a little less than a year but almost - but I really thought I would be done in six months :)

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
+ Love. Letter
I've said this in a few interviews but I really cried a lot during the writing process. It was a love letter to myself and all the audience out there.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
+ Myself - and funding. I ended up funding the entire venture by myself because I could not wait but I think it's the obstacle for all filmmakers.
But probably the biggest really is myself - as in my own doubt, fear, and uncertainties. I wanted the film to touch people and mean something to them and I was afraid it would not because I wasn't doing a great job. I did endless journaling, praying, meditation, crying to finally come to terms with the fact that at the end of the day, you have to let your art stand on its own to live and breathe with the audience.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
+ so much gratitude, joy, and heartache... just.. everything. Thank you so much!!!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
+ Good question - I am not so sure. Not trying to sound all "destiny-wise" but I really never thought I would make films. I am an actress and a writer, and never saw myself as "ALL OF THE ABOVE". But to quote some of the great players, one said "good players know how to play the game. the great players write the game themselves". I think there was a part of me that wanted to create the entire playing field and see what it would be like - of course, once I started to realize how much of my bravery came from my naivety, it was a bit too late and I just had to keep pushing forward, with literal blood, sweat, and tears. Had I known it all, I am really not sure if I would have done it.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
+ Hrm, a lot of Richard Curtis films. I've "seen" different films but I study them more than watch them but if I am watching something to enjoy, I am a big Disney, Pixar fan :)

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
+ Podcast, interviews, and audience feedback are ALL so amazing, so thank you!
I think maybe a live-zoom call with the audience for a QNA? As a filmmaker, actor, the greatest reward and joy come from being able to hear directly from the audience so I think that would be something amazing :)

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
+ Really great - smooth. The only downside is I wanted to withdraw from a few festivals so I could apply to others.
The refund process has been completely non-responsive.

10. What is your favorite meal?
+ Korean food all the way - just the way they are prepared and served really feels like so much love was put into the whole process. And incredibly healthy is a pure bonus

11. What is next for you? A new film?
+ Yes and yes! Already finished about four different scripts. But now I think it's time to secure funding since it was too difficult to fund the venture all by myself.
So whenever I can get the right investors, would love to start as soon as possible!