TURNING A NEW LEAF, 2min,. USA
Directed by Isabelle Alison Hibbard
Hazel and Willow, two teenage theater club members, exit from backstage after a rehearsal. Willow is upset by her role, and Hazel argues that no, being a tree and chorus member is the best. Hazel breaks into song, and the girls enter a magical abstract world filled with helpful leaf friends. The girls sing and dance through different scenes, and eventually, Willow comes to the realization that it’s not about being in the spotlight, it’s about being part of a team creating a show together. They exit the magical leaf land and finish the song, ready to take on any role.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
The main reason I made this film was because it was my senior capstone project- I couldn't graduate if I didn't make a film. But besides that, I wanted to tell a fun story from a perspective in theater sometimes overlooked.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?
I worked on Turning a New Leaf for about a year and half. It started off as a silly two sentence pitch in December of 2022, and I made my final edits to the film in April of 2024.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
I'd say "Leafy" and "musical."

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
My biggest obstacle was the time constraint, and balancing the project out with the rest of my life. I only had two semesters to actually make my film, and had to stay on top of my job and other classes at the same time. It was certainly a time-management lesson.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?
It made me so happy! Everyone seemed to get the core messages I was trying to convey, which I really struggled with during "Turning a New Leaf"'s writing stage. It was really nice seeing that strangers genuinely enjoyed my work.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I was in high school when I realized I wanted to go into animation. It's such a fun way to tell stories, and that's what I really want to do- tell new stories in a creative way.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Probably Finding Nemo. I watched it on repeat as a kid-- I loved the ocean scenery, the music, everything about the film (except the part where the mom dies. That barracuda terrified me). The film definitely sparked my love of animation and music.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking
career?
Getting feedback from audience members was such a cool experience- I'd love it if other film festivals did something similar.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Film Freeway made it super easy for me to find festivals that my film could be a good fit for. I recommend using it if you're on the hunt for more festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?
A big bowl of ramen is the go-to for me!

11. What is next for you? A new film?
My next goal is not nearly as exciting as making a film-- I'm on the hunt for a job, and hopefully one where I can put my animation skills to use.