DOWN IN FLAMES: THE TRUE STORY OF TONY 'VOLANCO' VALENCI, 29min., USA
Directed by William Joseph Stribling
Meet Tony Valenci and his bona fide sideshow of eccentric colleagues. Tony has spent his life dreaming of setting a world record. Despite numerous failures, Tony has never stopped believing in himself. Now, Tony has devised his most ambitious world record attempt yet: to be the first man to blow fire while skydiving.

https://www.facebook.com/downinflamesfilm

Get to know co-producer/co-writer Robert Joseph Lewis:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
My director and co-writer William J. Stribling and I had recently won awards for our short film: Beyond Belief, and I was interested in a new project. I saw a documentary about a man becoming an old-time strong man called Bending Steel. I wanted to make something similar only move it to a Mockumentary by good into the strangest thing I could think of. The next day, the opening lines of the film came to me in my morning shower, and I contacted William. He said, I"I have two weeks in August that are open." We then started to write the script.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Due to time limitations on us both William J. Stribling and I wrote, financed and put the production together in about three months. I also contacted many of the "friends of Tony" and asked them to participate, which they did. It was amazing that it all came together.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Can two words cover a strange tale so a firewater who wants to set a world record? I guess Mind Blowing might work.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The usual ones: Time and money.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It is always a mixed bag. Some people get that it's a mockumentary, and that the characters are not to be taken seriously, but the film is so well made that you really believe it, and they worry about the idea that "Tony" died. I can assure you that that actor is very much alive.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I've been writing Film scripts since I was a teenager. It very much all came together with Down In Flames. William J. Stribling is a great, talented director, but also a great writing partner.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Forrest Gump. Could explain why I like fake documentaries.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
The Documentary FEEDBACK Festival was great. I was sent timely information and timely follow-through. The audience feedback is a great plus.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It works very well. Very easy to check up on different festivals, and see the status of each entry.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Eggplant Parmaigana— preferably my wife's

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Currently working to get my screenplay for DUMMY produced. It's about an older ventriloquist with Alzheimers, and his daughter having to face becoming his caregiver and her jealousy of his wooden partner.