FRESH AIR, 16min,. USA, Drama
Directed by Sarah Cayce, Kendal Miller
Cate just wanted a quiet weekend away from her busy life in the city. Unfortunately, she's not alone in the woods.

https://www.pwmfilms.com/fresh-air

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
My co-director, Kendal, reached out to me looking for a script, something to shoot for fun. His buddy Matt, our DP, wanted to test out some low light lenses to see how fast they'd be. Between the three of us, we wanted to make something cool, not work for a client, and push ourselves creatively. When our jobs stopped being fun, we focused on our Work.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Start to finish, six years. I wrote it in a couple weeks, we prepped it for 6 months, shot for 2 days in Chicago - 2 in Siloam Springs, AR, and begged incredibly talented people to finish it for years.

How would you describe your film in two words!?
Quiet vengeance

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Patience was drilled into my brain on this film. We had incredible help, for free, which means we waited like crazy. Worth it for the quality they brought, but definitely not a strength of mine.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
So humbled and flattered that anyone took the time to watch it and give us their thoughts and heart for a few minutes. SO very grateful that folks watched and took the time to show us some love.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
After my first page-turn production meeting at 16 years old. I called my mom on her razr (which she kept until it died) telling her I found my career and I wasn't looking back.

What film have you seen the most in your life?
Historically, Forrest Gump. Recently? Carol. Thank you Todd Haynes!
What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I love meeting other filmmakers and hearing panels. If this fest stays virtual, I'd love interviews with the directors that I could geek out to and hear their process.

You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Love it! Y'all are doing a great job with communication, specifically for a fest. Really great work.

What is your favorite meal?
My wife and I love to cook, but I'll narrow it down to grilled salmon with a compound butter and an herb salad we harvest from our little garden, throw it in some olive oil. Salt, pepper. Add a glass of bubbles on our patio and it's perfect.

What is next for you? A new film?
I'm currently a few days out from picture lock on my second feature film! We shot everything here in Chicago and brought in name talent - really excited to get this one to audiences soon!