GUESS MY PET?, USA, Drama/Horror
Directed by Grace Charles
A girl and her old friend our catching up after a falling out. Over ice cream and a guessing game it's revealed there's a more sinister plan to this friendly reunion.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I always wanted to make a female-driven film that revolved around a female character who just wanted to be treated fairly. In all my life I felt very similar to the main character Lilac in the sense of feeling used and not knowing what to do about it. When I came up with the idea I realized how important it was for me to give this character her chance at revenge. I thought giving her this playful and camp revenge would be a perfect way to make a story that makes you think and wonder what drove this character to want this revenge. Being able to sneakily force the audience to think about what drive someone to exact this crazy revenge was my main motivation.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I came up with the idea in early October 2022 and instantly thought I needed to produce this. It took me around 2 months to finish writing the script and pre-production. Then in February 2023 I shot and edited it so it took me around 5 months overall.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I struggled with editing and special effects. I had only worked with a simple green screen before and now I had thrown myself into figuring out how to do this with 3d people and it was very difficult to do as one man. It took many youtube videos and long nights, and days to figure out how I was going to approach the special effects even now the special effects aren't perfect but I think that adds a lot to the charm of the film, and it was something that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone with.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I enjoyed seeing all of the people reacting to my film. The first thing I did was call for my mom to come to watch it with me and reacted with a wide smile hearing how my intentions of the aesthetic and playing with the audience, came across. It was a unique experience for me and helped me realize that all my hard work had paid off as it resonated with audiences.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized I wanted to make films from a young age. I always had a love for stories and art. I had such vivid characters and plots running in my head that I wanted to come to life. When I watched Pan's Labyrinth for the first time it was the movie that made me realize that there was a place for all my crazy stories and that was in making films.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I'm the biggest Hobbit fan ever and have probably seen The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey at least 20 times. It was always the movie playing during our family movie night.

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've been more than satisfied with the festival experience so far. I think that this film festival was great in providing a unique experience that made me feel appreciated as a filmmaker. The only thing I would like would be maybe a newsletter or more community within the film festival.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How have your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It's been pretty good working on the festival platform.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I love pesto pasta, with all my heart.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I just started producing a new film. It's still in the works but it's a magical crime drama.