HANNAH, 13min., USA
Directed by Mingyang Li
This short film tells the story of a couple who dislike doing household chores. They purchase a robot to assist them with these tasks, but due to the robot's self-learning capabilities, it eventually develops the desire to replace the female protagonist.

https://www.instagram.com/hannah_film1/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

From a very young age, I've been captivated by the world of sci-fi films. There's something truly magical about the genre, where the usual boundaries of time and space dissolve, allowing for limitless creativity and imagination in storytelling. It's not just about futuristic technology or alien worlds, but the profound questions and possibilities they introduce. As I grew older, this fascination only deepened, making me yearn to contribute my own vision to this vast universe.

So when the opportunity finally came, I felt a surge of inspiration. I wanted to create a narrative that not only challenges the mind but also departs from the typical modern-day scenarios we're so accustomed to. My goal was to craft a unique tale that captures the essence of what I love about sci-fi: the ability to transport audiences to a realm where anything is possible.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

From the moment the idea first sparked in my mind to the final cut, the entire process spanned almost a year and a half. During this period, it wasn't just about crafting the story, but also about refining it, going through pre-production, shooting, post-production, and the intricate process of editing. Seeing the completed film filled me with immense satisfaction and joy. It's a tangible representation of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and passion. Moreover, this journey wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support and efforts of my team members.

Their dedication mirrored my own, and together, we brought this vision to life. I also owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who believed in and supported this project from its inception.

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

Love Trust

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

In the process of bringing this film to life, one of our most daunting challenges was the hunt for two actors with strikingly identical appearances. This wasn't merely a cosmetic preference; it was integral to the narrative I envisioned. While this added layer of complexity undeniably made the production more intricate, I've always believed in staying true to one's vision, regardless of the hurdles. We shouldn't compromise our aspirations just because of challenges. After an exhaustive search that spanned about six months, fate led us to a pair of twins. Intriguingly, they were based in Canada, far from our primary location. But, with the combined dedication of our team and their enthusiasm, we bridged the geographical divide. Their involvement not only solved our casting dilemma but also added an authentic touch to the characters. It was a testament to how persistence, collaboration, and a bit of serendipity can transform a challenging vision into cinematic reality.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

When I first watched the feedback video of the audience discussing my film, I was a mix of nervous anticipation and excitement. Seeing real-time reactions to something you've poured your heart and soul into is always an indescribable feeling. Each comment, whether praise or constructive criticism, resonated deeply with me. The positive feedback was immensely gratifying, confirming that the messages I hoped to convey had indeed reached and touched people. On the other hand, the critiques provided invaluable insights into areas of potential improvement, which I genuinely appreciate. It's a learning experience. Overall, the feedback video was a profound reminder of why I create – to connect, evoke emotions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with the audience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Roughly 4 or 5 years ago, I found myself frequently creating short videos. It started as a simple hobby, a way to share snippets of stories and moments with others. But over time, this passion evolved. The more I delved into the art of storytelling, the more I realized the potential of cinema as a medium. My ambition to share stories became more profound, pushing me to think beyond short videos. I started to dream bigger, aspiring to craft my own films, to dive deeper into character development, plot intricacies, and the nuanced emotions a feature-length story could convey. It was during this period of self-reflection and growth that I truly understood my calling to become a filmmaker.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The film I've watched repeatedly over the years is 'Brokeback Mountain'. Its masterful cinematography captures the breathtaking landscapes, providing a poignant backdrop to the deeply emotional narrative. The story, which delves into complex themes of love, societal norms, and personal conflict, resonates on so many levels. Each viewing reveals new subtleties in both the performances and the framing, and I'm consistently captivated by the raw emotion and authenticity of the characters' relationships. It's a film that not only entertains but also challenges and provokes thought, which is why I find myself returning to it so often.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

One of the most valuable aspects of a film festival is the opportunity for networking and collaboration. To further enhance the festival experience for filmmakers like myself, consider organizing more structured networking events or roundtable discussions where filmmakers can connect with industry professionals, distributors, and potential investors. Workshops focusing on the latest filmmaking techniques, trends, and technologies would also be beneficial. Another suggestion would be to have post-screening Q&A sessions, providing filmmakers a platform to delve deeper into their work and connect directly with the audience. This not only helps in receiving immediate feedback but also aids in understanding audience perspectives.

Additionally, setting up mentorship programs where emerging filmmakers can be paired with industry veterans would be immensely beneficial. This provides hands-on learning experiences and can lead to future collaboration opportunities.

Lastly, offering resources or information sessions on distribution, marketing, and financing can be invaluable. Many filmmakers, especially those just starting, struggle with the business side of the industry. Having access to insights on these topics would be a significant boost to our careers.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How have your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

My experience with FilmFreeway has been predominantly positive. The platform is user-friendly making the submission process straightforward and efficient. I appreciate the organized layout which allows me to track the status of my submissions, and the platform's integration of festival details and requirements is particularly helpful. This ensures that as a filmmaker, I'm well-informed and can tailor my submissions accordingly. Additionally, the reviews and ratings feature for festivals offers valuable insights, helping me make informed decisions on which festivals to target. The only suggestion I might have is for the platform to introduce mor detailed analytics or feedback mechanisms, enabling filmmakers to understand how their films resonate with different audiences or festivals. Overall, FilmFreeway has streamlined the festival submission process for me and I'd recommend it to other filmmakers.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Unagi Don

11. What is next for you? A new film?

For the immediate future, my primary focus is to immerse myself in the role of a Director of Photography (DP). I believe that by specializing in this capacity, I can gain a deeper understanding of visual storytelling, refining the intricate balance between narrative and visual aesthetics. This period of concentrated focus will be crucial in sharpening my skills, allowing me to bring richer depth and nuance to my work. While directing is a passion I hold close, I'm temporarily stepping back from it to ensure that when I do return, I'll bring a more mature and enriched perspective to my projects. I am confident about writing and directing another film, and I foresee that happening in the not-too-distant future.