HAPPINESS IS AN ILLUSION, 13min., USA, Drama
Directed by Rebecca Demeter
A woman tries to figure out modern relationships, but realizes she might have missed the most important relationship she could ever have.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=660045165
https://www.instagram.com/rebecca.demeter/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

- As a 30 something single woman living in a big city, I was frustrated by dating apps and that everywhere I looked, people were constantly staring at their phones. I decided to combine the two, and to put a sci-fi/satirical spin on the story.

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

- I wrote this short in August and September 2021, and finished it September 2022. So about a year.

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

- Very relatable

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

- Post production had a lot of things I needed to figure out that I hadn't dealt with before. The order of the scenes was completely changed, which was a really fun puzzle to solve with my amazing editor Kelsey Myers.

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

- I was absolutely thrilled! I specifically chose this festival because it was people who didn't know me or my work, and I wanted to hear their honest reactions. A few said things I had never thought of before, which was so cool.

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

- When I was 5 years old, I watched The Wizard of Oz. I didn't want to be Dorothy or one of the witches, I realized at that age there was someone behind the scenes making all of this happen (much like the Wizard himself!). I wanted to be that person making these magical scenes and bringing them to life.

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

- It's a tie between All about Eve and Fast Five. A little bit of an unusual pairing, but those 2 movies sum up my tastes pretty well.

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 think you guys do a great job with this festival. It's really unique in the videos about people giving their reactions, and who are all clearly movie lovers.

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

- I really enjoying using FilmFreeway. It's so easy to have access to many amazing festivals, and to get connected to other filmmakers. I love how much passion and thought are put into the selection.

10. What is your favorite meal?

- I love a hot slice of cheese pizza from Little Caesar's, and an ice cold Corona with a lime wedge.

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

- I have been writing a feature based off of this short film for over a year. I completed 2 drafts, and submitted it to Final Draft's Big Break contest. I got awesome feedback on it, and I'm currently making a few changes. I plan on submitting it to other writing contests as well throughout the year. I would absolutely love to make this feature. In the meantime, I'm planning my next short film.