LVCI, 3min., USA, Fashion
Directed by Brock Gregory Newman
A woman wanders the desert in search of a connection to her spiritual self and is transported to a darker realm where she makes contact with another side of herself.

https://www.kentsunamishep.com/lvci
http://instagram.com/undergroundtsu

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Quite a bland answer but I was invited by my close friend and long-time collaborator Josh DeVargas to join an already existing photoshoot. The video was originally meant to be a supplementary piece to the photos but quickly grew into its own thing.

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

Again, my intention setting out was to simply capture a video component for the photoshoot so I really didn't dive into prep how I normally would. That said we shot over 3 days (1 in LA and 2 in New Mexico). The post production went a lot longer spanning about 3 months. A highlight was certainly working with the lovely composer Blair Hansen and my friend Jess Hawkes, who's an amazing vocalist, to craft the first composition in the piece during the desert scene.

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

Ethereal and mystical?! That's a tough one...

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

Probably post-production. Anyone who knows film knows there's aren't really any limits to how long you can keep editing a project without a strict deadline and this one was no exception.

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

It was really inspiring and motivating to hear everyone's feedback. So often I find it hard to distance myself from the material. It's tough when you're there; you get yourself invested in what you're capturing, and then to compound that, you add a notable length of time tucked away in some dark room mulling over the visuals over and over... you can start to lose that grounded, neutral viewpoint on everything so hearing these words from everyone was a sobering and positive experience.

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

I would've been about 15 years old or so. The idea presented itself when I realized that the skate videos I would watch brought me close to the feeling I'd get from actually skateboarding. I had my ah-ha moment and started filming my friend skate in hopes of igniting that feeling in others.

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

Probably Drive if I'm being honest. It's my go-to background movie because of the soundtrack. I've probably watched it only 3 or 4 times but maybe another dozen in the background haha.

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

Honestly this format has been a welcomed change from the usual. Having said that, a more definitive, centralized event does make for a better opportunity (in my opinion) for those potential connections to other filmmakers, stylists, producers, etc.

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

FilmFreeway is great! Can't say enough good things about how it's streamlined the entire festival submission process - including finding new festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Haha.. I'm sure I'll want to change it as soon as I answer but let's go with tacos for now. Tacos never miss.

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

Always! Editing a special passion project that was shot a year ago last winter. We tried desperately to coordinate the core crew for a day of pickups but never managed to align everyone's schedules again so I'm marching ahead regardless. Excited to share.