RECEDING, 16min., USA, Drama
Directed by Renee Garcia
Sophia, is an 8-years-old girl suffering from Alopecia, where she can have sudden hair loss or a receding hair line. She gets bullied by other kids for her hair condition, but then surprises her mom, Mary when she asks permission to try-out for cheerleading which unexpectedly builds bravery and confidence in her.

https://www.instagram.com/sophianesterova2023/?next=%2F

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Valentyna Nesterova-Ashakhmetova, the Ex. Producer wanted to tell her true story with her daughter Sophia, their journey they went through together with having Alopecia.

Adriana Kostetska, the Producer brought it all together and brought in an award-winning Director Renee she has worked with prior to Direct, write and tell their inspirational story on film that she is honored to tell their story.

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

Receding was shot in 3 days, the day after New Years Eve 2023, and 1 day for pick-up shots for the cheerleading competition scene and after the final edit was completed on

March 10, 2023 to submit to the film festivals.

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

Beautiful and inspirational

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

The short amount of time only 3 days to tell this story, but with positive feedback and winning Best Short Film

shows that we were able to bring everything together in a short amount of time and it was well received.

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

Touched, happy that the storytelling connected to the audience, that they drawn in with the performances, visual look, how it was put together and that the audience

connected with the film emotionally and walked away loving the message the film gave.

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

The Producers Valentyna Nesterova-Ashakhmetova and Adriana Kostetska came together and realized they needed to make this film and tell this true story and then Adriana Kosteska brought in Award-Winning Director/Producer/Writer Renee Garcia and they have worked prior from an award-winning film

Immigrant Mother, that won 2022 Best International Film which stars Cristo Fernandez (Emmy Winning Ted Lasso), and recently, Our Broken Family, 2023 Best Editing for Marina Del Rey Film Festival and we make a great team and has inspired the team to be a filmmaker and storytellers and create more films

r to help Produce this film and we are honored to be able to tell this true story of Valentyna Nesterova and her daughter Sophia.

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

Drama, the Producers have overcome quite some hardships and obstacles in life, so we have seen a lot and so the stories we tell we want the audience to feel what we have felt and gone through.

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

The film festivals I enjoy are ones where we can receive an accolade such as a certificate or award for the win, only as it can be added to our portfolios of work for the filmmakers and actors to be able to showcase their achievements to help with their advancements in their career. .

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

Great thank you we will make sure to leave a review with a 5 star compliment and letting other filmmakers know we won Best Short Film and how I appreciate the audience feedback, it was touching to know the audience felt the film.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Renee Garcia's favorite meal is sushi.

Sophia Nesterova's favorite meal- sushi and cheese pizza.

Valentyna Nesterova-Ashakhmetova is an apple pie.