ROOM OF MEMORIES, 2min., Australia
Directed by Suniva Maya Miller
The story of heartbreak told from the memory center of the brain.

https://instagram.com/caffeinated_dream_dream

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was my first ever animated film that I developed during my first year of university. For some reason I had this feeling that I had to make something so emotional and deep. At the time I had just been through a pretty rough breakup with someone who I had been friends with for much longer. So I wanted to write and make something that would reflect the complicated emotions I had surrounding this person and our relationship.

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

The idea initially formed itself in March 2023 and finally had a developed script by around June. After that I created storyboards and a production schedule for when I started the animation in September and completed everything in November 2023.

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

Love and heartbreak.

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

Initially this film was supposed to be a minute long, however I found that the story really required to be longer in order to be as impactful

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

I thought that a lot of it was quite on track and I'm glad that despite being quite short the message of the film came across. I noticed that despite the implications of the girls having shared a romantic relationship however I understand that might not have come off as strongly as I would have hoped. Either way, however people interpret their relationship, the story still fits.

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

When I was twelve I realised how much love I had for telling stories and exploring all these different ideas and emotions. I especially had a love for drawing and making comics, so then I decided that I wanted to go into film making and animation.

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

This would probably be a tie between so many films, but I would say that either Back to the Future or Coraline. I have studied these movies endlessly.

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 has been such a great experience as one of the first festivals I have ever submitted to and been accepted. I don't have much experience with festivals so I'm not sure how to improve them.

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

I really love using FilmFreeway, it's such a great tool for exploring all sorts of festivals at the touch of a button.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Gnocchi al ragù d'anatra (gnocchi with duck ragu).

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

I have already started developing a new film for my second year of animation at university.