RORQUAL, 43min., France
Directed by Hugo Hebbe
Have you ever wondered what creatures might be hiding in the Mediterranean?

http://rorqual-lefilm.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
This is my very first film as a director. Making this film was therefore a real challenge and a dream to achieve for me. I was fortunate enough to encounter the Rorqual (the animal in the film) several times before deciding to make a documentary about it. It was these encounters with it that pushed me to make this film. It was the best way for me to pay tribute to this fascinating creature and to the work of the WWF.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took me a total of two years from the concept of the film, through shooting, writing, post-production, and finally to its release.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle I faced in completing this film was my seasickness, which made filming at sea extremely challenging. Additionally, as this was my first film, I often found myself questioning and doubting my decisions during the production process. Despite these challenges, I was able to learn a great deal, which significantly enriched my experience and growth as a filmmaker.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Seeing the audience's reactions in the feedback video was incredibly moving. Hearing our work compared to that of National Geographic was probably one of the finest compliments I could receive. It reaffirmed the impact and quality of our visuals and storytelling. I am also very pleased to see that the audience appreciated the film so much. Their positive feedback is both heartening and motivating as we continue to pursue our passion for filmmaking and environmental storytelling.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized I wanted to make films from a very young age. I had always dreamed of encountering the wild animals that inhabit our planet. I watched a lot of films, like "Oceans" by Jacques Perrin, and it was this passion that sparked my dream to become a filmmaker. The desire to tell stories about the natural world and its magnificent creatures drove me towards this path.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The film I've seen the most in my life is "Interstellar." I'm deeply influenced by its mysterious, musical, and contemplative aspects, and I strive to bring these qualities into my own films, particularly in the genre of wildlife documentaries. I aim to infuse this touch of mystery and contemplation into the stories I tell about the natural world, blending emotional narratives with the awe-inspiring visuals of animal life to evoke a deep sense of wonder and introspection in the audience.

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

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Submitting to the festival via FilmFreeway was a straightforward and intuitive experience. The platform was easy to navigate, which made the process of submitting my film quite smooth.

10. What is your favorite meal?
French Fries

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Following the success of my first film in collaboration with WWF, we have launched the production of a second film, which is even more ambitious. This new project aims to build on the achievements of the first and expand our exploration of critical environmental themes, using a deeper, more comprehensive approach to storytelling and visual presentation.