SCARLETT O., 6min., USA, Horror
Directed by Alexandra Tebano, Dale Johnson
A tortured woman is stuck in the purgatory in her own mind forced to relive the same excruciating moment over and over again.

Get to know the filmmakers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Alexandra: I had found this script again, after years of sitting with it, and it still resonated so much with me. I had realized a lot of the same thought patterns and neurosis was still there, and I felt compelled to make it as the ultimate purge of these emotions and feelings. It felt that if I could really make it this time, I could.

Dale: My main motivation as executive producer was to support Alexandra who wrote it, acted in it, co-directed it and co-produced it.

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

Alexandra: It took about five months in total, from pre-production to the edited version.

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

Alexandra: Purgatory and Catharsis

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

Alexandra: Budget and time are always tangible obstacles. For me, facing a past I didn't want to confront, that had been buried for a long time, was the biggest obstacle in my way.

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

Alexandra: I genuinely felt so grateful that people resonated with the experience and the mental turmoil. For the audience as well as the filmmaker, it's amazing to know you're not alone, and that people can relate to something you feel so alone in.

Dale: "they got it". They understand why we made the film and it resonated with them. This is our audience. Faithful, thoughtful, compassionate, open minded people wanting to learn and experience more about life.

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

Alexandra: At nine years old, I saw David Lynch's "Elephant Man". I couldn't believe it was real and that they were actors. I've wanted to make movies ever since then.

Dale: About ten years ago when I felt my successful theater work was not reaching enough people, nor making enough money to be sustainable.

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

Alexandra: I've seen Charlie Kaufman films the most. Not one specifically, except for maybe "Synecdoche, New York" (as it's loosely based off of my hometown), but I find myself always gravitating towards his work no matter where I am in life.

Dale: The Wizard of Oz. However as an adult I have seen Casa Blanca more often.

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

Alexandra: I would love more networking elements and more opportunities to meet more filmmakers.

Dale: We need to find like minded talented investors, producers, directors, actors, crew who are compatible with our style, perspectives, limitations, goals, demands. We get frustrated at film festivals and wonder if the five minute dating table process could help with a social gathering after. We get frustrated at normal gathering's because it's hard to approach people and also find out they do not see filmmaking in the same way we do.

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

Alexandra: I love FilmFreeway. It's really easy to use, and they keep you up to date constantly on all the best festivals and submission due dates.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Alexandra: Gnocchi with red sauce (like an arrabiata) and brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

Dale: Sashimi

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

Alexandra: I'm currently working on two feature film scripts, some commercial work, and producing more films!

Dale: We have possibly two go-productions in the works. We are generating a dozen feature scripts and a variety of short films but need investors and co-producers.