SHOWPIECE, 17min., Canada
Directed by Mathew Ouzounis
The love and passion an artist has for their work is tested from an unforeseen obstacle. Told from the perspective of diverse backgrounds such as Russian, Vietnamese, Mauritian, and Persian - a mysterious forest has an unnatural awakening.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to tell a compelling story that reflects the challenges
artists face and the diverse obstacles both personally and within the
realm of filmmaking. The film also serves to show the unique cultures
and languages in cinema, and so we are proud that the film is spoken
in five different languages.

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

to make this film?

The journey from the initial concept to the finished product took
about a year. It involved the wonderful collaboration, planning and
dedication of our entire production team, to see this film to the
finish line. We also had the privilege of collaborating with
Panavision, a partnership that helped bring our cinematic vision to
life.

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

I think the title of the film perfectly describes it - Show piece!

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

One of the biggest obstacles of this project was striking the right
tension between narrative depth, authenticity and of course as always,
time. I wanted the film to be as authentic as possible to each
character’s culture and to try our best within our budget to make this
a reality. We only had two days to shoot the film, so that balance of
logistics and artistic expression was greatly tested for our entire
cast/crew. I think they all did an amazing job!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking

about your film in the feedback video?

Getting to witness the audience's reactions and feedback was a
pleasant experience. I first wanted to thank all the audience members
who took the time to watch our film and then record their reactions,
it truly helps us as filmmakers to see how our storytelling impacts
the audience. It also validated our efforts and provided great
insights into how viewers interpreted the film. We were floored by the
reaction to the sound! The team spent hours upon hours getting the
film to be mixed in surround sound and to set the overall tone of the
project. As a director, these aspects are so important to help the
audience become immersed, feel emotions and become engaged on a deep
level with the film.

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

It’s hard to say. I’ve been making films for practically my whole life
in all forms starting with simple videos with my cousins at a young
age! I think my passion blossomed in 2017 when we started making films
under Pandemic Productions. Since then we’ve been consistently making
films and trying to stand apart from traditional notions of what is
possible on screen.

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

I watch too many films! Specially to prepare for Showpiece I was
influenced by Stalker, Come and See and The Lighthouse.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other

festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking

Career?

I think Wildsound Film Festival has done a fantastic job in using
innovative ways for filmmakers to promote and network their work!
Also, I always feel that networking events can provide great
opportunities for learning and collaboration.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your

experiences working on the festival platform site?

Simple and effective!

10. What is your favourite meal?

Peanut butter sandwich. It’s a source of comfort and tends to inspire
me, much like making movies!

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

Currently, I am in the process of writing 2 features and a few new
short film ideas that are moving forward in development. Despite the
new ideas in the pipeline, Showpiece holds a special place in my heart
and is something that means a lot to me and the entire team. We hope
it can reach the biggest audience possible, allowing its unique
narrative to be experienced around the world! Thank you for the
support and platform to talk about Showpiece and to be a part of our
filmmaking journey!