SPACEBOY (A FILM IN SEVEN SONGS), 27min., Canada
Directed by Naomi Silver-Vézina
Naomi Silver-Vézina weaves the Montreal artist's L'INDICE seventh album through a short film. At the top of a church tower, a man wakes up weakened and disoriented. He must find the strength to cross this strange place in order to find an exit. SPACEBOY explores loss of autonomy, loneliness and isolation through a quest towards self-acceptance and grief.

https://lindice.ca/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I've known Vincent, the film's composer and star, for a few years since filming a podcast in his studio. When the podcast ended, I approached him about recording music in his studio, and he mentioned he wanted to make a film featuring his latest music project (which became the film's soundtrack). He told me a little about the music's inspiration, but left me a lot of space to come back to him with my own impressions and ideas for a concept. I was excited to have the creative space to explore a storyline that wasn't too closely based on the lyrics, and to integrate different visual concepts throughout the film. We wanted the whole to feel cohesive, but for each song to feel like a tableau, each with its own mood and aesthetic.

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

Vincent and I first started discussing concepts for the film in May 2023, and finalized the film in November 2023.

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

Journey & rebirth

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

While we had help from a costume designer and choreographer, I handled the rest of the filmmaking myself (the directing, the cinematography, the editing, the animation...). I loved experimenting and exploring different visual ideas in a way that would have been more difficult and less organic with other people involved. However, it entailed a significant amount of work! Notably, I spent days and days hand-drawing the animation that happens midway through the film. But overall, I think the hard work paid off.

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

It was such a fun surprise to watch the audience reaction video! When we work on a project for so long, we tend to lose sight of the big picture. I loved hearing people's interpretation of the narrative, their questions, and the perspective of an audience entering the project with no context.

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

I am the daughter of two film buffs who introduced me to classic cinema at a very young age. I've wanted to make films ever since I discovered Alfred Hitchcock's movies when I was 10.

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

Probably Fargo! It was my confort movie for a long time. I used to watch it so often I had to make a rule to only watch it when it was snowy outside.

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

Nothing comes to mind

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

A very useful platform, although it can sometimes be difficult to narrow down options!

10. What is your favorite meal?

You can't go wrong with a good lasagna!

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

I'm currently working on my own music project, as well as producing music videos for myself!