SUMMER FLAMINGO WINTER FLAMINGO, 3min., Experimental
Directed by David Anderson
A man figuratively lives a double life as a Summer flamingo and a Winter flamingo. This is only part of his struggle of living with mental illness. As a Summer flamingo, he's vibrant, social, and expressive. As a Winter flamingo, he's sad, alone, and emotionally exhausted.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14114016/?ref_=rvi_nm
https://www.instagram.com/david_anderson_lgbtfilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I've witnessed several friends struggle with mental illness. I sought to make their voices heard. Not many people talk about the ups and downs of mental illness. That was what motivated me the most to do this.

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

If you include the Summer flamingo shots with the protagonist and his group of friends, it took 5 1/2 months. If not, it took 1 1/2 months. The Summer flamingo shots with his friends were originally shot for my previous film Minneapolis. Minneapolis was going to originally start with a just-in-case goodbye party. That part was cut during editing. During production of Summer Flamingo Winter Flamingo was when I realized that some of those party scenes will work great in this film, with some tweaking of course. Overall filming took most of March 2022. Post-production occurred throughout most of April 2022.

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

Melancholic, LGBT

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

The biggest obstacle was when it was 25 degrees outside. The cold made the camera work more challenging. During which, I stepped into some ice. Luckily it was just my right foot that was in the water and not more. The big challenge beyond that was filming with a wet right foot in the cold temperature.

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

I love that I was able to provide viewers with a glimpse of living with mental illness.

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

It was Summer of 2020.

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

Most likely Adventures in Babysitting, The Goonies, or Home Alone. I watched them all the time when I was a kid. It drove my family crazy!

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 wish more film festivals provided feedback like yours does. Feedback helps to determine what's working and what isn't.

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

It's been mostly positive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorites are pasta, pizza, and ice cream.

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

I'm currently in pre-production of two films.