THE AFTERMATH, 7min., USA, Poem
Directed by LaChelle Joy Hunt
LaChelle Hunt’s “The Aftermath”, is a moody Common Era drama atop the windy seaside hills of Point Reyes. Evelyn arrives in California in 1912 after traveling across America to pursue her dreams once shared with another. She deals with being alone on this journey and looks through her darkness to find a new light.

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Director Statement
With "The Aftermath", I wrote a story to fit a location I fell in love with after spending personal time exploring Marin County, California. This film is to represent the women of the early twentieth century and their struggle to survive the tragedies of the period.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I think I really wanted a Period Piece film that took place in the United States. I wanted to make something that was a beautiful flashback in time similar to a Pride and Prejudice style but in the country where I live. I also wanted to show the hardship of women at that time. Of course I was also fascinated with the Titanic and everything that happened around it.

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

About four years from concept to final edit.

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

I would describe it as beautifully heartbreaking. But it's also about moving forward and seeing the light where there isn't any.

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

Myself. Advice to other filmmakers, don't let your mind stop you from creating something! Just do it and then if it works great and if it doesn't you will learn no matter what! But in terms of physical obstacles filming outdoors was definitely challenging. We were lucky to have so much sun but had some pretty windy moments. The wind made it hard to shoot but it also looked great on camera.

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

I was like wow they have such nice words to say! Some even were very poetic in their feedback which I loved. I mean this is why you make a film, to tell a story to the audience! It was an honor to hear people say they thought I was smart in the way I made this period piece, yes I chose shooting only outdoors on purpose. I felt if I set it outdoors then you weren't taken out of the film by maybe a piece of furniture that wasn't from that time period etc. I wanted to focus on the story and putting it outdoors left me to just worry about making sure the wardrobe was right for the times. Which I also got some compliments on and that was so nice to hear!

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

I knew I wanted to make films from the age of ten years old. I remember one of my first more grown up movies I watched was The Count of Monte Cristo. After this film I knew I wanted to make movies. I always as a kid was coming up with some crazy idea and making videos on the home camera. I actually figured out on my own how to do a lot of stop motion, which was fun and made my parents aware of my passion.

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

Probably the Titanic! Not to be cheesy but I love it. Also honestly the Disney classic animated films, I have watched them many times over as I am sure many of us have.

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 interaction with the filmmakers like you are doing now! I love the podcast addition. Also I think with live events I would love to see them incorporate filmmakers who can't make it in some way whether that's a live feed of the awards show or just more information for them of when the festival is happening. I have been to festivals where I wanted to congratulate a filmmaker that wasn't there but I didn't know how to get into contact with them. So some kind of online interaction would be great!

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

I like FilmFreeway, I think it's very helpful to stay organized by submitting through them!

10. What is your favorite meal?

I am from Arizona and I love Mexican Food, but it's best when I am vacationing in Mexico! ha I love to travel.

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

I would like to make a feature from this concept and have already written something! I also have a fictional story that is about women in Iceland who's punishment back in the day was to drown in a waterfall. There is so much space to create with this idea and I am putting a lot of struggles I have had as a woman into the story. It is currently in the development stage!