TWO V HILL, 4min., Canada, Drama
Directed by Tee Schneider
A philosophical kid wrestles with feelings of isolation and the importance of dreaming during a global pandemic.

http://twovhill.com/
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Director Statement
Two V Hill was shot during lockdown in the early days of the pandemic in the spirit of a 48 hour film festival. There was no festival, just us, trapped in our family bubble and trying to cope. The final mix was completed in August 2022.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

We were in the second lockdown and feeling pretty low. We'd go for our daily "pandy walks" and one day, my daughter cried because I wouldn't let her come inside a store to buy fish food. When I asked why it was such a big deal, ( I mean fish food is not that interesting), she crumpled onto the curb and said: "I just want to go somewhere that isn't my house!" So that's where the dialogue scene came from. At the time our other film Little Bird was stuck in an extended post process with no end in sight and it seemed like life had stopped and we were trapped in this surreal bubble. On our walks we started chatting about the concept and then we just decided to make it.

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

We shot it like a 48 hour film festival with no budget and only equipment on hand. The two days we shot, it was very hot and air conditioners were running everywhere so we ended up doing a short ADR session as well. I did an initial edit but then left it sit. I had decided to apply for a sound production and post program and ended up doing that through 2021/2022 so I went back to the film summer of 2022, remixed it and added the dedication.

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

Hopeful. Sweet.

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

Probably my own feelings of hopelessness, exhaustion, fear of failure. REALLY LOUD AIR CONDITIONERS!

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

It was such a lovely, full circle moment. The people commenting really seemed to get what we tried to do.

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

I always loved films but coming from a remote town in Northern Ontario, I didn't understand how people made films. How they got the financing and access to equipment. This was a long time ago, so there wasn't the kind of access there is today. In my small town, movies and television were a huge part of getting through the long months of winter- legitimately important to our lives. I wasn't terribly athletic as a child but the first thing I "won" was the leading role in the school play because I was the best reader. I got the acting bug. Years letter, I went to theatre school which seemed more realistic than film and TV. In my late 20's I came to Toronto and to an MFA in Acting and took my first camera class. I plugged away at that and started writing in my early 30's. Eventually I took some time off to have a baby and by the time I came back to the industry, two colleagues in my acting class had made features and I thought, if these guys can do it, so can I..so that's when I started in earnest.

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

Probably a tie between Schindler's List and Dead Poet's Society haha maybe also Toy Story and Frozen. #parentlife

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'm not sure right now. From what I've seen so far, you're doing a great job getting eyes on films, sharing with industry and promotion of filmmakers!

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

The platform works. There's a bit of a learning curve in figuring out how to submit strategically based on the project. I've learned a lot with my first couple of festival shorts.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Basil pesto linguine with black olives and red onions. Curry. Sushi.

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

I'm currently just finishing up voice directing and sound editing a pilot for a podcast named "Osler" with Goonworks Films in Vancouver. We're just about to start submitting. It's a fictionalized, true crime, historical podcast set in 1924 and 1952 Vancouver inspired by a murder case that was never solved. I'm also developing my first feature called "Penny Bigelow Makes a Move". It's a touching family comedy in the Mrs. Doubfire/Parent Trap lane.