longing/belonging, 3min,. Canada
Directed by Rachael Withers, Niamh Wilson
longing/belonging follows a queer femme struggling to break out of the mold of their straight relationship and their journey to discovering identity and community.

https://instagram.com/longingbelonging.film

Get to know director Rachael Withers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Last year I was feeling discouraged about my dance & acting career as the industry was quite slow, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and create something instead of always waiting for the next thing to happen. longing/belonging was born out of conversations between myself and my co-director Niamh Wilson, about the the fact that we were both craving to work together again, and our similar feelings as queer people in the world.

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

I would say from listening to the song in my headphones walking around on the street, to seeing the final product, around 6 months.

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

Whimsical & Gay

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

The biggest obstacle was the time period when I was trying to produce the film myself. Thank god I was able to find my lovely producer Erin Purghart who took on the project and made everything so much better. I learned the hard way from a failed initial shoot that you have to let go of some control and trust other creatives to take your film to the next level

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

Initially I was scared to watch the feedback as I wasn't sure what to expect. It felt so nice to be validated by other industry professionals, I want to thank each and every one of them for taking the time to share their thoughts about our film. My initial worries have definitely been put to rest!

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

From a super young age I've always been interested in film, specifically dance films, and music videos. When I was 16 I was so bored with school, I decided to make my own film series where I posted a dance video with a mini concept every single day for a year on Instagram.

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

Across the Universe will always be so special to me.

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

Honestly, this is my first time being in film festivals so I don't have a ton of expectation based on previous experience. I just want people to see the film, as I owe that to all the amazing cast and crew who dedicated their time and energy to the project.

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

Amazing, 10/10 platform. I love how integrated everything is.

10. What is your favorite meal?

It changes depending on my mood. Right now, I'm really craving lobster linguine

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

As an actor/dancer I'm looking to keep working and hustling in this industry. My big goal is to choreograph and direct music videos for high-level artists. I want to keep working towards that goal.