A MOMENT OF MOMENTS, 3min., Ukraine
Directed by Igor Hnes
Every family has numerous special, personal, and interesting moments that happen every day in which we can see love, and this is one of those.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Budget: I shot my first short film with a decent budget, having everything I wanted. So, I wanted to challenge myself with a low-budget story to see if I could pull it off. The result: $4 for the entire film and already 14 awards at various festivals.

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

From concept to final edit, 'A Moment of Moments' took 4 days. This was possible because last time I prepared for 6 months before the first day of shooting. Having a bit of experience allowed me to accomplish it quite quickly this time.

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

Our moments.

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

It was a single shot, so if anything went wrong, whether at the beginning or the end, that take wouldn't work. Considering the budget constraints, there were only three of us – the cinematographer, myself, and the actress, who also happens to be my real-life wife. When she throws the cup onto the floor, someone had to pick it up, and that was me. Towards the end of the film, if you don't see me, it's because at that moment, I'm running across the balcony to retrieve the cup along with the pillows.

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

I was satisfied; some people guessed that we are a couple in real life. There was also a funny moment when someone said, 'Well done! You managed to keep the focus on the camera for the entire single shot.' Just to mention, we filmed the movie on an iPhone 12.

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

When I was 5 years old, my dad used to play a movie on tape, 'Who Am I?' with Jackie Chan. I watched many of his films back then, but this one stuck with me the most. I looked at Jackie and realized: "I want to do the same, everything for real. I want to be on the big screen". Even at that young age, I would play and pretend to be in a movie. Later, when I got a camera, I could finally start filming something, but only after 23 years I was able to make my first film.

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

It's very difficult to choose just one. There are many films with Jackie Chan and 'Back to the Future.

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'll give an example. I'm currently writing a script for my first feature film, and the biggest challenge is the budget. I am actively seeking investments in Ukrainian cinema. To anyone reading this, invest in Ukrainian cinema – we have many young and talented directors and actors.

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

Previously, I had no idea how film festivals worked and how to submit my film. FilmFreeway makes it so simple and provides an opportunity for all filmmakers to showcase their work. It's fantastic, and I'm glad such a service exists. It helps both creators and festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My wife's homemade burrito

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

Yes! Feature film!