AKABEI, 12min., Poland
Directed by Marcin Kolodziejczak
A young woman dreaming of a stable relationship discovers that her current partner is just wasting her time, so she plans swift revenge.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

There were three main reasons why I wanted to create this movie:
First was the fact that I've experienced a lot of situations that became conflicts just because of a very different level of people's sensitivity, empathy.

I felt that it's so natural that it's a good foundation for a conflict in a short thriller movie.

Second - the last film I directed premiered almost 3 years ago. I learnt a lot during this period of time.

I was sure that I know more about thrillers than ever before and I wanted to prove that.

Last reason?

Every time I've watched something from: A. Hitchcock, D. Fincher or D. Lynch I was so inspired that I felt - it's high time to act.

And then I watched Vertigo (A. Hitchcock, 1958) and there wasn't just anything that could stop me.

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

The first version of the scenario is from July 2023. I finished it after a break at the end of September 2023.

Then I had castings with almost 50 actors. We started filming it in the middle of November 2023 and finished by the end of February 2024 (we were able to film only during some weekends).

Then I've edited it and prepared first "test screenings" (beginning of March), gathered feedback and applied adjustments.

Film was 100% ready on the day of its premiere - 23 March 2024.

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

Suspense, symbolism.

But I'd add a third word: atmosphere.

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

I felt that a long break during the end of the year (Christmas holidays, New Year's Eve) was very risky for the project, especially of the fact that we were ending the year with much less material that we wanted.

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

I was happy that so many things have been understood and felt the way I wanted.

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

Every time I have a longer break from making movies I just feel like something in my life is lacking.

It's this type of feeling which is very hard to describe especially that the whole process is often overwhelming, time consuming and sometimes stressful.

But yes, it's all about that feeling - it's not rational and it's really hard to say when it started.

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

Presumably R. Polański's "Chinatown" (1978).

First couple of times because I've found it in different books about writing scenarios and also articles listing best film noir movies.

Then I was at screenwriting workshops and we were studying it there.
Then with some of my friends who had no idea about the existence of this film.

Then with my wife who wanted to watch some classics.

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

Seeing all the reactions after private screenings is great but seeing a recording from the cinema itself would be even better.

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

I like FilmFreeway - it's easy to use, focused on one, well-developed feature.

Its user interface is legible and intuitive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

It's the hardest question I can imagine.

I'm going with Spaghetti bolognese with basil leaf on top.

Not only because it's tasty but also because of this combination of colors.

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

Definitely a new film. I'm thinking about mixing the thriller genre with film noir or sci-fi.