BFFR, 15min,. USA
Directed by Erika Apelgren
The story unfolds as Angelica and Patricia navigate a night of wine, food, and conversation. Patricia's detached and cold approach to the interaction becomes evident, but Angelica, desperate for connection, overlooks her flaws.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
As this is a proof of concept, we remain in the dark about what BFFR stands for until the very end. The film's idea originated with the concept of BFFR, exploring what it would be like if you could tailor someone to fit you perfectly. This idea came to me during the explosion of social media platforms like Instagram, which paradoxically made us more connected yet also more disconnected.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I had the idea in 2013, wrote the script, and shared it with Eduardo Whaite, the DP, who loved it. However, we didn't go into pre-production until years later. When 2021, I got a producer, Steve Deering attached, and we started the process of bringing it to life. We shot the film in 2022 and finally completed it in 2024. It took quite some time.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Intriguing and thought-provoking.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The editing process was definitely the most challenging part of this journey. I had several editors work on it, and one after the other fell through, which prolonged the process of getting the footage together.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was a joy to hear them discuss the film, share what they enjoyed, and express how they felt about the piece.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I've been writing and telling stories my entire life. I started writing songs at an early age, got my classmates involved in putting together scripts as a pre-teen, and wrote pieces for the stage in high school. Watching "In the Mood for Love," written, produced, and directed by Wong Kar-wai, was a turning point for me. The visual storytelling of that film is mind-blowing; everything about it is beautiful, from the symbolism to the way he uses the camera, colors, and music. What we see and what we don't see, what's said and what's not—it's all masterfully done. Watching that movie made me realize this is what I want to do.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I think "Zoolander." I know that script by heart, and quote it daily!

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 what this festival is offering is amazing! To enhance the experience even further, it would be beneficial to include the following:
Collaboration Spaces: Providing designated areas for filmmakers to collaborate, brainstorm, and potentially start new projects together during the festival.

Distribution and Marketing Workshops: Offering sessions focused on navigating the distribution landscape and effective marketing strategies to help filmmakers reach wider audiences.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Excellent! It's incredibly user-friendly and lists a vast array of festivals, so I don't need to submit my film anywhere else.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Right now I'm very into poke bowls.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I'm currently juggling several projects. One involves pitching the series BFFR, and another entails creating a video series inspired by Edvard Munch's 'Frieze of Life'. A series that aims to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of women from various historical eras, showcasing their universal struggles and resilience.