DAISY, 11min., Australia
Directed by Alyssa Scott
"Daisy," inspired by the real-life tale of our writer's great-grandparents in 1930s Australia, unfolds the courageous journey of a young woman who defies societal expectations and risks losing everything as she embarks on a forbidden love affair, challenging the boundaries of family, faith, and the pursuit of true happiness.

https://www.instagram.com/daisyproductionsau/

Get to know Writer/Producer/Star Cassidy Krygger:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
The film is inspired by the true story of my great grandparents, a tale that has always haunted me. I was particularly moved by the tragic fate of my great grandmother Daisy and the way she was mistreated by her own family. She passed away at the young age of 23 from pneumonia in 1931. Bringing her story to the screen feels like an opportunity to extend her legacy and allow her to live on, if only for a little longer.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I first had the idea for this film during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, and we began filming in November 2024, completing the project in just over four years.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Fortunately, we didn’t encounter many obstacles, though the most significant one arose when we were scheduled to film in July last year. Just before shooting was set to begin (literally only a few days!), I was hospitalized with pneumonia, so we needed quite a delay until I was fully recovered.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
My hope is that people always grasp the story I aimed to tell, so receiving such wonderful and positive feedback from those who understood it was so lovely and really humbling.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I was six years old, I watched Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! for the first time. At that age, I didn’t quite grasp the storyline, but I instantly fell in love with the emotional power of cinema. Over time, my passion for Old Hollywood grew, captivated by the escapism and magic that film offers. It’s truly an honor for me to now create films myself.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Moulin Rouge! and the 1939 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by William Wyler.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
So far everything I have experienced has been really wonderful. I can’t really think of anything to make it better.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I love FilmFreeway! It’s so easy to use and leads to some great Film Festival selections.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Pad Thai! I'm getting really good at cooking it, too (well, I think so anyway!)

11. What is next for you? A new film?
We are currently in the early development of the feature film adaptation of Daisy, which keeps me busy with lots of writing. I also have several short films set in the 1930s in early stages of development—clearly, my fondness for this era is strong!