DON'T LOOK AWAY, 36min., USA
Directed by Joseph Vitug Lingad
In the span of six years, the film follows Corey to show how his facial difference has impacted his life, friendships, family relations, romantic relationships, and careers, and how these experiences have shaped his personality and perspective. By capturing the daily life of Corey, the film shows the audience the challenges of living with a facial difference: being stared at, bullied, constantly having to explain your facial difference, the struggles of online dating, and the psychological and emotional impact of all of these experiences.

http://josephvlingad.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adultswithfacialdifference/?ref=bookmarks

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was motivated to make this film due to my experience living with a facial difference. I was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. I wanted to make a film that shows how members of the facial differences community's looks impact their daily lives and demystify stigmas of living with a facial difference that mainstream media has created and continues to perpetuate.

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

The short film took me a little over six years.

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

Unabashedly honest

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

The biggest obstacle in completing this film was to tell Corey's story without sensationalizing his experiences.

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

I was very happy that Corey's story touched viewers.

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

I wanted to make this film back in 2017.

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

Either the "Le fils" (The Son) by the Dardenne brothers or "Minding the Gap" by Bing Liu

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 wish this was also an in-person festival as well.

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

My experience with FilmFreeway has been great and easy to navigate.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Kare Kare - a Filipino stew

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

I plan to make a feature film on the same topic. In fact, I've been following three other characters with various facial differences as long as Corey (six years plus). Depending on how successful "Don't Look Away" is in the film circuit, I plan to use it as a "calling card" to collaborate with partners to help me make a feature film.