HOME, 16min., USA
Directed by Al Chang
Seo-won navigates a fragmented reality filled with emotional encounters and haunting memories, seeking solace and clarity in her search for home.

https://www.instagram.com/4lcfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

When I was about 10, my parents would have me watch my great-grandmother. What I didn’t realize at the time was that she had Alzheimer’s. I’d play with my toys in the living room while she sat on the couch, sometimes watching TV, but often talking to herself with someone from her past. I didn’t think much of it because I didn’t understand what was happening. It wasn’t until I got older that I fully grasped what I had witnessed.
She would be wandering off when no one was watching, often barefoot. She would walk for miles, stopping at every traffic light. No one ever thought she was in distress. When we’d ask where she was going, her answer was always the same: “home”, she didn’t recognize where she was anymore.
I made this film because I’ve always been curious about what it was like on the other side—what she saw, what that might feel like on a day to day. It was my way of trying to understand her, even though none of us will ever fully comprehend what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s. I understand this film tackles a heavy topic, and if I had to define the target audience, it would be those who have experienced it or are currently going through it. It’s not easy on anyone—this condition is just devastating on all levels. For those who haven’t experienced it, I hope the film sheds light on how disorienting it can be for the person suffering and, ultimately, the immense pressure it puts on their family.

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

It took me about 3months. I’m in Grad school and I have a family, so it takes a while for me in post to really hop in and finish things. I try my best to use any free time to finish but life happens. But it’s usually the case with all my shorts, it takes about the same time frame. I do my best, not just for me but the people who offered their time, that is extremely important to me so the least I can do is work my ass off to make sure we have a solid finished piece.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Sound was a big challenge this time. We filmed entirely outside, and since we couldn’t stop traffic, we had to work around it. After we locked the picture, I had to teach myself how to repair the dialogue. It took about a month of watching YouTube videos and a lot of trial and error before I started fixing the ambient noise, bit by bit. I’m proud of the result. It was time well spent, and now I’ve got a new skill under my belt.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?
Grateful for their thoughtful insight. They really understood what it was and some of the devices I used in telling the story. It’s always nerve wrecking watching or hearing others talk about your work but it’s something every film maker must get over. I did not expect all the wonderful feedback.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve always known I wanted to do something in a creative field. It wasn’t just one thing that led me to film. I’ve always written things growing up that doesn’t pertain to film. I used to write music or journal ideas, I think doing that helped me somewhat build that muscle and ability to stay in that space. I love movies, I don’t think you can do this without an obsession to film. We all start out viewing it as an audience and hooked by the magic of cinema but when you start pursuing it, finding out all the mechanics of it, you realize quick if you want to keep going down that rabbit hole or just let someone else pursue the madness.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Back to the Future 2. It’s all nostalgia for me but I think this movie hits on so many different levels. Must’ve watched this over a thousand times.

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 the feedback aspect is a very strong component that separates your festival from others. I understand some festival screen hundreds of shorts but even if they were able to pick a few at random and give some insight as to why they were picked or whatever it is, it would be very helpful. All we ever hear from festivals are through Filmfreeway, you get an automated response, whether you got in or not. It’s very impersonal, but you guys do a great job of allowing film makers to hear perspectives, see what worked and what didn’t. I greatly appreciate that, thank you.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?
We’ve been on the festival circuit, for better or worse, for about three years now with four different projects. We all go through the highs and lows when that email comes through. Most of the time, you already know the outcome just by reading the first sentence. When the notification drops down and it starts with something like, “We really appreciate you…”—you know it’s a no. But when it starts with “Congratulations!”— it’s more of a sense of relief vs. excitement. I’ve had my share of both big and small festivals. Interestingly, some of the smaller ones take better care of their filmmakers, while the bigger festivals have become more like conglomerates, turning into the very thing they initially opposed: a version of the studio system. Some festivals even flat-out say you’ve got a 90% chance of getting in if you have a “known” name attached. I’ve seen some shorts with “known names” and they aren’t any better than some indie student film maker, a lot of times, they’re stories don’t hold up to the “star power”. I get that it’s a business, but a lot of festivals don’t truly support indie filmmakers.
Even with the bigger festivals I’ve been accepted to, there’s this disconnect—you show up, take a few pictures, screen your work, and then bye. It doesn’t feel like what we, as growing filmmakers, are really looking for. But I take it for what it is, try to meet more passionate, talented artists, and build a community to collaborate with.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I can always go for a good burger. The mom-and-pop shops with the old diner signs and faded menu pictures are usually the ones that make the best burgers.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
It’s a more lighthearted comedy, a piece of life type thing. Following two people who should never have crossed paths but for one night, we get to see how they’d be great for each other, but life doesn’t always have a fairy tale ending. We’re always trying to work out new genres with each project, we’re still on that train of thought. I’m also in my last year of Grad school and we shoot our thesis in OCT., then I graduate and we’ll see after that.