HOTPANTS, 15min., Sweden
Directed by Vera Berggren Wiklund
A story about finding your way back to volleyball where the dress code in the sport and self-hatred of the body stands in between. The film is Vera's process (the director) of re-approaching the sport after a break caused by hotpants and body hate. By meeting other young people who have played and plays volleyball, Vera wants to explore how others think about hot pants. Emma, Vera´s friend, who also stopped playing volleyball in her teens follows her through the film and their joint goal is to start playing again, in the clothes they themselves want to wear.

https://www.mvuandafilmproduktion.se/hotpants/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Five years ago, I stopped playing volleyball. In connection with that, I got rid of my hotpants, those tight little shorts that we girls used to play in. Now, I want to play volleyball again but I don't. I don't want to wear hotpants, and I don't want people to see me in them. That's why I made this film: to approach the sport again after a break caused by hotpants and body hatred. By talking to my friend, who also quit playing volleyball in her teens, and meeting young volleyball players, I am reconnecting with the sport to find out what others think about the dress code and who it's for.

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

I worked on the film for a total of two years.

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

Intimate, norm-critical.

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

The hardest part of making the film has been having the courage to trust that my own experience is valid and important. It has also been challenging to be in the film myself; initially, it was absolutely not an option, but with encouragement from people around me, it became so, which now feels essential to the film.

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

It’s very important to me that the topic is being talked about and that the film stimulates thoughts and emotions in people. It brings me joy, and I consider anyone who is brave enough to share their personal reflections on the subject to be truly courageous.

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

During high school, my friend Nina Winter and I created the short documentary Drivkraft, which focuses on young female gymnasts, their dreams, fears, and what drives them to continue with gymnastics. Creating a film that was deeply meaningful to me, and also impactful for other young people, was an incredible experience. The film became a way for me to, like the girls in the film, be fearless and pursue my own dreams. I realized that making films that are significant to me will likely resonate with others as well.

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

I believe it’s the film My Neighbor Totoro by Hayao Miyazaki. I appreciate the film’s universe: the endless imagination and playfulness of the environment. The film feels alive and magical, which really draws you into the story and makes you appreciate the creativity and joy that went into it.

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 appreciate networking events, workshops, and screenings with Q&A sessions. Being able to ask questions and learn about the filmmaker's creative process inspires me and makes me feel more connected, that makes me feel less alone in my own filmmaking journey.

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

Excellent! The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Right now, I’d say my favorites are dumplings or salmon sushi.

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

I’ve started a new project - a documentary film that, through the multi-sport athlete Meeri Bodelid, explores the Swedish sports world from a gender equality perspective.