OUT OF THE DARK, 3min,. USA
Directed by Alexa Ruggiero, Ashley Carrizo
A screendance film that portrays how certain relationships in ones life can cause turmoil. The process of letting someone go can be freeing while also being an emotional rollercoaster full of sadness, anger, and relief.

Get to know the filmmakers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Alexa: To tell a story people can relate and connect to. I've always been passionate about dance so l loved using movement verse a script to tell that story.

Ashley: I had always wanted to create my own work on film but didn’t know how or where to start. I was associate choreographer last year on another artist’s project. That experience gave me the inspiration to want to create my own work with cameras and sets verse just creating choreography for stage

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

Alexa: About 2.5 months.

Ashley: About 2.5 months

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

Alexa: Heart wrenching and ruthless.

Ashley: Raw and relatable

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

Alexa: Ensuring that there weren't a ton of people in the background when on the Brooklyn Bridge or making sure the transitions were smooth and made sense from scene to scene.

Ashley: Being on set doing both the performance and directing. Perform as the talent and making sure I stayed in character and conveyed the message we set out to portray was one challenge. Then also stepping away after takes and making sure we captured all those details we wanted to see were exactly what we imagined timing wise, choreographically, camera angles, etc.

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

Alexa: I was in awe to hear how people felt about it and how they portrayed it. It feels like what we set out to do was accomplished.

Ashley: I was speechless the first time watching. I just laughed out load out of excitement. I couldn’t believe we created something of this caliber on our first try and people had such a positive response to it. I was so proud of us to see we really conveyed the message we wanted to tell the audience without them knowing anything about it beforehand.

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

Alexa: I realized I wanted to make films after the connection I formed with Ashley. We have a certain creative connection that works and we will continue to make masterpieces together.

Ashley: Ever since I was younger I wanted to tell stories. I’d imagine how music videos should look when I’d hear a song I liked especially on long car rides as a kid. I never really acted on it or found the right person to create work like this with. When Alexa reached out to me about creating a film together I was ecstatic I found another creative who shared the same interests in storytelling on film.

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

Alexa: The Breakfast Club OR Good Will Hunting

Ashley: Jumanji

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Alexa: Unsure at the moment

Ashley: I think adding some kind of mentorship event with past winners could be beneficial. Or a mixer with industry professionals and the selected participants of the festival for q&a’s.

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

Alexa: Great! An easy process.

Ashley: Incredible, and easy to navigate. This is our first time using FilmFreeway and I really enjoy it.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Alexa: A good slice of NYC pizza

Ashley: Mac and cheese - even though I'm lactose intolerant its worth it

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

Alexa: Yes! A new film that is light and fun will be released towards the end of the summer

Ashley: Yes! We will be shooting a new film this summer with an entirely different message and feeling. It will be upbeat, fun, and make you want summer to never end.