PEACE IN MY NIGHT, 13min., Canada
Directed by Abigail Mascher
"Peace in my Night" is a compelling documentary that follows the extraordinary life of Elsie Mascher, a woman whose unwavering faith in God guided her through the darkest chapters of World War II.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

This film is one I have been wanting to create for a while. I recently moved to Canada for university. While I've been here I have been living with my grandmother (Oma) and I have been able to have many conversations with her. She has taught me a lot and it's been interesting to hear her perspectives on life. I always felt her story would be one that could encourage others. Although it wasn't easy for her, there was hope within the difficult experiences. Many people today struggle a lot in life. I wanted to share my Oma's story so that those who watch it may feel encouraged and realise there is hope even in the darkest of times.

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

It took me a whole year, two semesters, to make this film. It was a capstone project for my degree. The first semester was spent on pre-production while the second semester was spent filming and editing.

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

Emotional but hopeful

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

One of the biggest obstacles I faced was trying to cut down the huge amount of my Oma's story into a short twelve minute film. She has so much to say and has experienced many things. There was a lot I wanted to include in the film but wasn't able to due to time. But she is working on writing her story so hopefully soon there will be a book out to find out in more detail all the things she went through. :)

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

My first thought was, "I can't believe all these people I don't know watched my film and actually enjoyed it!" :)

I was encouraged by the comments and it was interesting to see all the different interpretations. I am mostly glad that my Oma's story could make a positive impression on the people who watched it.

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

I started making films during the pandemic. I was bored and wanted to use my time so I began making short videos on my two dogs. I enjoyed the process so much I decided to study it in school. I want to make films because I love telling stories in a creative way. I feel like I can make a difference with the stories I share through film.

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

A film I love is the Sound of Freedom. Although it is very intense, I love the way it was made. The visuals and music are beautiful and draw you in. But my favourite part was how they were able to share a true story and use it to raise awareness. I want to make films like that, where I share stories that have meaning and make a difference in the world.

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 honestly do not have much to say. The Toronto Documentary Feature & Short Film Festival has been incredible. I never expected all the opportunities given to continue showcasing my film. Thanks for sharing all the extra resources to increase the popularity of my film and share it with more people.

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

FilmFreeway has been amazing. A professor first told me about it. I had never even heard of it before when I was searching for places to showcase my work. I love how it's a reliable place to connect with festivals and share my films with the world.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I grew up in Kenya so one of my all time favourite meals is a Kenyan dish called mukimo. It is basically made by mashing green peas, potatoes, maize, and spinach leaves altogether. You can have it with stew and chapatis (flatbread). It is so yummy! The crunch of the maize with the softness of the potatoes mixed with stew will always be a nostalgic meal for me. :)

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

I am actually heading to the University of British Columbia next year to complete an education degree to become an elementary teacher. I wanted to give myself as many options as possible and my dream would be to teach during the year and make films over the summer. That being said, I have started working on the script for a narrative film I hope I can make once I have finished school. :)