SHADOWS IN THE PARK, 6min., USA
Directed by Valerie DuPree
Two sisters venture deep into the woods...only one senses something watching. Fear twists into betrayal. Will they survive?

http://www.cavacastudiopictures.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
This started as a class challenge and a way to see if I could bring a story to life on screen. One of the things my class teaches us is to not wait for the work to come to us, but to go out and create our own work. That lesson stuck with me, and I drew from a deeply personal experience to create something authentic.

Several years ago, I had a paranormal experience while hiking. In all my decades of hiking, I'd never felt anything like it—amd it unnerved me. The woods have always been my happy place, my refuge. But that one time, on that one trail, something not from this realm was there. It left me with a familiar feeling that shaped me as a child, from growing up in a haunted house. That lingering feeling planted itself in my subconscious and it finally found its way out through this film.

Filmmaking has this uncanny way of making you confront those little whispers in your mind, turning them into something tangible. I guess I was motivated by the need to understand, or at least explore, that experience. And now, I can't stop—I've realized this is the best way for me to make sense of the world.

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

I was on a tight deadline so it took just one week from the spark of an idea to completion—which, looking back, feels both insane and oddly perfect for how I approach things. I brought the idea to my actresses, who gave the script the green light after the youngest made one non-negotiable request: she absolutely had to hit her sister in the head during filming. No animosity—she just thought it would be the ultimate fun. The older actress, being the consummate professional, agreed to the hit, and we were off!
We filmed late afternoon over two days, right before the woods got that mysterious dusky glow. One day was scouting and filming "B" roll and the other for the meat of the film. Editing was a marathon—two days of being glued to my editing room. And then came the movie poster and going over the film again and again which took another day because I can't resist obsessing over every little detail.

It was a whirlwind, and I loved every chaotic second of it. It was one of those magical experiences where I now want to keep doing it, even if I can't always put into words why.

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

Intensely suspenseful.

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

The biggest obstacle was me. I was terrified to make this film, yet I felt this quiet but constant voice inside, telling me that I absolutely had to do it, no matter how much it scared me.

I had to get out of my own way. Once I let go and just let the creative process flow, it was like opening a floodgate. It was raw and real and it was mine.

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

I was so excited to hear the feedback —then, out of nowhere, I felt this teen-like nervous energy creep in...amazing how vulnerable you can feel putting your art out there.
Thankfully, the feedback was encouraging, thoughtful and the constructive critiques felt supportive. It was exactly what a first-time filmmaker like me needed—beginner-friendly and insightful to help me grow.

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

I'm fascinated with storytelling. I write and I act in films...not once did I ever think I could produce a film. I've been immersed in the film world for decades...I was a therapist on major film productions and even when my daughters became actresses and I found myself shuttling them to sets all across the U.S., the thought of me making a film never crossed my mind.
Making films has now become this love I don't have the words for!

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

I couldn't narrow this down to one...

Casino (1995)

Rebecca (1940)

Alive (1993)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

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

Yours was the perfect landing spot for my first-ever film and film festival showcase. I cannot be more grateful for this experience. The fact that my actresses were awarded Best Performances on top of it all is beyond my wildest imaginings of being a filmmaker. It's been such a validating moment in this crazy journey I'm on.

As for other festivals—compared to some I've encountered, I'd like to see even more categories for awards.

Also, creating opportunities for first-time filmmakers to have their work paired with more seasoned writers, directors or mentors in whatever capacity could really help. This could be in the form of a pay service you offer - workshops, classes, one-on-one coaching for all their future projects and films. It's all about getting that feedback, the kind that pushes you forward and challenges you to be better.

Ultimately, it's experiences like your film festival that keep the fire burning. So, thank you again for everything you offered—I'm excited to keep creating and to see where this next chapter takes me.

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

I'm still pinching myself that I'm even on FilmFreeway. I never thought that was possible either. It's a platform I first learned about while traveling coast to coast, taking my daughters to their bookings. It feels like a total wild ride to be here, and I'm just thoroughly enjoying every twist and turn along the way.

So far, it's been great—no complaints at all. The process has been fairly seamless and everything has run pretty smoothly without a hitch.

10. What is your favorite meal?

It's a meal I refer to as pure love. My mom would make it all the time growing up but this ONE time, it was just total pure love. I had been through a lot at this particular point in my life and she arrived to help. On top of everything, I was sick with the worst illness. I hadn't taken care of my own needs in a really long time. The meal was so simple - rotini pasta, sauteed onions and sausage. I'll never forget the feeling it left me with that I finally had real nourishment again. I truly felt loved and cared for at that moment in time. That meal meant so much to me and really makes me miss my mom.

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

Absolutely. My next film is already shot and in post. It's a deeply emotional story about two sisters who escape a harrowing SA situation. The older sister, desperate to protect her younger sibling from the abuse she's endured, decides they have to run away. They find refuge in an abandoned house, but survival isn't easy—especially when the older sister has to sneak out at night to find food and supplies. Meanwhile, the younger sister is cold, hungry, and sick. She doesn't understand why they can't just go back home and that tension between them builds as they struggle to stay safe and keep going.

It's a story of resilience, love, and the lengths we go to for those we care about. Editing this one feels like a new challenge, but I can't wait to see how it unfolds on screen. Making this kind of film is messy, raw, and real—and I'm excited to see how it resonates with viewers.