THE DROWNING POOL, 12min,. Spain
Directed by Enrique Novials
Ariadna, a former police officer, is now a detective shocked by the recent death of her mother due to Covid. In the midst of this, she must find a child who has been kidnapped after school.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Well, the Covid period was difficult for everyone and I also wanted to dedicate it to my mother.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
More than expected, because I'm usually fast. But I had a story. Covid came and, being locked up at home, I modified the script to adapt it to new circumstances. Between the original script and the shooting, perhaps almost 4 years have passed.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It was the first time I shot on 16mm, on real film. It was a challenge for everyone, from the actors to myself. Not only because mistakes are very expensive when shooting on film, but also because we shot with an excellent camera, a Krasnogorsk-3. And that means that each take can't last more than 30 seconds. It was a complicated job, but I'm very happy with the result. I recommend the experience.

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

Wonderful! It's very exciting to see how the public, who likes cinema and understands cinema, gets excited about our story and connects with it. That's priceless.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Since I was little, I watched television. When the movie was over, I would lock myself in my room and pretend to act out movies by myself. I would dress up in whatever cowboy clothes I could, etc. I would also wear Big Jim, a toy.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I don't remember. But I've seen the ones I like many times. Or I could tell you which one. From "The 3rd Man" to "The Verdict", "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", "Laura" or "High Noon".

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 you do it very well. We should tell other festivals to do the same. The video of the audience is fabulous. I can think of the possibility of seeing a summary of the people entering the room or, by paying something, being able to see a screening live, for a limited time. It's very good in any case.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It's a good platform, really. I'm happy.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I generally like Greek and Italian food. But especially undercooked potato omelette without onions. Hahahahaha

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

Yes. If all goes well, next year I will be shooting "Letters to the Daughter," the last installment of the feminist western trilogy I'm involved in. After having shot "Calamity Jane 1882" and "Kill Them and Don't Come Back Alone." We're shooting between February and March next year. And we'll be shooting on film again. I hope the gods help us, because it will be a risky bet again.