JENNIFER THOMAS - UNDERWATER CARNIVAL RIDE, 8min,. USA
Directed by Jennifer L. Thomas
An innocent girl enters a carnival full of wonder, where everything seems whimsical and fantastical. She starts to notice that things are off and this carnival and the people are not what it seems. Twisted halls of mirrors, wolves in sheep's clothing, and shark infested waters - this music film will leave you spinning for an exit.

http://jenniferthomasmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jenniferthomaspiano/
https://www.twitter.com/jennifer_thomas
https://instagram.com/jenniferthomasofficial

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I actually experienced I guess what one would call a "Dark night of the Soul" during the pandemic, and it involved leaving my lifelong religion. This was extremely difficult and required me to start over from scratch in terms of identity and getting to know myself outside of that context that I'd known for so many years. This entire film was based on a poem that I wrote while I was going through the angry phase of the grieving process, where I felt like the world I had once known was not what it seemed. It felt very much like an underwater carnival ride where I couldn't breathe, I felt like I was drowning, and all the people and things I thought I trusted would turn out to be wolves or sharks. It felt like a never-ending ride that I couldn't escape.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I wrote the poem in 2021 and the film was finished in 2024 with all of the filming, production, and music. So 3 years total. I also wrote the music in this film and so there were multiple phases of this project.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
"Relatable Chaos", haha.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The locations were difficult because we couldn't afford to shut down locations, so we battled filming in public and that's always difficult. The weather in Seattle was always raining or something, so that was fun as well. Oh, and all the motion sickness from the carnival rides.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
To be honest, I was waiting for the negative because in this film and music industry I've just become accustomed to having to wear a thick skin with my art, so I was just reluctantly awaiting the negative critique. But I was pleasantly surprised and very excited to hear their positivity about my film. I loved it.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I'm primarily a composer and recording artist, and I've released 8 studio albums and also have composed the scores for a few short films and commercials. With doing what I do, I have made several of my own music videos over the last 15 years with a film crew. I've always had ideas in my head, and I've also been an editor for many years. I started directing and creating my own music films in 2017 and have grown a lot into my own filmmaking since then. It is definitely a passion that allows me to put visuals to my music for my audience to understand more with their eyes than just listening to the music alone.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Hands down White Christmas, haha.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
This was really an incredible experience. Thank you for all that you're doing.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I've used FilmFreeway since 2018 and it's very easy to use. Love it.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Dessert. :)

11. What is next for you? A new film?
August 9th I'm releasing a new music film that I filmed in Scotland that is part of the series of films from this album, and in September I have a pirate/kids film that I'm hoping to release that I've worked on for the past 3 years.