Birthday Blues, 9min,. Luxembourg
Directed by Elisabet Johannesdottir
A couple on the rocks struggles with honesty, leading the woman to make a fateful decision.

https://www.instagram.com/eliisms/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I became pregnant with my son a month after Roe Vs Wade was overturned, and it gave me a lot of room for thought about women's rights and the immensity of the choice of motherhood. To me it is a private decision that I wanted to examine in the microcosm of an expiring relationship.

In 2021, I had written a full-length play about a decade-long relationship which starts at their last meeting and works its way back to their first date. I always felt this two-hander of mine could have cinematic potential, so I adapted the first scene of the second act to the screen, where she is pregnant and struggles to break the news to her partner.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
From pitching the idea to writing, filming and getting it through post production the whole process took about six months.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
In all honesty, it was securing childcare for my ten-month-old son for the two days of principal photography. Because of the time crunch of filming twelve pages in two days on a shoestring budget and dealing with low ceilings, which were a challenge for the boom operator in the location with long sequence shots, I did block the scene much like a play beforehand to save some precious time.

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

I was so excited to hear their thoughts. Such gratitude to resonate with and move people with my storytelling. I felt deeply seen and appreciated.

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

I have loved films since childhood, it was always a marvellous refuge. Later on, acting in others' films for years made me realise I also had instincts to direct. Reading scripts, I always have a vivid imagination on how it all plays out. This is my first short film, so I knew that performing my own writing would be easy for me. All I needed was a good DP whom I could trust with the technical aspects on set. I hope to direct more films where I can stay behind the camera and enjoy working with the actors.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
It's important to get audience feedback to find out how your story resonates. I enjoy the discussions it generates. I am still new to the festival circuit, but I enjoyed getting such generous and varied audience reactions. It encouraged me to keep exploring intimate relationships in my storytelling.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It was my first time submitting on Film Freeway and I found the platform easy to use. The communications with your team were very effective and offered me a lot of options.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Medium rare steak, mash and steamed veggies

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

My husband and I will be collaborating on a short film this summer, a creative date which I am very much looking forward to.