CARVED IN STONE, 30min., USA
Directed by Porter Justus
Cast out by the academic community at her college for her extreme beliefs that artifacts belong with their cultures, not locked up in some museum, young historical photographer AMELIA SLOANE is shocked to learn a former and beloved professor has bequeathed to her a collection of valuable and rare artifacts - including the legendary sword Excalibur - and a mysterious message "You'll know what to do with this."

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

There were a number of reasons for this film. I learned a long time ago that sometimes to com up with good story is turn one on its head, and so I wanted to explore a character who's mission was the opposite to what is usually expected. In this case, what if Excalibur needed to be returned instead of claimed, so that just turned into a exploration into culture reclamation and restoring history to its rightful origins.

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

20 months.

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

Charming Adventure

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

How to achieve high end visuals with limited resources

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

I love the feedback video it felt very validating, and I've just overjoyed that people enjoy it.

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

2009 when I walked out of James Cameron's AVATAR.

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

Oh wow! That's a tough question. It definitely has to be AVATAR. I watch it at least once a year.

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

Provide more opportunities to connect filmmakers to film buyers, more pitch fests, and accommodating filmmakers who travel in especially if they are nominated for something.

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

I love FilmFreeway. Way better than Withoutabox was. Haha. Great platform, easy to use.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Breakfast food. Right now I'm really into steak, eggs, bisquit, and milk.

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

My next project I'm super excited about is a gritty, mystical Mormon thriller centered around Porter Rockwell.