*"DONT' STARE, SEE ME", 5min., USA
Directed by Steven Speliotis
Naomi was born with a facial difference,
and growing up she fell victim to the bullying of
her peers because she looked different.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I asked a client who works with individuals with craniofacial issues If she knew anyone that would have a strong story to tell... She introduced me to Naomi and Aaliyah who were both born with Craniofacial issues.. and Naomi was a make up artist / photographer; And doing photo sessions for others in her community..

Letting them experience feeling beautiful in from of her lens.

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

We filmed it in an afternoon, and I made a rough cut in a week... And continued to refine the edit for a few more weeks...

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

Different Beauty

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

As a filmmaker - wanting to include more of Naomi & Aaliyah's conversation into the film when less was more.

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

I was really pleased to hear the feedback on the film.. the people who gave testimonial were intelligent, Well spoken & very sensitive to the message of the film... They also picked up on the subtleties That are easily overlooked... so glad some of the edit choices got noticed.

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

I always want to make films... but this film was part of a one day doc contest I had with a group of documentary filmmakers I belong to...

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

It must be "A Wonderful Life"

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

To have eyes on a film is great & to win an award is a real honor. But a film really must live and be seen where it will have the most impact. And that takes finding the right businesses and organizations to show it or hire me to make films for them...I don't expect a film festival to guide me to the organizations the film. Would be best seen by... but hopefully someone in the audience will connect us.

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

Film Freeway is too easy to navigate - I've over spent my budget in submission fees.

They make it too easy to find and submit to festivals all over the world.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Good & Plenty candy at a movie theatre

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

For me I started working with a dance company / a choreographer who is crating a theatrical evening of TANGO... They're allowing me in the studio to capture the process of the making of the dance.