EAT YOUR YOUNG, 4min., USA
Directed by LaKesha Sowell

https://instagram.com/iam.lakesha

Get to know the filmmakers Skye Todaro, Evan Beek, LaKesha Sowell

What motivated you to make this film?

Skye Todaro - I am usually the one that is in front of the camera and not a part of the creative process that happens behind the camera. When LaKesha asked for the three of the us to collaborate together on this project, it was motivating because it was a new experience to help me grow and learn new skills. Dance on film in its on way makes a dance last forever in a way that a performance cannot.

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

Evan Beek - When got a text from LaKesha on July 1st and we filmed on July 30th. Around mid July things started picking up speed. We solidified a venue, finalize the cast, and divided the song into sections to understand the flow of the video and decide parts to choreograph. We did not get a chance to work with the cast until the day of the shoot which was a 5 hours day for both rehearsal and shoot.

How would you describe your film in two words?

Skye Todaro - I would describe the film as collaborative and enticing. It was collaborative from the very beginning. For instance we sectioned the song into seconds and picked our sections. The day of the shoot, which was the first time we were all in the same as choreographers, we pieced everything together. So overall very collaborative and enticing because the video itself just draws the viewer in.

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

Evan Beek - The biggest obstacle was having dances or being able to be in the same space as everyone. It was hard for me to visualize what I wanted my part of the piece to be.

LaKesha Sowell - My first obstacle was finding a location that would accommodate twenty dancers and was visually pleasing to the eye. I ran into a few nos before I got the final ok which was maybe two weeks before the shoot date. The second obstacle was the overlap in my schedule. I was scheduled to teach the same day as the shoot. The location only had that day available and I couldn't pass on such a beautiful space. I taught my sections, left and allowed Skye and Evan to take over, then came back in time to catch the last part of the rehearsal and meet the videographer.

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

Skye Todaro - I loved to hear the audience take on the film. They enjoyed the music and choreography and how well they meshed together. I think the three of us are very musically inclined and we also hear music differently. Having those three different visions coming to life while accenting the different parts within the music was amazing. Also hearing how they appreciated how well the videographer edited the video makes we thankful that not only are they noticing the choreography but also the visual as a whole.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

LaKesha Sowell - It's funny to think back on my first "film" that was basically something that was done on the spur of the moment. The film is now roughly ten years old. After that point I continued to randomly choreograph to various genres of music however it wasn't until a few years ago where I published work consistently.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

LaKesha Sowell - I don't think I have just one film that I have seen the most.

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

LaKesha Sowell - I'm pretty satisfied with the festival. I like receiving audience feedback as a way to continue to grow.

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

LaKesha Sowell - I love the platform. It makes the process of submitting to different festivals easy and convenient. It is also helpful with keeping up with each project and its status after submission in real time.

What is your favorite meal?

Evan Beek - I like a lot but I'll rank the top three. Pizza is number one, fajitas, and sushi.

What is next for you? A new film?

Skye Todaro - I am looking forward to more films.

LaKesha Sowell - Definitely more films in the future.