FIRST MEMORY, 1min., USA, Drama/Comedy
Directed by Chip Hackler
Memory's a funny thing.

Director Statement
FIRST MEMORY is a collaboration between film students, educators and professionals. For some, it was their first day on a film set. Others had worked on Oscar winners.

The child actor, Emmett Moss (in his first movie), is acting with Nicholas Pryor, who attended the Yale School of Drama and played Tom Cruise’s father in Risky Business.

Due to various obstacles, the two scenes (stuck car, counselor’s office) were filmed more than a year apart.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I thought it would be interesting to explore my first memory and use that as a springboard for a short film.

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

It's hard to say because I wrote the script several years ago, put it away, forgot about it, found it again and decided to make it.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Lucky accident.

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

I like to explore options in writing, in filming, and in editing. If you're not careful, you can end up with too many options!

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

I loved it. They were so thoughtful and articulate. I don't recall receiving feedback like this from a festival before, so it's a great idea.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I realized filmmaking combined two of my early interests, creative writing and photography.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

It's A Wonderful Life and Road to Perdition, which are counterparts, in a way. One is uplifting, but with a dark side, and the other is dark, but deeply moving (which is, paradoxically, a type of uplift).

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

I think the idea of providing feedback is awesome. Usually, if you're at a festival, you may get a random comment or two, but this is more thorough.

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

Great.

What is your favorite meal?

Breakfast.

What is next for you? A new film?

I'm working on a feature script.