FLOAT ON HOPE, 5min., USA
Directed by Debra DeNicola, John DeNicola
Float on Hope reflects on our feelings of how we are leaving planet Earth to our children and fellow beings. We thought the idea could be illustrated through the eyes of a young mouse that lives in the Amazon rainforest near Manaus, Brazil. The Mouse from Manaus can represent any living being on this earth that will be affected by the escalating global perils of Climate Change. John DeNicola’s music inspired lyricist Jason Stutts to write about his sadness of how we are leaving our planet to our children. Jason was reminded of music that affected him like Neil Young’s After The Gold Rush and the possibility of having to find another place for humanity to live. After a few months of searching we came across the amazing animation of Jenna Shot.

https://john-denicola.com/

Get to know director John Denicola & animator Jenna Shot:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

John Denicola (Director / Songwriter / Musician): We thought that the song "Float On Hope" from my album She Said with its message regarding Climate Change was an important song to have a video to represent it. We had talked about a character The Mouse From Manaus to represent the Amazon before and thought it would be a great opportunity to make an animated video to voice our concerns about what could be done regarding climate change in a unique way that matches the music . We looked at many animators for many months that could convey that and when I ran across Jenna Shot I knew we had the right artist for this story. The lyrics of the song helped write the script.

Jenna Shot (Animator): I was so glad John found my work and connected with it to trust me to create such a cute and inspiring story.

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

JD: We worked on the script for a few months and as I said looked for the right animator which took a few months and then Jenna's process to translate our script took another 3 months. So about 6-7 months from idea to completion.

JS: Animation took about 3-4 months

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

JS: Upliftingly cute

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

JD: Not too much really. Again finding the right animator was a bit of an obstacle but once Jenna emerged that obstacle was removed. Also the ending was kind of a last minute addition. We came up with the idea of the mouse from Manaus waking out of a bad dream which I think helped complete the thought behind the video about how our children might be feeling as they face the largest impact from climate change

JS: I would say, and I know all artist probably say this, but time and just making sure everything is perfect

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

JD: My initial reaction was Wow! They really understood what we were trying to get across. I was really impressed with their interpretations of the video and so glad that our message appeared to have gotten across loud and clear. They were all so insightful.

JS: I loved the feedback and how the audience really understood John's message.

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

JD: As a record label owner I have always been interested in getting songs across with the help of a music video. So we have done many videos in the past. We had just done a video for my song (as an artist ) "She Said" which has also garnered some attention in many different Film Festivals across the country. We are also making a documentary entitled "Fall On You" about a father / daughter musical relationship featuring Peter and Arwen Lewis.

JS: I've always loved cartoons growing up and of course just doodling my whole life it really made me want to pursue my dreams and hopefully be on the big screen one day.

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

JD: Dirty Dancing (I co-wrote The Time Of My Life and Hungry Eyes)

JS: Evil Dead

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

JD: Really enjoyed your Feedback video and found that very helpful.

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

Alaina Thetford (Agent): Using FilmFreeway has been great. It's a really wonderful platform and has made the process of submitting for film festivals a streamlined process.

10. What is your favorite meal?

JD: Probably Italian pasta meal.

JS: Snow crab or sushi

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

JD: As I stated earlier "Fall On You" documentary about Peter Lewis founding member of Moby Grape , son of Oscar winning actress Loretta Young and father of music artist and radio personality Arwen Lewis.

JS: More animations and hopefully get my own show!