FLOWERS, 20min., USA
Directed by Nicholas Hansell
Over a weekend in spring, a high school boy reconnects with an old friend and begins to discover what it really means to be in love.

https://www.instagram.com/flowerstheshortfilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I started this journey to really dive into what it means to find love, to find your person in an unexpected place. What did that feel like? And does love exist between friendship? I wish I'd seen something like this when I was growing up and it was surprising how much it taught me even while filming. I hope it touches you in a way that makes you think differently about love, about connection and about growth. Sometimes it's worth standing out, because when you do, oh how you can shine. And oh, how it may become so obvious who your companion flower might be.

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

It took me around a year and a half to start and complete this film.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We ended up having to shoot an extra day because we got shut down on one of our filming days due to late filming. We had to scramble that night, while filming, to create our next day. In the end that last day is where we shot most of our intimate one on one's between the two boys, and having a skeleton crew for that day, made it even more intimate. Exactly what it needed to be :)

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was so lovely to see that the audience was really receptive to the film. It's pure magic to see your piece of art that you've poured your soul into, impact other people. What a joy!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I grew up acting, and eventually switched over to screenwriting. I have always been a storyteller. After working on a lot of sets in LA, I took a leap and said it's time I do the dang thing. It was a reward for writing for so many years, and what a joy it was to complete my debut short film!

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I am very attracted to films such as Inception, Interstellar and Arrival. I love the surrealist elements but also deep connections. I also get inspiration from Heartstoppers and Call Me By Your Name.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
- It would've been cool to make the festival public so I could've been there!

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

10. What is your favorite meal?
Pizza.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I'm in pre production for my first feature film! Stay on the lookouts! :)