HIRA, 10min., Italy, Drama
Directed by Emanuele Colognese
Hira loves sunflower seeds, red color, and the silence that envelops the world when she extinguishes it; for she possesses this power. Meanwhile, Matteo adores Haribo candies, Rubik's cubes, and Russian literature. One day, these two individuals cross paths (or rather, collide), and their anonymous bodies become familiar faces, with their piercing blue eyes and thick curls. It takes just a little to intertwine two existences. But how can the same knots be untangled? Against the backdrop of a modern Milan, two stories unfold, not of love, but of life.

https://www.emc2mediaprod.com/
https://www.instagram.com/emanuele.filmmaker/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
The main motivation for which I made this short is simply the need to tell a story that is beautiful but above all exciting and makes the viewer think.
I had the honor of working with Abira Khan, a very good friend of mine who made the short story where HIRA was later repurposed. As soon as I read that short story it immediately struck me and we decided to adapt it into a short film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
From the time Abira wrote the first draft of the screenplay to the final master has been about 10 months!
We are two very precise and punctilious people, it took us so long because we wanted every scene to be perfect for what we had in our heads.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Simply DELICATE and INTIMATE

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Actually no obstacles, if we really want to call it that, the only "hiccup" was time and finding the right time to get the actors free to shoot the short film.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
The feedback was all super positive!
The message that got through the most is that the story is very emotional and intimate.
In addition, they complimented us on the choice of story and for having the courage to carry it out.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I started film school.
I felt it was the right path for me, almost like a calling, if you want to call it that!
Ever since I was a kid, I've always liked to make up stories and tell them to anyone, so, I think it was almost physiological to have gone down this path.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Uh..super-hard question!
There are so many that I cyclically review willingly but if I have to choose one, without a doubt, I would pick "Kill Bill vol.1."
Quentin Tarantino is my favorite director and the one who made me love cinema, I am so inspired by him and his way of working.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
So far you have been super!
I have nothing to add except to keep it up!
The fact that you are letting many people see the films and they are sending you their feedback is very nice, I found it very exciting.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway's platform is fantastic, giving you access to a myriad of festivals, especially for emerging and independent filmmakers like me.
It's a great showcase and a good springboard.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Oh...no doubt a good pasta dish!
I am 100% Italian and for me la basta is a 'must-have'!

11. What is next for you? A new film?
We started the pre-production of the new film about a week ago together with Abira Khan, we are still in the brainstorming stage, and I believe the final script will be ready in late spring.
Then we will move on to finding the budget and funds to make it.
I am very positive and hopeful!