HOME, 13min., USA, Dance
Directed by Shari Coleman
When her parent's domestic violent relationship comes to a head, Harley must choose between protecting her family and keeping her sanity.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

A: Growing up, I unfortunately witnessed the terror that is a domestic violent relationship. Though it did get me thinking about how the scope of what domestic violence is and who it affects is very spotlighted on the couple but how about the children? What does it do to them?

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

A: Probably about 3-4 years

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

A: Poetically Intriguing (at least I hope haha)

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

A: Time, probably. I think as creatives we get so sucked into the constraints of time that we sometimes forget to look at "ok what am I actually trying to do with this STORY" not "Damn we still have 5 more shots and we need to wrap in an hour". Not to say that you shouldn't adhere to deadlines however time can be suffocating at times (pun intended).

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

A: I was so scared watching the videos, especially since this is such a personal piece but watching them gave me such a warm feeling and just reinvigorated me to keep creating.

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

A: I was a senior in high school, about to apply to medical schools when it dawned on me that I didn't want to do something so academic and that I NEEDED to do something not only creatively satisfying but also within a place that I can still hopefully touch/heal people emotionally through it.

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

A: This is embarrassing but Pitch Perfect if I'm being completely honest (yes the whole trilogy)

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

A: I think maybe just creating possible network opportunities between filmmakers and industry professionals.

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

A: It's been great, though I wish that there was more of a verification process to see if film festivals are legit or faux festivals (not this one, this is great).

10. What is your favorite meal?

A: This is probably not considered a meal but as part Austrian, Topfengolatsche

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

A: I'm working on writing my first feature film at the moment which has been so much fun!