JANE, 17min,. Canada
Directed by Sydney Scotia
When a misunderstood young wife in the late 19th century is restricted by her well-intentioned physician husband to a summer of bed rest, her imagination takes her down a spiral of what we think is her descent into madness, but is it?

https://www.instagram.com/jane_thefilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Amidst the peak of the pandemic, at 3am on a restless and anxiety-ridden night, I sought solace in my phone's reading app, reading typically calms me down. It was then that I stumbled upon a short story titled "The Yellow Wallpaper"... and its impact reverberated within me, shaking me to my very core. The story consumed my thoughts for days, weeks on end, until I could no longer resist the compulsion to transcribe its essence onto paper. And so, with pen in hand (metaphorically speaking), I embarked on the journey of crafting the outline that would eventually give birth to "Jane".

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

Well, the journey from initial conception to the final locked film spanned approximately two years—which to me is a remarkably swift timeline within the realm of the film industry.

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

Confinement and Rebellion.

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

Making a movie can be filled with numerous starts and stops. However, when Sydney Scotia joined the project, everything fell into place. We instantly connected and shared a deep understanding of the story's significance and our creative vision for its execution. The collaboration has been a seamless and delightful experience, marking the first film I've created without any obstacles hindering my progress.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
As I watched the
viewers' reactions, a broad smile adorned my face throughout, actually my
cheeks were hurting by the end of the video. Crafting a film like this aims to
evoke curiosity, leaving the audience pondering the truth behind it all. I
believe Sydney and I achieved precisely that with 'Jane,' and it fills me with
excitement and gratitude to witness an audience that embraced this labor of
love.

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

That question carries a lot of weight. I've harbored a deep desire to create films for as long as I can remember, although I never believed I had the capability to do so. Growing up in the theater, I developed a passion for storytelling and crafting imaginative worlds from an early age. However, outside of my trusted family and friends, I struggled with shyness, and my soft-spoken nature took years to emerge from its protective shell, so to speak. While certain films undeniably influenced me, I always watched them with admiration, yearning to be part of that world. When I eventually transitioned to working in front of the camera (after spending many years on stage), I discovered a distinct and captivating process. It presented a fresh kind of collaboration that I found immensely enjoyable, adding to my appreciation for this medium.

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

That's an excellent question. During my childhood, I was captivated by films like "Dirty Dancing" and the entire brat-pack genre, with a special fondness for "Pretty in Pink." As I grew older, my admiration expanded to include the actual filmmakers, I truly enjoy the works of Spielberg, Hitchcock, Wes Anderson, and Paul Thomas Anderson.

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 be awesome to attend one of the festivals in person and hear the feedback there, in the room. But I think you are all doing a fantastic job. Thank you so much for including JANE in the festival.

9. You submitted to the festival via Film Freeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It has been super easy and helpful in keeping me organized with the festival submission process!
10. What is your favorite meal?

Hard toss-up between Peruvian Food + Sushi.

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

This year has been a whirlwind of production for me. Alongside "Jane," I have successfully produced two feature films that are already in the bag. The first, titled "A Brother's Bond," is on the verge of completion. It follows the journey of estranged brothers who, upon their father's passing, embark on three adventures in order to claim their inheritance. The second feature, "Parallel," holds a special place in my heart as I served on the team of Producers as the Canadian Service Producer and one of the Executive Producers for the film. It is a remarkable adaptation of the Chinese film "Parallel Forest" and tells the poignant tale of a grief-stricken mother who discovers a parallel universe within the forest, where her son remains alive. Additionally, I am currently in pre-production for an exciting short film called "Palindrome," boasting a talented director and an incredible team. Furthermore, I have several projects in development ( a couple of series and a couple of feature films) that I am eager to share once we secure the necessary funding.