LAST CALL, 12min., USA
Directed by Vitor Lopes, Stephen Brown
A bartendress embroiled in a small-town romance is on the skeleton crew of a late-night dive bar when she encounters a mysterious patron who implores her to clean up an act of violence he has committed.

Get to know filmmaker Stephen Brown:

What motivated you to make this film?

SB: I was thrilled to read Vitor's screenplay, and we saw an opportunity to film the short film in our hometown of Fayetteville, Georgia. It was encouraging to meet the cast virtually and to work with old friends and new ones to make the film safely during autumn of the first year of the pandemic.

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

SB: The filming took place in October 2021, and edits and scoring happened into 2022 for release this year. Both the co-directors run marketing firms, so the passion of doing the film was during our extracurricular hours!

How would you describe your film in two words!?

SB: Noirish mystery

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

SB: We endeavored to make the movie largely on a Sunday when the restaurant where principal photography took place was closed. So we organized the surroundings, shot and lit and did most of the primary scenes in that space and had to put it back together again. We also relied on the miracle of good weather to do our outdoor sequences during the same 24-hour window.

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

SB: I was thrilled the audiences were as engrossed in our heroine's journey as we were. It was great they were engaged in her story and what she does and doesn't reveal on screen.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

SB: I've enjoyed movies all my life and take every chance to work in video that I possibly can. It was Vitor though who saw that I do a lot of work with theatre and lured me into his short film crews.

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

SB: I've probably seen the original Star Wars trilogythe most, but my favorite movie is Richard Linklater's Boyhood.

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

SB: I love to see behind the scenes and making-of footage and learn from other filmmakers.

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

SB: This was my first time being in the FilmFreeway portal, and the system makes it quick and easy to participate in a variety of festivals.

What is your favorite meal?

SB: I love a good Italian chicken parmesan and spaghetti meal!

What is next for you? A new film?

SB: Absolutely – we are encouraged by this festival embracing our film, and we will make more in the months ahead!