NARCISS, 6min., Germany
Directed by Annekatrin Meyers
Narciss, who falls in love with its own reflection, becomes consumed by self-love and finds its tragic end by turning into flowers.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Myths and ancient stories inspire me greatly because they are timeless and applicable to so many themes in our modern lives. I was already familiar with the story of Narcissus, but it wasn't until I saw a painting in an exhibition depicting him surrounded by flowers as he dies on a meadow that I discovered Ovid's Metamorphoses for myself - a true treasure trove of visual poetry.

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

For many years, I had the image in my head of flowers taking possession of a woman, but I never knew how to achieve it without special effects. Then I thought to myself: Why not do it the old-fashioned way, with stop-motion? From that realization, it only took a few months to implement. The most time-consuming part was ultimately obtaining the music rights. That took six months.

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

Sadly beautiful.

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

I mentioned earlier that obtaining the music rights was very demanding. The band was immediately enthusiastic about me using their music for the film, but communication with the German authority responsible for granting music rights proved to be very difficult and slow.

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

I was touched and incredibly happy that what I wanted to convey was communicated even without language. It's so wonderful to receive direct feedback from real people. These feedback videos are a great gift.

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

In my art studies, I actually stumbled into film as a minor by chance. During that time, I interned as a director's assistant on a well-known German crime series. That's when I got a taste for it.

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

Gattaca by Andrew Nichols - my all time favourite movie.

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

Your festival is truly wonderful and unique because it's so personal. Generally I would appreciate more personal contact with festivals when one is in the final selection. It often remains quite anonymous and you don't know how many people or who exactly will get to see your films. For non-online festivals I would hope to be invited for the screening if my film is in the program.

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

The platform makes it significantly easier to submit films to festivals. Furthermore, I am always kept up to date on which festivals are currently accepting submissions. What definitely should be improved is the transparency of festivals that are on FilmFreeway.
For example one usually doesn't know how big the audience is or under what conditions the films will be shown.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I believe no German could do without German bread. Of all the bakery specialties "Brezen" (pretzels) are my favorite. Although it's not a dish just a food item it's simply always a good choice

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

Of course ;-)