SEQUOIA SPIRITS, 12min., USA
Directed by Cherie Carson, David Creech
“Sequoia Spirits” is a playful vertical dance film which peers deep into the heart and soul of a Redwood Grove. Under the great canopy of California's majestic coastal giants, we get a glimpse into the elements that bring life to the woods - fire, water and earth.

http://www.upswingaerialdance.org/
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https://www.instagram.com/upswingaerial

Get to know the filmmakers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Cherie- The desire to bring awareness to the beautiful Redwoods and to create and share vertical dance merging art and nature.

David - As an artist and filmmaker, it is great fun as well as a great challenge to combine film with other art forms. It is so satisfying when all the elements come together and magic happens.

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

1.5 years

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

Cherie- Vertical Dance

David- Moving Art

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

Cherie- funding

David- Shooting the film over two days with different lighting and 4 different cameras. Creating a consistent look throughout.

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

Cherie- Wonderfully surprised, happy that it resonated with the audience so well

David- I was pleased to see and hear how much thought went into the viewers answers. I felt proud that they actually felt the way I had hoped they would after watching the film. My definition of successful Art.

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

Cherie- in the early 1990's I was creating site-specific dances in Atlanta. In 1991, I took my first video and film class. It opened my eyes to how creating dance for film would allow more creative expression for my work

David- In an art school in Indiana, 1981, photography class. A film I wrote, directed and "starred in" got first place in a small local film festival. I was hooked ever since.

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

Cherie - Pina - German choreographer Pina Bausch documentary by Wim Wenders

David- Probably "The Wizard of Oz."

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

David- More in-person theater screenings and post screening filmmaker panels. More exposure and networking. Certainly, funding to put towards new film and art projects.

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

Easy and clear

10. What is your favorite meal?

Cherie - Having grown up in San Antonio, TX, My comfort food is always Tex Mex food.

David - I have to go with Southern fried chicken and soulfood.

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

Cherie - Yes, a new dance film. I love taking dance to unique spaces and although these spaces may not be the best places for an audience, through film we all can go there.

David- With my next film I hope to be going back to my roots of making a more narrative-based film. However, I want to keep the freshness and magic and playfulness I have achieved in working with Cherie and her talented dancers.