Smile for the Dead, 54min., USA
Directed by Hamilton Young Ward
True crime meets the paranormal as "Smile for the Dead" uncovers the eerie mystery of William H. Mumler's spirit photography and his ghostly portraits that baffled the 1800s. This documentary investigates Mumler's techniques and why society so needed him in the post Civil War era.

https://www.309filmsllc.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ham_on_vvry

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I love a good mystery and this one was particularly challenging to follow the threads of it. The more I learned about it, the more i wanted to share this story and mystery out to the world.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The idea for a film happened back in college but I didn't feel ready until years later. I wanted to be able to tell this story properly. When I first decided to make the film though, it took a little over a year for everything.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It's a boring answer but funding. Funding is always a huge obstacle in films and it was no different for this.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was extremely nervous about it but my producer said I really needed to see it and was extremely touched when I saw the reactions.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Senior year of college. I started off as a photographer but realized I could tell the types of stories that I wanted to better through film.

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

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's been great so far!

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

10. What is your favorite meal?
Cold handcut french fries from the day before, with a hot cup of coffee and fresh bacon. Weird but it's one of my favs.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
A new film or a continuation of this. I feel like there's still more for me to explore.

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