Space Trash, 9min,. USA
Directed by James Jarosz
Short film and first installment of web series. A galactic garbage collector picks up a seemingly innocuous piece of space junk but it turns out to be more than he bargained for. This sci-fi action comedy will have you laughing, entertained and wanting more.

https://www.instagram.com/jimbrokenreelpics

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Back in the mid 90s I read an article about space junk and how difficult it was going to be for shuttles and rockets to launch without hitting orbital debris. I was also very interested in the idea of taking an ordinary blue collar job and making it the most dangerous job in the future. The marriage of those two ideas along with my love for 70s and 80s sci fi films became the seed for Space Trash.

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

I came up with the idea and wrote the first draft of Space Trash 30 years ago. About 8 years ago I began preproduction and started filming a year later. I finally finished the final version of the film in December of 2024.

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

Surprising and entertaining.

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

Wow, there were so many unforeseen obstacles that I had to overcome to finish this film including a worldwide pandemic and a natural disaster. But ultimately, time and money would have helped in most cases.

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

I was very pleased. It was great to hear what people outside of the project thought of the film and that they very clearly understood the world I was trying to create. I'm glad that the humer landed and that overall people found it entertaining.

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

I always loved films from as early back as I can remember and was always particularly interested in how they were made. However, When I was in Highschool I made a short animated film that was screened in our school auditorium for the senior class. When the credits rolled and the end I was very nervous as there was total silence. Then the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause. I knew at that moment that I wanted to make movies.

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

Often the movies we watch the most are not necessarily the best movies but rather one that make us happy or inspired or comforted. Big Trouble In Little China, Raiders Of the Lost Ark, and The Fifth Element, were some of these for me.

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

I feel that the biggest or most important elements are exposure, having your film seen by as many people as possible and making contacts with other filmmakers. The experience of a live in person event is a great way to build community and make instant connections with other filmmakers and film lovers.

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

I am new to FilmFreeway but I have found it to be a great and very easy way to share and submit my film.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Just about any meal I don't have to make myself, haha. But I'm a sucker for Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

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

I have so many scripts and ideas for films that I have wanted to make for years. But I have shot two more installments of Space Trash and would love to finish those and continue the story and to completion. Perhaps a Space Trash feature film.