SPIRIT DIVE, 5min., USA
Directed by Hugo Wu
Spirit Dive depicts an artist's exploration of self-identity and recollection of childhood's wildness and imagination through fragments of dreams. It captures the elusive nature of the artist's experiences, blurring the boundaries between the past and present, dreams and reality, and confusion and clarity. Utilizing 3D art, virtual production, and abstract avatar design, the film creates a visually captivating experience that brings these concepts to life.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Spirit Dive is my exploration of long lost childhood innocence. Through fragmented dreams and surreal experiences, I dove into the dreams of my childhood and rediscovered my untamed imagination and essence. It is an invitation for audiences to reflect on their own nostalgic dreams and aspirations, encouraging them to embrace the wildness that resides within their hearts.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
From conception to final cut, this project took me around 100 days. Such is the nature of creation - the brewing of inspiration far outweighs the actual making in complexity and duration.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I attempted to combine music video and cinematic storytelling, even imagining extending it into a VR format. But realizing such an ambitious undertaking in a mere three months seemed unrealistic. Much time was spent weighing different presentation modes and concepts.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Seeing the audience's feedback and discussions was truly eye-opening. Their understandings of the symbolic and emotional elements have provided me with many new perspectives to reflect upon for future works.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
In 2019, I first encountered 3D motion design, using CGI software to create intriguing visuals. But at NYU, learning virtual production, I gained a deeper dive into this emerging filmmaking approach through UE5.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Music videos, experimental shorts, and the films of Nolan and Bergman. Those works I've rewatched the most. For an artist, influences are indispensable muses.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Audience and jury feedback is tremendously important for my growth. Such interactions motivate artistic progress. I'm glad Feedback Festival captured genuine audience reactions - the insights have been invaluable.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Yes, submitting projects via FilmFreeway was a smooth process.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Cantonese Dim sum

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes, I'm currently producing a 3D film called Blooming Wild. The creative journey continues.