The Story of Marjan the Bunny, 3min., Slovenia
Directed by Mitja Man?ek
Marjan the bunny was the first pet of little Mitja, which was named after his dad. One day boy found an empty cage and he didn't know where the bunny had disappeared.

http://www.mancekmitja.si/en/Films/ProfessionalYears/TheStoryOfMarjanTheBunny/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

In 2016 I made a film "Self-portrait" and I felt that there was something missing, but I didn't want to make another self-portrait, instead I decided to make a portrait of my pet, where I can play a significant role. I also felt obligated to let people know that the family where I come from, was not so perfect as it seemed from the outside. Financial support from our national television was also very important, but the main thing that motivated me, was my belief that this could be a good film, because I told the story to other people and I saw them having high emotional reaction to it.

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

The main story got stuck in head for 30 years before the film was released to the public. The first idea about making the film out of it was around September 2021, when I had a conversation about it with a local sculptor. I spent two weeks in February 2022 making a screenplay, storyboard, a financial and shooting plan and other materials to apply for funds. The realization took time from mid-September 2023 to end-March 2024.

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

Intense & Real

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

I didn't experience any real obstacles until the very last day of realization, when I received a very strong criticism from Slovenian national television accusing me of breaking our contract and that I should remake basically the whole film. Instead of doing that, I started sending my film to various film festivals and to Slovenian Film Archives to secure its place in history. Television later softened their approach but still censored the raw meat sequence, as they said it was inapropriate to show it to any audiences at any time.

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

My initial reaction was smile. It was very nice to see all of these people talking about my film and I'm very grateful for their feedback and engagement. I would also like to thank to the audience for their vote.

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

Making films was a very natural progression from making comics and music, because I could merge them both into an animated film. The main inspiration for me to get involved in filmmaking was first Slovenian feature-length animated film "Socialization of a bull?", that was made in 1998. I started drawing my first film the same year as a 10 years old boy.

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

Socialization of a Bull?, Bugs Bunny Films, Coffin Joe Trilogy, South Park Films

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

The most satisfying experience that could further my filmmaking career at this point in time would be receiving a monetary award.

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

I'm glad how simple it is to submit my films to various film festivals. I wish more festivals were on FilmFreeway.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Raw fish.

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

I am planing to create a new film based on comics that I drew for magazine of Slovenian fishermen.