GOSSAMER, 21min., UK
Directed by Hamish Sturgeon
Set between glamour and decay, Gossamer explores identity, memory, and transformation through a character caught between survival and self-expression. As past and present blur, a fragile alter ego emerges, revealing the delicate threads that hold a life together.

https://www.instagram.com/hamishgsturgeon

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I've always been interested in stories about identity and the parts of ourselves we keep hidden. Gossamer came from a desire to explore loneliness, self-acceptance, and the fragile line between who we are and who we wish we could be. I wanted to create something intimate that invited the audience to experience those emotions rather than simply observe them.

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

From the initial idea to the finished film was approximately a year. The script evolved over several drafts before we shot over three days, followed by many months of editing, sound design, music, and festival preparation.

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

Quietly haunting.

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

Independent filmmaking is always a balancing act between ambition and resources. We had a very small team, limited time, and a modest budget, so every decision mattered. The biggest challenge was making sure the emotional truth of the story never got lost despite those practical limitations.

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

It was incredibly rewarding. As filmmakers, we spend so much time wondering whether audiences will connect with what we're trying to say. Hearing people discuss the themes, performances, and emotional impact reminded me that film is ultimately a conversation between the filmmaker and the audience, and it's a privilege when that conversation resonates.

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

I've loved storytelling for as long as I can remember, but working as an actor made me realize I wanted to tell stories from behind the camera as well. Directing and writing allow me to create worlds, collaborate with talented artists, and explore ideas that stay with people long after the credits roll.

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

Probably classics like Terms of Endearment/Out of Africa

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

One of the most valuable aspects of festivals is connecting filmmakers with one another and with industry professionals. More opportunities for networking, roundtable discussions, and conversations with distributors, producers, and programmers are incredibly valuable. Building lasting creative relationships is often just as important as screening the film itself.

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

FilmFreeway has been an excellent platform. It's intuitive, easy to navigate, and has made the submission process far more accessible for independent filmmakers. It simplifies what used to be a very complicated process.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A traditional Sunday roast with family and friends. Being British, it's hard to beat.

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

I'm currently developing several projects. I've written a feature screenplay called Evensong, a stage play titled The Night Anonymous, and a television pilot called The Towers. I'm excited to continue directing while also expanding my work as a writer, and I hope Gossamer is just the beginning of a much longer filmmaking journey.