BAGS, 29min,. Canada
Directed by Mitch Ray
Jamie Gascoigne's daily routine is disrupted one morning by his roommate Korey in their living room, still up from the night before with his musician friend Brody. Despite his displeasure with this development, his passive aggressive nature prevents him from confronting the issue in any meaningful way. What starts as a minor annoyance descends into a nightmarish daily reality as the events around him trigger things within him that he's tried to repress and unlock things within him that he never realized were there in the first place.

https://www.instagram.com/bags.short.film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The first time I met Mark McGee a few years ago he was staying at Kevin's apartment - the same one in the film - and he emerged from his sleep and immediately cut into this deadpan bit as the passive aggressive roommate. Essentially the first scene in the film but with the roles reversed. That bit eventually served as the catalyst for the premise and the simple comedic premise of an untenable living arrangement lends itself effectively and authentically to a myriad of scenarios and social dynamics that confront uncomfortable and relatable issues, such as addiction, sexuality and repression.

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

A total of 18 months. We shot the film about 6 months after the concept was borne. The shoot was one week. We edited over the course of several months whenever Rob and I were both available and sound design and mixing was done over the course of a couple months. We released the film about a year after we shot it.

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

Honest. Therapeutic.

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

Financial constraints. This was a self-funded project. I worked 50 to 60 hour weeks in a meat freezer to raise the funds. I'm also fortunate to have a close group of friends and artistic collaborators who went above and beyond for this project. Especially Rob. Without their time and talents this simply would not have been possible.

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

It made me smile. It's nice to see people's thoughtful analysis of your own film. I've also really enjoyed seeing which aspects of the film have resonated with or provoked certain people.

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

I had two dreams as a youth. One was to make films. The other was to be a rapper.

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

As a kid, probably Hook or Jurassic Park. As an adult, I think one film I keep coming back to is Once Upon a Time in the West. And I still watch Hook and Jurassic Park.

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 can't think of anything to critique for your festival. The whole experience has been rather enjoyable so far.

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

It's a great site that functions extremely well.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I'll go with the food my grandma makes every day. Black beans, rice and carne moída.

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

I have five film concepts that I'd like to delve into. Funds and timing will determine which route we end up taking.