CREATURA, 13min., Canada
Directed by Ford Mckeown Larose, Phethsari Pathammavong
If the world were to recreate itself in an empty space, how would new forms of life appropriate this environment? How would they evolve? Through lights and movements, Creatura explores the concept of genesis and evolution in a post-apocalyptic universe.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
The film was inspired by the third season's opening video of Westworld created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. I was really inspired by the story, the aesthetic and the message and wanted to find a way to recreate that feeling. CREATURA is the story I was able to create through that feeling?

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took us two years from the day I had the idea and the finished film.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Since it was my first time writing and directing a short film, the main obstacle I had to overcome was understanding how dance, specifically street dance, translates to the camera. I had to find the proper way to maintain the essence of Boogaloo, Popping and Waving without having the dance overshadow the story.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was really happy that people with different perspectives could feel, live and experience the story the way I intended it to be. It makes me feel that the work of our whole team was a success. I was honored to have my film compared to Thriller by Michael Jackson twiice. It meant a lot.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
For as far as I remember, I've always been fascinated by movies, series and anime. Often left by myself at home when I was a kid, I would get hypnotized by the stories on screen and could stay in front of the TV for hours. Even though I watched a lot of movies, it's really through the process of making CREATURA that I fully realized how deep my love for movies was. Its a love I want to nurture and I'm curious to see what are the next stories I'll be able to create.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I think the Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson and Matrix by the Wachowski's sister are the two movies I've seen the most times in my life. Masterpieces in my opinion.

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 think the festival is pretty complete and gives the audience and filmmakers an authentic experience as well as wide exposure.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I had a great experience overall. The platform made it simple for me to understand how to apply for a film festival and the rules and explanations about the festival are clear and detailed.

10. What is your favorite meal?
It's called "riz sauce pois blanc" which means rice topped with white beans sauce. It's a typical haitien dish. It usually comes with a side of meat but can be eaten without.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
We're planning on adapting the film into a full length dance work (about 55m) that will include part of the film. I'm also working on my next short film.