DRIFTEEN, 33min., USA, Drama/Adventure
Directed by Matthew McDuffie
In the 1990s, a pair of queer teenage girls run away from their troubled homes together in search of love and adventure and freedom and find much more than they bargained for on the highways of the American West.

Director Statement
Drifteen was created as a class at the University of New Mexico's Film and Digital Arts Department, the heads of every department, from the production office to camera, G&E, art, sound and post, and every position in-between were students -- even a writers' room was created and staffed by UNM students and recent alumni; a total of seven episodes have been written so far.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My wife ran away from home when she was 15, I always admired that -- and was terrified for her at the same time.

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

About 2 years.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Love Story.

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

Not enough time in the editing room.

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

Pride in that they appreciated the truth in the relationships – and the honesty in the performances.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

High school.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

A tie between Best Years of Our Lives and Ordinary People.

What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Even more feedback!

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

Top notch.

What is your favorite meal? Really?

Shrimp and garlic.

What is next for you? A new film?

Yes! We shot another for our program last summer, and we're shooting something brand new in June 2023.