HEIRLOOM, 11min., Canada
Directed by Marilyne Lamontagne
Etienne confronts the crushing pressure of generational expectations and masculinity of their inheritance home as they seek emancipation in the wilderness. Etienne's trans identity is an experiential audible journey amidst chaos and spontaneity.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Heirloom was a project I carried with me for a while. It's about emancipation, it's about shedding what is holding us back and the complex reality of our legacy as queers, trans and disrupters of the family legacy. It was important to make a film that was speaking to that from a sensorial standpoint. To show not just the intellectual journey we all go through, but rather to express how does it feel to experience it.

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

It took about 2 years. Post-production took way longer than I expected. The film shaped itself in the editing process.

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

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

Having confidence that this story and its tone had an audience. I struggled to believe that a non-verbal, highly sensorial experience, that sits outside of genre could find its place.

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

It got me very excited to hear an audience talk about it. Even though you sit through feedback from friends, family, peers, nothing quite hit like a feedback session from your actual audience. It is uplifting and I am extremely grateful for the feedback.

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

I guess filmmaking specifically would be 5 years ago now. I studied as a playwright in university, and worked in Animation production for many years. The transition to live action was obviously the next step!

I think seeing Manifesto really convinced me of the medium and it's possibility.

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

I would put on top of that list Dogtooth from Lanthimos.

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

This festival is being extremely helpful and getting material "extra" to help the lgbtqia film get traction and that is the most important thing!! So I am very happy for that to be accessible. Thank you. I didn't realize all the possibility this festival offered.

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

The platform is really easy to use. It's been great.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Right now I would have to say Brazilian meat!

11. What is next for you? A new film
Yes. I am working on financing a queer grounded sci-fi limited series, and currently in development on a coming of age feature film as well!