LITTLE DRUMMER BOY, 15min., USA, Drama
Directed by Sam Moore
In this romantic, short film, Donielle is stressed out and tired of the constant flirtation from her co-worker, Terrel and her passive aggressive boss, Mr. Smith. She runs into skater boy, Jake, who takes her on an adventure of a lifetime involving a drum set and breaking into an auditorium. Crazy right? It is, but sometimes cray helps one set life back on the right beat. Can meeting Jake open Donielle's eyes to know what it truly means to live?

Director Statement
Lights! Camera! Action! Three words that describe the REEL excitement brewing in me as I am becoming a dynamic, African American, female filmmaker, who aims to add value to the world through visual storytelling. Entertainment helped me soar with the stars. Now, it is my time to use my diverse voice to lift others even higher!

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My motivation to write this film was based on true events in my life. I was having a really hard day and it felt like nothing was going right. I had a flat tire, I had a tough conversation with a professor that morning, and it felt like no one had the right words to say to me at the moment. Once I got home, I got on social media and saw a video of a guy playing the drums with his whole heart. The genre of music wasn't my taste but seeing his passion helped me get through the day. After that, I immediately picked up a pen and started writing.

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

I started writing this project in October 2021 pre-production through December 2021 - January 2022, production in February 2022, and post - production from March - August 2022.

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

Eye-opening

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

My biggest obstacle I faced was probably understanding that your film will change three times throughout the entire process. It was hard adjusting each part of the process when I had my ideas already locked in my head, but each change I made helped the film overall.

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

It felt AMAZING! It's one thing to enter into festivals, but it's another to actually listen to people from all over the world talk about your baby.

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

I started doing videography in college, but that passion quickly expanded once I realized that I wanted to make pieces that had a storyline to them. I longed for a bigger purpose.

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

The Grinch! Jim Carry is the elite Grinch and I'll watch that film anytime of the year!

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 would love it if other festivals could have a feedback process similar to this. I appreciate listening to others opinions!

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

It was such an easy process!

10. What is your favorite meal?

Philly cheesesteak and mild wings will do the soul justice!

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

Currently, I am working towards bringing another script to life! The goal is to push my creativity and never give up on my dreams of being an amazing writer/director.