MUSIKA, 5min., USA
Directed by Alberto Herrera
A delightfully harmonic tale of the origin of music

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

As a sickly child with panic attacks, I would have many episodes of fever induced dreams. As a five year old with a vivid imagination, I would see things that were not there. This is a manifestation of those dreams.

Músika was one of those fever induced dreams. A story I told and retold to myself many times. Sweaty hands, heart palpitations, and a desire to erase the cutting feeling in the palms of both hands.

I remember how my mother would hold me and cradle me until my attacks would go away. In one of those attacks, my mother placed a crayon in my hand and forced my hand to a newspaper. It felt as if angels were singing, followed by a soothing and peaceful feeling. I drew and drew, and to this dayI have a desire and a need to create every day.

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

As an adult in my 40's, I decided to to write and illustrate Músika, a children's book. After retiring from a successful art teaching job, I decided to be tutored in animation. The animation film took 6 months to produce. I wrote all original music, played all the instruments, sang, and did the voiceover on the film.

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

Harmonic Tale.

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

My biggest obstacle in completing the film was my lack of knowledge in animation. I am now 70 years old, and retired from teaching. I am painting and creating every single day, just like my mother wanted me to.

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

My initial reaction when watching the audience talk about my film and how simplistic the animation was, so that children could understand, as intended. How the film touched on life and nature with a cultural connection. The mention of hieroglyphics gave me a sense of satisfaction knowing I had succeeding in conveying my culture through the animation.

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

Very recently, although I have always envisioned my artwork in motion, but now that I had the time, I wanted to chase that dream and make it a reality.

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

The Wizard of Oz.

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 am still new to this whole field, but potentially more publicity if possible.

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

My experience working through the site was good, as everything was easy to understand and it was easy to submit.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Rack of lamb.

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

I am writing a sequel to Músika, which I hope to also make into a film. I am an award winning painter and hopefully in the future an award winning song writer, so I will continue to hone my craft. You can find my artworks and my music on Facebook, Alberto Herrera, and on Spotify, Loco Beto, respectively. And I can also be contacted via email, [email protected].