VIOLAR, 26min,. USA, Horror
Directed by Sarah Goras
A young pregnant wife encounters her abusive past and unleashes a sinister presence that puts those around her in danger.

http://www.firedrivefilms.com/
https://instagram.com/firedrivefilms/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Originally, it was supposed to be a proof of concept for a feature screenplay but was not working in the short form so I decided to change some elements including the themes. At the time, I was experiencing difficulties with men in my life and trauma from the past so I decided to incorporate those moments in the film. I've never gone so personal in a film before so I felt vulnerable but liberated to have a voice about those moments. For example, at a gas station, a man shouted at me to smile, just a day after my mom passed. I literally broke down in tears. Even the sexual experiences I had faced with my first serious boyfriend and my ex-husband. After making the film, so much healing took place and what had been taken from now became something I could share that others had related to. And what better way to express pain and trauma than through horror!! It really gave me powerful metaphors for my experiences.

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

I wrote the film in September 2021 and launched pre-production in February 2022. The 26-minute film was shot in 3 days in June 2022. Post-Production took almost 9 months.

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

Control. Liberation.

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

The biggest obstacle was having a film with two genres horror and drama. We had to capture that just right. I would call a moment a drama or horror moment so the pacing, sound, score, and scene cutting would all need to flow within that tone. Getting it right was super important to me to really showcase Ally's experience with the men around her in parallel to the horror she experiences that liberates her.

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

I was so honored and thrilled to hear about the elements they noticed in the film. The things that I worked hard on portraying were pretty recognized. As an artist, it tells me they heard my voice and saw what I was doing within the horror moments. It is quite validating to know I was going in the right direction when following my intuition as an artist to express very personal elements through horror.

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

I first wrote a script when I was about 10 years old and I remember boldly telling my friend at 12, that I wanted to be a director. My brain is a visual story factory operating non-stop since about 5 years old.

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

The Shining.

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

Having connections for the next project is always great to have. I don't know what that would look like though! I do appreciate all the work you put into the festival.

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

It has been 100% amazing.

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

Because of VIOLAR, a producer has brought me on this amazing horror feature film to direct and write. He is very knowledgeable within the business and distribution side and has been a good friend through the years. We are thrilled to have a few potential exciting projects lined up. I will never regret the risks I took and the investments I made to make VIOLAR.