WEASEL, 2min., Mexico
Directed by Hisham Iyad Hajir

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I would like to get rid of a lot of the clutter in my house, but I don't know how. The film peers into an alternate reality where technology provides a solution to this problem.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
About a year and a half. There were many empty periods of time where it wasn't actively being worked on.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I initially had two producers for the project. I believed that only one was needed for this film, but two were chosen so that it was a less burdensome task for each. In the end, both dropped out at different times during pre-production due to mental health issues and I had to produce the rest of the project myself, which meant that I couldn't focus on directing as much as I would've liked.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I liked how they understood the film. Since it's an extremely short film about an inexistent technological gadget, then the film didn't only need to tell the story in its short runtime, but also establish and explain what the device is and how it works. I was happy that the audience wasn't confused by the film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I would say around middle school. I wouldn't always agree with some of the creative decisions made in the films that I saw, so I learned filmmaking to know how I could do things differently.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Toy Story 2 would always be playing in my house during the weekends for reasons unknown, so I believe it would win easily.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Ways to connect with people in the industry that could help us further develop our current project, create our next project, or find a bigger project to collaborate on.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It's great. I just wish it had more filter options. Not all festivals are right for your project.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Fast-Food Hamburger Meals.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I would like to rest for a bit and enjoy the festival circuit. The process took a toll on me since I performed many of the different roles. I would like some time to gather myself before deciding what to do.