ARTHUR AVE., 9min., USA
Directed by Joey Medina
In a Bronx bar, a clash between traditional Italian-American "wiseguys" and the LGBTQ+ community leads to a confrontation that challenges the characters' preconceptions and the dynamics of power.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to spread a message of kindness and I thought the contrast between the mobsters and gay couple would help do that.

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

Took me about two days to write the script, a month to prepare and 9 hours to shoot. And probably 3 weeks for editing.

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

Beautifully done.

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

Casting the right actors was harder than I thought. An actor pulled out the day of the shoot and I had too give their lines to an other actor and reblock the entire film.

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

I enjoyed it and felt that they understood the film.

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

When I was in fifth grade and I watched a super 8 movie my teacher made with his class the year before. That's why his name is in my end credits of all my films, Morris Chairnow.

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

Rocky, it's my favorite film.

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 think what you are doing is great. Feedback is always welcome even when it's negative, because you learn from that. I submitted the script of Arthur Ave first. It was not selected, and the feed back I recieved from you was it needed at leaset one more page. So the scene in the beginning with the dog was added because of the feedback I received from the festival.

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

I love FilmFreeway, It makes it easy to submit.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love seafood.

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

I'm in preproduction on a short film called, Buddy & the Man. About a Vietnam Vet who has cancel and adopts an old dog no one wants.