BLOOD IS THICKER, 14min., USA
Directed by Melissa Skirboll
Two sisters living in the same city but completely different worlds reconnect over a meal. A mother suffering dementia pulls them back home but before they can return the trauma of their past must be addressed.

http://www.melissaskirboll.com/
https://instagram.com/melhypnoschick/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I've directed co-star Jeanine Bartel in 3 films prior to this, and in a number of stage plays as well but we had never had an opportunity to act together before this. We'd started talking about the possibility while we were traveling together for a film festival screening for our last short OVERDUE and the idea kind of took on a life of its own.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
From the first time that Jeanine and I started talking about the possibility of working on something together in front of the camera, through to the final edit, probably took about 6 months. However this piece was originally a short play that I wrote and directed a number of years previous. From original conceit as a 10-minute play to finished film was 5 or so years!

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Sister's secrets.
That's not great. Two words is HARD to do!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Once we decided to go for it, I don't think we ran into any real obstacles.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Deliriously happy! Ok maybe a slight exaggeration, but only slightly! Hearing that it resonates, that people enjoy it on so many levels is so gratifying. Plus It's been a while since I stepped in front of the camera, (I started as an actor but have focussed on directing and writing for the past 10 years,) so hearing such positive feedback about both of our performances means a lot. I don't necessarily recommend taking on so many roles simultaneously - and directing yourself is always a challenge - but if you are going to direct yourself, having Jeanine as your scene partner definitely is the way to go!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I think it had been circling in the back of my mind for quite some time. I had moved to Los Angeles in 2002 with the intention of getting more film work (still focusing on acting at that point). I started writing and directing - theater! - while I was in LA ,and once I moved back to NYC that increased substantially. But not having gone to film school, it took a while for me to make the leap. Haven't looked back since though!

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I think it's got to be The Wizard of Oz or Singing in the Rain. Pre-cable those used to run pretty regularly on TV and if I was clicking through the channels and saw either playing I'd definitely stop and watch again!

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? Not sure.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? Pretty easy and seamless. The more experience you get the more you understand how to use it to your advantage instead of letting it turn into a money pit :)

10. What is your favorite meal?
Mmmm. Depends on where I am, what time of year it is, what's fresh, local, interesting....A steamed lobster in New England or barbecue brisket in Texas always hits the spot. B

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I've got two shorts in pre-production at the moment - hopefully you'll see one of them next year! And if all goes well, a feature will be in works for 2026.