CONNECTION, 21min., USA
Directed by Tom White
A government agent is tasked with interrogating a silent prisoner—but the true danger lies in whether the voice in his head is his own… or something else entirely.

https://instagram.com/twch757

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Depression and a growing understanding of mental health. After becoming homebound due to a rare disease, I was becoming more and more isolated and honestly longing for human connection.

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

I believe I first had the idea to do a sci-fi film, back in 22 after completing my fan film Lex: The Unauthorized Documentary. But the actual story for connection did not hit me until October of last year and we did not complete it until June '25 so approx 8 months.

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

Truly tragic.

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

The way that we had to shoot it. Being homebound, I wasn't able to physically be on set so the way that I made my film was through a combination of live twitch stream, FaceTime, and a Bluetooth speaker I used to speak to my crew and actors on set like Charlie's Angels. So it was different because none of us from myself all the way down to my PAs and any of my actors— no one had ever made a film this way before... but now we have and I'm damn proud of it.

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

it warmed my soul to hear people who do not know me, be able to watch my film that I wrote myself and for them to really get it. Where a spill makers on an Indie level that we get to hear people dissecting our work after really watching it. And honestly, hearing the one reviewer call my film "Nolan-esque" was the highlight of my week.

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

First year in college when I realized as an actor, I wanted more control over how the "story was told" to the audience

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

The Prestige

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 actually thing the full experience of WildSound is great. The audience feedback is great

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your

experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Very positive. I strictly only submit through FilmFreeway.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Pancakes and breakfast sausage.

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

Well, Connection is actually the middle story of a 3 part anthology feature. I'm in the middle of production on Breakthrough, the story that will proceed it and we will shoot the final piece in first quarter of the new year.