DERECK FROM HINGE, 7min., USA
Directed by Jeff Rones
Fresh off a breakup, a young millennial tries her luck on a popular dating app with a gen z.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
As a single twenty-seven-year-old in 2024, I am no stranger to dating apps. Unfortunately, what dating apps promise is a far cry from what they achieve for the people on them. I wanted to channel my frustration into something relatable. Although studies on the impact of mental health and self-esteem from dating apps are out there, active dialogue on how these apps are affecting the users is few and far between. I hope that my film builds awareness on what we actually seek from swiping away our loneliness. Perhaps the commodification of building connection and romance is not actually in our best interest. My hope is that this film allows the audience to dig deeper and laugh at the ridiculousness that is dating apps.
Another aspect that I wanted to incorporate was the generational gap between millennials and generation z. As someone on the cusp of these generations, I find myself caught in the middle. I might frequently use "puppers" to describe cute dogs like Madison, or find myself caught up on TikTok like Dereck, although maybe not on a first date. There is much humor to be found in this dissonance. I believe there are deep issues that both generations find themselves in, but I know the film can only scrape the surface. These issues include a reckoning with the pervasiveness of social media, a worsening housing market, social isolation of a pandemic, and a rapidly changing climate. I hope that my film can start these conversations between generations to reach some common ground.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took me about two hours to complete the first draft of the script, with tweaks afterward after feedback from friends and family. Teaching myself editing software, casting, and site location took me a solid month before filming. The filming lasted about four hours, and postproduction took me close to two weeks.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
This was my very first film, so everything! However, creative writing and acting are things I have experience with, so teaching myself a complicated editing software and camera operation was no walk in the park for me. Also, I knew that I wanted to play Dereck, so acting while also co-directing was definitely a challenge too. However, because I wrote the script, I already knew exactly the kind of character Dereck would be, so that made it easier to make character choices.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Amazement and immense gratitude. It was awe-inspiring to see how much people could relate to my film. Having someone watch this and feel seen is exactly why I wanted to make Dereck from Hinge.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Since I was in high school, I loved making silly videos with my brother and friends. I initially thought I wanted to go to film school, but unfortunately did not make the cut after an interview. But I do believe that it was not my path at that time. Somehow, eight years later as a law student, my love of the creative process returned in the form of this movie. I would not have it any other way.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
That is a tough one. Although not a comedy, I love the film Call Me By Your Name. There is something about this film that is so visually satisfying to me and makes me really feel I am with the characters. As a gay man myself, I found the film so purely honest in its representation of first love.

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 wish all festivals gave out feedback videos! That made this all worth it.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
No complaints yet.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I love a good stir fry.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Hopefully soon! I am currently working on finishing up law school in my last semester and studying for the Bar exam. I released another short in December called The Hiker, and it can be found on my Vimeo page. Thank you so much for this experience!