FIGHTERS, 4min., USA
Directed by Sam Hall
A deep space research station is under attack from an overwhelming force. Hope arrives in the form of an elite squadron of fighters.

https://www.instagram.com/samgoingwest/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I've spent most of my life helping make other people's stories and I wanted the chance to do something my way.

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

About two years though progress wasn't always consistent.

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

Kinetic action

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

Motivation maybe. It was sometimes a struggle to keep going and sometimes weeks would go by where I didn't touch it. There were technical challenges as well but I mostly enjoy those.

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

I thought it was interesting, especially the reviewer who thought it reminded them of a game of which I'm unfamiliar. Generally I'm just glad it makes sense. That was something I was never quite sure about.

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

May 19, 1999.

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

Batman (1989) for sure.

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 really couldn't say.

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

Much better than I thought festival submission could be. I put it off for a while because I thought it would be harder.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A smoothie consisting of a banana, frozen mangoes, orange juice and vanilla protein powder.

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

- I've been working on a follow up as well as another space project that's much slower and more about the beauty of space and exploration.