FIRE IN MY BELLY, 5min. USA
Directed by Steven Speliotis
Richard was in his recording studio playing his guitar when he suddenly found himself in a cold sweat lying on the floor.

Get to know the filmmaker;

1. What motivated you to make this film?

When my friend Richard told me his heart stopped for 19 seconds

it took a minute to realize what that experience really meant.

My first question was: How did this experience change your life?

I really wanted to know his answer.

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

It took an evening to talk and do a pre-interview and a day to film. and it took a couple weeks of editing and re-editing to get it to where I was happy with the story..

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

second chance

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

Richard has lived a very colorful life and there was so much information to go through in our interview...

The Biggest Obstacle was to keep the story simple and on point with his heart stopping for 19 seconds and why he is recording his songs.

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

I listened very closely to what each person felt and what was their biggest take-away.

And was pleased to know Richard's story had a positive impact. People who don't know Richard were impressed with his determination and positive attitude to keep on living after experiencing a near death experience.

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

My "Documentary Filmmaker Antenna" is always up for a good story - So, as soon as Richard told me his heart stopped for 19 seconds I knew this was a story that needed to be told.

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

"A Wonderful LIFE" - on repeat at Christmas Time... lol

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Getting our films seen by others is great. feedback is wonderful and much appreciated.

Getting the right eyes on our films is even more important. Most filmmakers have a passion to work in the film industry, so learning how to produce and raise money for our next BIG project would be helpful knowledge to have.

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

FilmFreeway is like striking gold... The website is very organized,
easy to navigate and with a little research filmmakers
can find the festivals that fit a specific niche ...

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

My next film is to expand on "Fire In My Belly".

To capture Richard and his band-mates making the album...

Making his dream come true.

My approach will be part Verite with minimal sit down interviews.

I want to be the fly on the walland capture the recording session as it happens and to get some of the BTS stories that might not otherwise be told.