Hover City, 22min., Canada
Directed by Stephen Angelo Puiia
Hover City is a prequel to the 2017 novella, Lucky Duck Cola. Everyone in Hover City is getting high-fived by their favourite celebrity, Blaine The Block Bronson--that is everyone except for his most devoted and loyal fan. This man will stop at nothing to experience, the hero, Block Bronson's patented high five. Hover City addresses the corrosive nature of narcissism within the individual and throughout society. It is a one man show, starring the producer Stephen Puiia, and is a comedic-horror.

https://www.hovercitymedia.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hovercitymedia

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I've always wanted to make a film. In the past I published a novel. It gave me the feeling you get when you go to the store to buy a shirt but leave with a pair of shoes. I liked my new shoes but still needed a shirt.

After writing the novel I moved to China for 8 years. When I came back I wanted to get my old friends together to make a movie like we did when we were younger. I didn't get any takers for this. So I felt compelled to make my own movie.

The need to accept myself motivated me to make this film. At the time I made it I was trying to deal with a romantic rejection that deeply confused and affected me. The film was a means of processing emotions related to that relationship and the alienation I experienced while living in China.

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

It took about two years. I played around with the ideas for about four months, built the props and wrote the script over a couple of months, filmed and edited over 3-4 months. Post production for music, sound mixing, and all the rest took about a year.

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

Profile narcisism

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

Finding collaborators was the most difficult part. Also, learning to edit was challenging. I was 37 when I made this and it was my first film. When I was younger my friends and I would create videos that we would script and act in. It was easier to find collaborators back then.

When I came back from China, most of my friends had moved on with that part of their career or had other priorities. Also, the social environment now is potentially less forgiving to an individual who would show themselves film like this than it was 15 years ago. It was a difficult conclusion to come to—that I would play all of the roles and edit the film.

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

It was really gratifying. I've never had an experience like it really. My previous work was a book and the thing about books is that you can't see your audience react while they are reading it. I loved that process but it was disappointing in that way. This was the first time I got to see audience feedback from something I produced creatively.

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

I think I wanted to when I was young, like 14 or 15. I pursued it a little bit when I was in my early and mid twenties but not in a sustained or organized way. I always knew I would do this though. Just when the time was right.

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

The Princess Bride

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

This is only the third festival I have participated in so I don't have much to compare against or base feedback on. So far my experience has been great.

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

The experience has been really great.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Lasagna

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

In a month I am releasing a text book on mindfulness. I am currently building the props for Hover City 2 which I should start filming later this year.