Midnight Coachmen, 18min., Canada
Directed by Enrico Ferri
A reimagining of the classic fairytale of Cinderella, told from the perspective of a dog and mouse who live as humans until the stroke of midnight disrupts their world.

http://enricoferr.ca/
https://instagram.com/stanleywoodfilms

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
It was a concept that I had come up with when I was in university.
I've always wanted to do a period piece and after getting enough experience producing and directing I felt it was finally a good time to challenge myself in this genre.

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

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The global pandemic and the Canadian grant process both stalled the project multiple times.

Provincial restrictions and closures caused repeated delays, and the grant process left me in limbo—unsure whether to wait and reapply or move forward on my own. In the end, I decided to do it independently. Securing Canadian arts grants is tough—part luck, part timing—and with this project, I had neither.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It's great to see strangers critique your work—sometimes they're more honest than friends or family.
Hearing people talk about the film was especially rewarding because they picked up on many of the things I hoped the audience would notice and enjoy.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
After I failed as an actor.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Problem Child 2.

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 think it would really help filmmakers—especially those just starting out—if festivals gave a short explanation when a film isn't selected.
It would give them a clearer idea of what to improve, instead of leaving them guessing and feeling discouraged.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
For the most part, I enjoy using FilmFreeway. It's organized and detailed. I like how they now have reviews for the festival.
It helps to choose which festivals are the right one for the filmmaker and the project.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Pinot Noir and a Snickers bar.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes. A new short film. Then I'm focusing on getting two feature films off the ground once that is complete.
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