OBSERVER, 8min., USA
Directed by Dylan Powers
When contact is lost with Samuel Harth, the Algan Space Corporation look into his memories to see what unfolded during a mission to Planet COR-73, unraveling a cosmic mystery in the process.

http://www.dylanpowersfilm.com/
https://instagram.com/powersofdylan

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I was inspired by the film "The Backrooms" and felt that I could create a film of a similar style with my own unique take on the found footage genre. I love experiences of any kind with incredibly immersive atmospheres, and I'm a huge gamer as well. I had been creating projects in Unreal Engine 5 as personal practice for myself already, so I felt that making another completely digital film like OBSERVER would give me an opportunity to create something special that felt a bit like a blend of a film and a game.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
In total, probably around 9-10 months of work from start to finish.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Keeping the viewer immersed in the first person perspective and the many techniques needed to make that happen. Right alongside this, discovering how best to communicate the narrative through the environment the protagonist explores in the film was tough, especially in a way that keeps the pacing of the film feeling good. Finding the balance of all of this was the most difficult part of the process.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was happy to have the reaction videos and I enjoyed hearing their thoughts on the films! I wished the viewers talked in more detail about why they liked what they liked and I would have appreciated hearing something they didn't like, or felt could be better as well.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I've known I wanted to make films and games since I was about 10 years old.

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

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
The audience reactions offering is great! I would love to see this be expanded upon to increase how useful it is for the filmmaker. First off, more people would be helpful. The descriptions of this audience video suggests a "crowd," but in reality it is only 4 or 5 people. Any feedback is great, heavily valued, and much appreciated no matter how small, however I imagine I'm not the only filmmaker that expected more than what it was after how marketed this element of the festival was. Secondly, I would love for them to go a little more in detail about what they enjoyed, and feel comfortable enough to even say something they wish was different.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Good! I enjoy the simplicity of FilmFreeway a lot. I think it's a great site where I can do what I need to do.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Biscuits and Gravy

11. What is next for you? A new film?
It may be another film, or I may finally look into making a game. I haven't decided yet, but I will absolutely be continuing to create in the near future!