serpentine, 19min., USA
Directed by Annie Young, Madeline Mack
After leaving an abusive relationship, a woman seeks refuge with a trauma treatment facility that promises healing. But as she learns more about their treatment methods, she starts to realize that the organization's motivations may be far more sinister than they seem.

Get to know the filmmaker Annie Young:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

In my 20s, I was in a deeply toxic relationship with someone who spent most of his childhood in a cult. After I managed to leave the relationship, I started to see the parallels between the way I was treated and the ways in which cult leaders attract and keep their followers. I started to take a deep dive into learning about various different cults, consuming as much information I could find. The film was made as an attempt to understand my own experiences, and how easy it is for a vulnerable person to find themself in a situation not dissimilar to this one. There's much judgment placed on those who experience emotional abuse and psychological manipulation, as if it's easy to identify in real time, so I was curious how I could portray that feeling to an audience and perhaps elicit some of those emotions in themselves.

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

I wrote the first draft of this in December 2022, and we shot in June 2023. With post production, the film was completed at the beginning of June 2024.

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

Insidious + Unnerving

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

I am based in NY, so setting up production in another state was a challenge. It was important to me to use as many local filmmakers as possible, and to prioritize working with womxn/non-binary filmmakers. We found a fantastic crew who were predominantly based out of Albuquerque.

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

Feedback can always be intimidating to receive, but is so essential for creative growth. I was pleased to hear the feedback received, and I look forward to applying it to the feature-length version.

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

I grew up in LA, so I've always been around film. My father was a cinematographer and I grew up going to sets, I think it was something I fell in love with fairly early on. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be involved in the film industry, starting off solely through acting. As I've grown older, I've expanded and taken up writing as well. I love movies, and I'm grateful to be able to express my creativity in this way.

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

That's a tough question! I think I watched 'Paper Moon' quite a bit when I was younger, and I revisited many Ingmar Bergman films throughout my angsty 20s. My mum and I always watch 'Love, Actually' at Christmas -- so perhaps that's the one I've seen the most?

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'm always looking for people to collaborate with. Whether it's as a writer or an actor, I love meeting new people and working with fellow creatives to craft a story. I started my career solely as an actor and wrote this film as a vehicle to do what I love while exploring my own experience. I'd love to continue connecting with other creators to foster a larger artist community.

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

It's been pretty easy! FilmFreeway is a great resource.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love Japanese food generally, so probably sushi or maybe a Japanese curry.

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

I'm currently developing the short into a feature, so that's my main focus. I took some space from the project for a while, but am now back in full force. I also have a treatment for a mini series that I'd love to shoot some day. I'm continuing to audition as well, so who knows where this next year will take me. I look forward to finding out!