SHAMDEMONIUM, 6min., USA
Directed by Grace Ann Rathbun
SHAMDEMONIUM is a music video style narrative short film that follows young aspiring actor Barb as she leads up to her final moments alive and her time in the After Life.

https://instagram.com/graceannimation

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to make something that was fun to create and fun to watch! I leaned into the music video aspect as that allowed me to focus on the parts I love (animation, compositing, editing). The theme of exploitation within the entertainment industry is something I've wanted to explore for a while now. As I still draw closer and closer to entering the machine of corporate art I still didn't know what it meant to make art for yourself. Not really. But miraculously enough it was while I was making this film I realized what it was that made me continue creating! I've always been a fake it until you make it person and when I had been a good 3/4ths into finishing SHAM I learned the very lesson I was wanting to teach my audience. It's not until you strip yourself from expecting praise from your higher ups do you finally value your talent. Ignore the label of "good or bad art" latched onto you by those who see you as replaceable, and the path to a valuable artistic existence will reveal itself.

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

This took me a total of 10 months to finish. Specifically 4 months for the animation.

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

WHATS HAPPENING?

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

Definitely the deadline! As my student thesis film it had to fit into the two semester timeline, but had I had more time I'd make it even more grand and intricate.

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

I always love the "I don't really know what I just watched but it was cool!" perspective. It was always my intention to make it confusing in a way that draws the viewer back again and again. But even for those that don't want to rewatch I'm always happy they still had a good time.

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

I want to work in an artistic industry where the finished project is fulfilling for each individual. But having gone to school I found a deep satisfaction for finishing large pieces by myself. While hope to find enjoyment in the large industry I hope to continue creating individual projects and staying familiar with the festival scene.

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

undoubtedly 10 Things I Hate About you triumphs, but Sinners is the latest one that I have on constantly!

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 am already blown away by the effort of this festival! If anything more networking opportunities but I won't be able to attend this year so I'm not too familiar with everything.

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

incredibly easy! I was so intimidated starting out but the site itself takes most of the stress away and allows you to enjoy the festivals you do make it into.

10. What is your favorite meal?

anything Thai

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

I like the idea of striving for a smaller project, maybe 1-2 minutes, for the circuit later in the year!