SILENT TOKEN, 14min., USA
Directed by Camilla Della Vecchia
When Sonia, a descendant of a secretive law enforcement group becomes the target of a ruthless enemy from the past, she must uncover the truth about her family's legacy. Guarded by the fiercely loyal protector Michael Stone and the powerful coin that she inherited. As danger closes in she must decide whether to stay hidden or embrace her destiny in the fight against corruption.

https://www.instagram.com/silent_token_film

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Ive worked in the film industry for the last 6 years, and for the last few years I've been working full time on a popular widely watched syndicated tv show. That experience inspired me to create a character and develop a short film with a compelling story of my own.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I would say two years from getting the idea to writing, researching, filming, editing and completion. There were even some minor tweaks to the story, script and characters on the days of filming. All in all, it worked out really well. so I'd say two years in total.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It would be the fight scene that is the B roll flashback scene with Sonia, the main character. It was the last shot of our first filming day. After 10 hours of filming I was kind of exhausted from directing and coaching the other actors on their scripts to continue to film. We shot most of the scenes in one day mostly because I had rented the location for a great price and didn't have the funds in my film budget to come back another day. Plus the other actors were coming from far away and they already had full schedules. The lead male character is actually my older brother and he coached me on specific moves on that fight scene. It was tough at first but I quickly learned the moves because of my background as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. We finally got the shots in and were able to move closer to completion.

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

I was very pleased to hear all the positive feedback and I thought to myself wow they're really talking about my short film Silent Token, this is great! All the viewers gave encouraging and helpful feedback.

I especially noticed that one of the viewers caught something that I was trying to convey through the main character and how her personality tied into the overall message of the short film. This actually hit me the next day when I was replaying it all back in my mind.

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

Ever since I was a young, I started making films, I saved up money and bought myself a little Sony hand cam and filmed some short movies, nothing meaningful but mostly for fun. In my teens I worked in a video store. Then after college later on I taught musical theater and film for kids, and there I taught a music video class with my students.

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

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

Well, this is my first film festival as a film maker and everything seems to be going well. One thing comes to mind is, I would like to have some type of zoom festival and be able to attend when it's far away to have some type of red carpet experience.

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

10. What is your favorite meal? It's been a great experience, very organized and helpful.
Grilled salmon with honey Dijon sauce and capers, with a side of steamed broccoli and a baked sweet potato.