THE FARMHOUSE, 15min,. Australia
Directed by Luke Creely
A young woman, living alone in an isolated rural farmhouse, is haunted one night by a mysterious entity which forces her to confront her inner demons and traumatic past.

https://instagram.com/_lcfilms

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I have always been drawn to slow-burn horror cinema in the mould of Michael Haneke from Austria. His early films are fascinating explorations of the human psyche. This has inspired me from the beginning of my career. I am also very interested in pain and trauma as key themes in my films. So, my aim was to make a Haneke-style horror film that immerses the viewer and makes them uncomfortable as they observe a character who is alone and grappling with PTSD from a past traumatic event.

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

Roughly twelve months, accounting for the scripting, crowdfunding, pre-production, production and post-production phases.

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

Immersive and unrelenting.

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

Crowdfunding is always a challenge. But I am very grateful to our incredible pledgers for helping us achieve our funding goal and making this film a reality.

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

The audience feedback video was excellent because the members who spoke understood the film and my intentions as director. They "got it". And this means that I did what I needed to do as director. Their interpretations were interesting to listen to as well.

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

As a university undergraduate. I watched Picnic at Hanging Rock at a first-year film course at Monash University and fell in love with Australian cinema, horror cinema, and film in general. After that I started making films with my friends and learnt by getting out there and doing it.

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

Greg McLean's Wolf Creek. I wrote my PhD on it. I know the film so well I could quote it verbatim - dialogue as well as each camera shot/angle.

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

Your festival is one of the best out there. Clear and fast communication, and so many incredible platforms and opportunities for filmmakers to have their work screened and promoted. You really look after your filmmakers. Other festivals should take a leaf out of your book.

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

The platform is easy to navigate, and the interface is well-organised. It's the go-to for filmmakers in the festival phase. FilmFreeway is great.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Mexican. Anything Mexican.

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

I will be launching a horror podcast in the next couple of months where I will provide deep-dive textual and cultural analyses of different horror films and filmmakers. And there may be a film or two coming soon too, but I'll remain tip-lipped on that for now.