THE HUNTED, 23min., USA
Directed by Josh Harum
A suspense thriller set in the world of doomsday preppers. John, a devoted follower, joins Gary, a conspiracy theorist Youtube personality, to establish an off-the-grid commune called the 'True Way.’ When nothing changes in the world, John’s commitment to the cause wavers, leading to betrayal, paranoia, and finally a fatal confrontation.

https://instagram.com/joshherumdp

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

- I really wanted to make a thriller because I hadn't done one yet. I started writing around the idea of a hunter who appears to be pursuing a deer but is actually hunting a man. The question is, why? That's when I started thinking about placing the story in a doomsday prepper community. I have relatives that deeply believe in conspiracy theories, which has caused significant division in my family. As a director, I wanted to present both sides without bias, avoiding labeling one side as wrong or stupid, while also showing the struggles and conflicts it can cause between loved ones. With that said I had a decade of the information, lingo, systems, likes and dislikes regarding a niche community that is growing year by year.

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

- One month of writing, one month of seeking financing, one month of pre-production, a three-day shoot at the property with a fifteen-person crew, one pickup day with a splinter crew, and six months of post-production. So around nine months total.

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

- BLIND TRUST

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

- Finances not allowing for more production days. Not enough time.

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

- I think it was the first time I've been able to hear a review of my films longer than a sentence, so I really enjoyed it.
My initial reaction was just excitement about all the positive feedback they offered.

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

- I started in still photography at age 14 but it wasn't until I was living in China in 2014, at age 23, when I upgraded to a new DSLR that had 1080p video capability. I made a twenty minute documentary that won three awards at the Suzhou International Film Fest, earning me $800 USD. After that, I never looked back.

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

- Probably The Matrix. I was 10 years old when it was released and watched it when it came out on VHS and DVD. I was probably too young for it but I think I watched it over 25 times in the following five years.

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 Hunted was submitted to over thirty-five festivals which cost nearly $3000 and it only screened at five. I really wish every single festival jury would provide a one-to-two-sentence reason for not accepting a film. That way filmmakers can learn what they need to work on and pursue for their next film to be more widely accepted.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Filmfreeway is simple and I have used it for every one of my short-films going back a decade now.

10. What is your favorite meal?
A turkish dish called Manti, my mom made for my birthdays as a kid.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I just launched a commercial and film studio, www.currentcine.com, where we produce both documentary and narrative films.
I have been working on a coming of age feature length script for 2024-2025. Now I have a solid draft so I hope to find financing for it and direct my first feature.