The Once Upon a Time that Never Was, 3min., Canada
Directed by Deb Ethier
Animated experimental music video for the original song "The Once Upon a Time that Never Was". With words and music by Deb Ethier and sung by Belén Mariscotti, the song evokes those compelling (and often disquieting) moments from childhood fairy tales, challenging our memories of them.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I was an avid reader as a child and devoured volumes of folk and fairy tales, most of them in their original (as in "non-Disney") forms which tended to be dark-ish and sometimes didn't have happy endings. I was fascinated with the idea that the world holds so much more than we see. The song emerged from this, but also the fact that memories (like my memories of that time) are often at odds with the reality.

My interest in traditional Celtic music is, I think, also reflected in the song.

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

Interesting question, the answer to which could be three years or could be one month! I wrote the song in 2022 and recorded it, but it sat around in a basic form until I fleshed it out and had it mastered this year. In the meantime I was developing the layered technique that I ended up using in the finished film.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Evocative. Wistful.

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

At first, finding the right vocalist (but Belen Mariscotti knocked it out of the park!).

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

It's amazing to know that my vision translates well to others!

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

You folks do it right! The reaction videos and interview/podcast opportunities are really helpful with marketing.

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

I've used FF since 2016 and it's always worked well for me, but that's because I do the crucial step of researching a festival before entering it.

What is next for you? A new film?

My standard answer – there's always a new film (or two!).