27 YEARS OLD, 1min., Belgium
Directed by Sandrine Lambert
A vivid memory of 2001, when I was 27, captured in just one minute (everything turned out fine :-)

Get to know the filmmaker:

27 years – Sandrine Lambert

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Every morning I write down a memory. To do so, I try to truly relive it, to bring the details back to mind. This super short film originated from one of my pieces.

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

This film is only one minute long; I worked on it for about a month. I work entirely alone, which allows me to work very intuitively and directly.
At a certain point, I see something in what I wrote down. Then I start brainstorming about the visuals. Next, I create a script board and start looking for music (I also always play the piano for my own films). After that, the drawing begins; that is the biggest part of the work. This film contains about 130 hours of drawing. As I go along, new ideas come to me, which I add to my script board. After drawing, I animate, record or find foley sounds, and then edit.

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

Very analog

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

I find making a film nothing but enjoyable. When the film is finished, I see everything that could have been better. That is always quite a lot :-) I take some time to evaluate and take my own feedback with me to my next film project.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.
What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

Production. Making the film, just being in my world and creating a world of my own, is incomparable to anything.

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

For 25 years, I was busy writing and illustrating children's books. But I have always had a passion for film as well. However, that seemed less feasible, as I have no formal training.

Nevertheless, I have also been creating very simple stop-motion animations for over ten years. I made these to promote my books.

When my son started studying animation, I felt that making a film can resemble making a book. I decided to really do it my way, with the (admittedly substantial) experience I have. I also had to learn new skills, which makes it even more interesting. But I feel that what I do is truly close to my heart.
Going to the movies and film festivals often motivates me enormously; I love this world.

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

The Cook, the Thief, his Wife, and het Lover (by Peter Greenaway)

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

If I could: Aki Kaurismäki :-) I love the atmosphere of his films, and his way of working.

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

Very good! It is a lot of work to find festivals that fit what you do, but everything is well organized.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Vegetarian ramen

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am currently working on an erotic film about people my age (50+). In my paper-cut style, I hope to create something that is lighthearted, even a bit childlike, but that also touches and conveys a message.

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