As Long As You Want, 22min., Canada
Directed by Matt Santos
For as Long as You Want is a tender, conversation-driven short film about two actors, Liz and Brad, running lines in a quiet basement one afternoon. What starts as a simple rehearsal slowly turns into something deeper as they begin to open up about their relationships, their dreams, and the things they’re afraid to admit out loud. Liz is in a relationship that no longer feels right, with someone who doesn’t really see her. Brad’s charming, grounded, and unexpectedly honest. As they talk, laugh, and share food, the connection between them grows easy, real, and a little bit electric. With Liz’s train out of the city approaching, she has to decide whether to go back to the life she’s been trying to make work, or stay in this moment just a little longer. Quiet, raw, and full of heart, For as Long as You Want is about timing, chemistry, and the things we don’t plan for.

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https://youtu.be/UZNG6ma6O0I

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Many things. I had been wanting to make a film for a while, that unlike my previous ones, I would actually release. Unfortunately, I didn't have access to any equipment beyond my iphone and a couple of mics. Being a big fan of Richard Linklater's Before trilogy and the way in which its entirely conversation driven, I figured I could do something similar, except have it all take place in one intimate location. The story itself is very closely based on a real experience that I've had, and so the main goal became to capture that feeling of connecting with another person. Lastly, my co-star, the amazingly talented Liv Corriveau, had directed a riveting romantic drama called "When You Come Over" in which we discovered that we have natural chemistry on screen. I wanted to make something that would be complimentary to her film, but different in that the characters get a happy ending. I like to think that our films are perfect for being watched back to back.

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

Roughly five days. I got home after a lunch meeting feeling very inspired and wrote the script in a couple of hours. The next day I decorated the set, my basement, and tried to give it a specific colour palette. The next day we spent about 16 hours shooting. The final two days were spent with my eyes locked onto the computer screen as I edited non-stop.

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

Human Connection.

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

The biggest obstacle I faced in making this film was being both behind and in front of the camera. A lot of time was spent running back and forth trying to figure out the shots. I have never received any formal training in the technical aspects of filmmaking, but I did major in cinema studies in University. However, my vision for this film did take into account my lack of technical skills and equipment, and thus the final product ended up fitting the vision very closely.

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

The feeling was indescribable. Knowing that these lovely people that I am not acquainted with took the time to watch my film and analyze it means the world to me. It was especially interesting to hear that a different aspect of the film stood out to each of them.

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

I always wanted to be an actor, and I always loved writing. I started making little homemade films when I was about five, and they grew more elaborate as time went on.

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

It feels like I've seen this one the most after the many hours I spent obsessing over it. But, in reality, it's probably Once Upon a Time in Hollywood or Fight Club.

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

I have had an amazing experience with your festival and believe that other festivals should be more like yours. I love the fact that you offer a full package of options to help launch films.

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

Having never submitted to festivals prior to this, I expected the process to be tedious and complicated. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease in which filmfreeway allowed me to gather information and submit my film to multiple festivals in such a short period of time.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Steak with some kind of potato variation on the side.

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

My plan is to focus on acting for a while. I am currently a full time student in the acting program at Toronto Film School. In the past few months I've been very lucky to get cast in a number of really cool projects and work with many talented people. So for the meantime, I plan to continue auditioning for everything that comes my way, and seize every opportunity. However, I absolutely plan to make more films in the future. Including a sequel for "As Long As You Want" that delves into the testy realities of relationships after the "honeymoon phase" has ended.