The Moment I Said It, 3min., USA
Directed Ryn Deyo
This piece reflects the moment of introspective learning — where the quiet, unseen transformation that occurs when healing begins is explored. We don’t return to what was, but learn to live with what is.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to explore the quiet, internal shifts that happen during healing—the invisible yet powerful transformation we go through when we accept the truth of our experiences. The film allowed me to translate that emotional process into movement, using the rope as a metaphor for what connects our past to our present.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
From concept to completion, it took about four months. A lot of that time was spent refining the choreography so the imagery and movement aligned with the emotional depth of the story plus collaborating with the phenomenal dancers and production team that helped bring my vision to life.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Integrating the choreography seamlessly with various film techniques was a key challenge, ensuring we were honoring both the movement and cinematic vision. I'm grateful for the adaptable team that made it possible where we created a final work that feels cohesive and impactful.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was moving and affirming. To hear people connect to the imagery and emotion in ways I hadn't even anticipated reminded me why I make work in the first place.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
As a professional choreographer, I've always been drawn to the visually striking power of movement. I realized I wanted to make films when I saw how the camera could magnify that power— capturing a range of gestures, emotions, and textures that might be missed on stage.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Probably Step Up. While it's not the most experimental film, it was one of the most well known examples of how choreography could drive narrative on screen. I admired how it made dance feel accessible and engaging to a broad audience while maintaining artistic integrity through street and technical movement as well.

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'd love to see more networking spaces—virtual roundtables or collaboration opportunities where filmmakers can connect and share resources across creative disciplines.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
Smooth and straightforward. It's an intuitive way to share work globally, and I appreciate how it streamlines submissions and updates.

10. What is your favorite meal?
A classic pizza with goat cheese, arugula, and hot honey never misses. There is this "hole in the wall" pizza shop in Paris I used to go to during my time abroad and this pizza was always a 10/10.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I'm thrilled to be collaborating with dancers and filmmakers on new work, bringing innovative movement projects to audiences and creative communities worldwide.