Johns, 9min,. USA
Directed by Geoff Grogan
Reflections on art, and the impact of one artist(Jasper Johns) on another’s life.

https://geoffgrogan.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Artists think about the work of other artists all the time. Images and ideas from other artists are a constant source of inspiration throughout our lives. I wanted to engage my own lifelong fascination with Jasper Johns' work at a particular moment when I found myself thinking a lot about the paintings in the exhibition I reference in the film. Why would they be coming back to me now, forty years after the experience?

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

About six months of constant work.

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

Hmmm..."handdrawn introspection" maybe.

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

Just everyday life. Finding time to draw & animate in-between all of life's demands.

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

Artists don't often hear such observant and sensitive responses to their work, so I was really moved, and humbled.

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

When I was a teenager. But it's taken me a lifetime and changes in the technology (from the days of 16mm and Bolex cameras ) to get there.

I won't say how old I am, but the film gives you an indication!

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

Probably Howard Hawks' "Bringing Up Baby" with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn.

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 think live, in-person festivals are still the best kind of venue for engaging with an audience and other filmmakers.

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

FilmFreeway makes it easy, maybe too easy. Film festivals cost a lot of money.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My wife makes a great Roast Chicken dinner with all the trimmings. It's amazing!

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

I'm working on another animated film that is grappling with the god-awful political climate in the US. Very different piece from "Johns ".