KHENTOPIA, 72min., USA
Directed by Job Michiel van Zuijlen
Khentopia is a peaceful society on the planet Zeeray, where ethereal energy generated through chanting at Harmony Center is used to feed a protective shield that envelops the planet. All is well, until one June morning in 2502, the crew of raider ship Space Wolf is intent on breaking through the shield to carry out a pillage mission. They succeed in obliterating the ethereal power generation and so the protective shield. On top of that, a parallel universe emerges with an alternate Khentopia that is harsh and hostile.

http://khentopia.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
The idea for Khentopia already existed for another story, but the inauguration of Trump 1 in 2017 made me think that we had entered a parallel world. I developed a new story with that in mind.

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

It took about seven years. To get the story itself right was a challenge. I knew the beginning and the end, but I struggled with the middle.

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

Khentopia regained.

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

Because it took such a long time, the biggest challenge was to stay interested. It is also a lot of work, and some scenes are necessary but kind of tedious to do.

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

I was pleasantly surprised by the insightful comments, especially from the second woman. She was able to distill various elements that I had put into the story and expressed them clearly.

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

Making films has never been my profession, but I have composed music for a few animated films in the past. That got me interested in making animated films myself and I started about 15 years ago.

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

Generally, I'm not someone who will see a film more than once. I have seen "Strangers in a Train" a few times. Hitchcock films are worth seeing at least a second time. At the moment, I like discovering movies I have never seen before, especially old black-and-white ones, which can now be viewed on streaming platforms.

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 the biggest challenge for any independent filmmaker is to get some kind of distribution, so if festivals could add assistance for that to their offering that would be a great help.

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

FilmFreeway has worked out very well and they come through when something goes wrong with a festival. I had that a few years ago when a festival was suddenly cancelled. FilmFreeway reimbursed the entry fee. I appreciate that.

10. What is your favorite meal?

This may change in the future but currently it is Massaman Curry with Duck.

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

I have a few film ideas. One is another Sci-Fi feature film, but it will be a challenge to make because of the work involved. I'm polishing the script of that one. I also have a few short films that I'm developing.