La Ghostification, USA, Musical
Directed by Lena Glikson
A surreal and symbolic journey through the inner world of a girl processing abandonment and emotional distress. Through haunting imagery — from mirrored selves red to threads like tears and disturbed dancing — the video explores the psychological aftermath of being ghosted. Set to a dark, emotionally charged track, the visuals blur the line between dream and nightmare, revealing a desperate attempt to communicate with someone who has vanished without a trace.

https://www.instagram.com/lena_glikson_mx/?hl=en

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was going through a very dark and isolating period in my life, where I felt completely abandoned. As a musician, creating music has always been a natural form of healing for me. I wrote, produced, and recorded the song as a way to process those emotions—but it didn't feel complete. Since I spend most of my professional life shaping music for films as a film and TV music editor, it felt instinctive to add a visual layer to the storytelling. That's how the music video for La Ghostification was born.

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

It took around two and a half months to complete the project, with most of that time spent in pre-production. I initially planned for just one shoot day in a photo studio, but during the editing process I realized we needed more footage to fully support the visual story—so we went back and shot additional material.
Since I normally edit music to picture, it was exciting (and intense) to work the other way around—editing picture to music. I'm incredibly grateful to my editor and cinematographer, Eduard Asaturov, who trusted me and gave me the space to be as detailed and specific as I needed to be.

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

Expressive madness.

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

There weren't any major obstacles—just a lot of responsibility. As the driving force behind this personal project, I had to think through every detail: from writing the music and lyrics to finding the crew, designing the visuals, and sourcing all the props. It was creatively fulfilling, but also very demanding.

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

I was truly amazed by the depth of the responses. People picked up on nuances I hadn't expected and connected with layers of meaning I had only subtly hinted at. It was incredibly rewarding to see the audience so engaged and thoughtful.

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

My entry point was through music. I studied at Berklee College of Music, where I focused on film scoring. I was drawn to film because it brings together so many artistic disciplines—music, storytelling, visuals. I've been working as a film music editor for nine years, but when I wrote a song that felt deeply personal, I felt compelled to tell the story visually as well. Making this video felt like a very natural extension of my creative process.

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

Probably A Star Is Born or Joker, both of which I worked on for many months as a music editor.

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 truly love your format—especially the audience feedback video. It offers rare and valuable insight for filmmakers. The only addition I'd suggest would be finding ways to help filmmakers connect more directly with one another, perhaps through a community platform or virtual meetups.

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

Very smooth. The platform is convenient, well-organized, and makes the submission process easy to navigate.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Anything my mom or grandma used to cook when I was little. It was pure love in the food form

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Right now I'm working as a music editor on Stranger Things Season 5, but I've started writing a new song—and who knows, maybe it will turn into another experimental music video.