MARA, 18min., USA
Directed by Ben Harl
After years spent recovering from a botched exorcism, Jake prepares to reintegrate into society. However, the mounting pressures of everyday existence trigger a harrowing regression back into madness.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
I know that stories about exorcisms and possession have been done many times in the past, but I've always wondered what happens to people who have survived a possession and exorcism. Often, once the exorcism is complete the story ends. I wanted an opportunity to visit a possession/exorcism survivor years later, to see what it did to their psychosis.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The whole process took about a year to complete. We spent a lot of time on pre-production making sure that we crafted a very particular look and feel. And we did the same in post-production, being very selective with the look, feel and sound of the film. The actual principal photography was shot over a three day period.

How would you describe your film in two words!?
Psychological Horror!

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Trying to strike a balance between the actual horrors of possession and the psychological aspects of potential dissociative personality disorder. It was a very fine line to walk without diving too deep into either side. We really wanted to leave the audience wondering if the character was actually possessed, or if they were a victim of psychosis.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Very happy! It's always validating when the audience picks up on the subtlety you're trying to convey! I feel like they really understood what we were trying to achieve!

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I've been a writer and storyteller my whole life. But it was about 8 years ago that I realized I could move my stories from page to screen. Being able to use visual mediums to tell those stories has really given me another layer of creativity!

What film have you seen the most in your life?
I'm a huge fan of all horror films. I grew up watching horror films with my mother. It's almost impossible to gauge which one of these I've watched the most!

What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I can't think of anything else you can do to improve! The level of care and communication you offer the filmmakers is top notch!

You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway is terrific! They do a great job of promoting and assisting in the process!

What is your favorite meal?
There's nothing better than a nicely cooked ribeye steak!

What is next for you? A new film?
We're currently working on a feature film that will hopefully begin principal photography early next year! It's an extremely fast paced horror film that I'm very much looking forward to. In the meantime, I'm working on a book of short stories, as well as a novel!