MATERNITY, 5min., Finland
Directed by Joel Koskinen
A timid, pregnant woman living alone, finds her inner strength when she must defend herself against a mysterious intruder.

https://www.instagram.com/maternity_film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My motivation of making this film was to tell meaningful stories. There are moments in life when particular ideas and elements of the story hit me and won't leave me alone. That is a sign that the idea is something worthwhile really doing. One topic that has been in my mind in the past years is the problem of equality and how badly women are treated in the world. Not only in the countries where women are legally oppressed but also how they are individually being treated in the western countries. So the idea of a single woman living alone with her baby in the zombie-apocalypse surviving and showing her strenght was something that stuck in my head as a fan of the zombie genre.

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

The idea for this film came years ago. I was first trying to picture a larger story, the environment and events that could work well with single mother living in the zombie-apocalypse world. I had been working a feature script of a subject but ended up finally making a short film which was the best choice to do at this point. The actual time between pre-production and finished post-production would have been from august 2022 to march 2023. I yet decided to re-edit the film after and made shorter version of the film in september 2023 which worked better as a short film.

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

Two words to describe my film: Courage and Faith. Both applies to the main character and for making this film.

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

There are always many obstacles, one was a cold weather during the filming and a tight schedule. I think not being firm enough in your own vision and giving in to other opinions can be a great obstacle.

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

It surprised me positively. I think as a maker we are the most harsh critic of our own work.

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

Very early in my life ever since I was 12. I have written stories ever since.

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

I grew watching Star Wars so I think the films I've seen regularly the most would be the Star Wars series.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Thank you for asking. Nothing else comes to my mind but imdb credits added. You are doing great work.

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

It's been good with filmfreeway.com. It's very plain and easy to use the platform.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushi.

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

I am planning a feature film version of Maternity. Right now I am planning a treatment.