MRI, 4min., UK
Directed by Dougal Vecqueray
A patient named Tom goes for an MRI scan only to be transported into a galactic void. After the contrast dye he was injected with begins to spread across his body, Tom is turned blue. Things become even more trippy as Tom’s journey through the void takes a sinister turn.

https://www.instagram.com/mrishortfilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I actually came up with MRI whilst, believe it or not, in an MRI scan. From growing up with a heart condition and having to go for various scans and tests all my life, I was always intrigued by the feeling of exposure and vulnerability these procedures would give me. With this personal, darker perspective to flesh out the narrative as well as a love for sci-fi and stop-motion animation, I was eager to create this film.

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

At the Aardman Academy, we were given 9 months in total to create our films. If you know how long stop-motion takes, it seemed like a dauntingly short amount of time to make a 4min long short. But with the Academy's amazing help and assistance, I completed the film just in time without sacrificing my vision for the film.

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

ACID. TRIP.

or

EGO. DEATH.

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

Stop-motion animation was an almost brand new form of animation to me, having only done small amounts of test animations before the course. With a story I was determined to tell and the incredible amount of help from my course-mates and the professionals at Aardman, I learnt so much and developed my animation skills during MRI's production.

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

It was so heartwarming to hear positive feedback about such a personal project of mine. I'm glad to see them understand and enjoy the parts of the film I was worried might be lost on the audience. It gives me so much more confidence in my storytelling abilities and inspires me to create more stories to be enjoyed by the public.

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

Ever since watching films growing up, especially animated films, I've wanted to tell funny, visually exciting stories. It was incredible to have made my first film at Aardman, a studio that had produced some of the very films that inspired me growing up.

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

It sounds silly but 'Rango' (2011) is my favourite ever. From the absurd character designs, beautiful animation and surprisingly deep and profound story.

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 it's great that your festival provides recorded audience feedback , something I haven't experienced as directly at other festivals. I unfortunately couldn't attend the festival in person but I'm sure it was a smashing success! I'm really honoured to have my film be a part of it!

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

It's been a great way to submit MRI to a variety of easy to find, genre specific festivals such as this one. The platform is clear and accessible.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I'm a sucker for a sausage sarnie, doused in tomato sauce!

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

I currently have a lot of projects ready to go, I'm just looking for funding and scouting for a studio location, all the tricky bits! But I'm motivated and want to make something as good, if not better, as MRI!