PORTRAIT OF CONSUMPTION, 8min., Canada
Directed by Gillian Fortin
Portrait Of Consumption is a story about the human collective socializing alone; each struggling for acceptance on the world stage of social media.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2420972/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
https://www.instagram.com/alimashayehki/?hl=en

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

As someone who came of age during the birth of social media, I was intrigued as a young adult by the allure of a global platform where I could showcase my life (or the version I felt most desirable to the world). This soon became an obsession which ultimately affected the view I had of myself as I struggled to differentiate reality from cyber reality. I saw how the entire world was consumed by this and how cyberbullying spread to all corners of the web and into our physical world with the rise of protests, violence and extremist organizations. It really wasn't until I became a mother did I felt the need to protect myself and my children from the negative effects of social media. I wanted to use my platform now as a place to share and spread awareness. As a filmmaker, it's important to share stories that are personal and universal. I want to share my stories not only with other filmmakers but with a universal audience and therefore, I wanted to focus on something that everyone can relate to in one way or another.

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

This was a long process as it was quite a complicated piece. It took me almost a year to complete the script. I knew what I wanted to say but didn't know who to tell it. I wanted this piece to stand out, be unique and yet also be relatable. This piece is really telling two stories at once and I had to shoot two different stories together which took some time to organize. Furthermore, it was a low-budget indie film and many favours were cashed in, which meant working on weekends here and there when crew and talent were available. All in all, it took us over 2 years to complete this project.

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

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

Merging the two stories together in a meaningful way allowed for both stories to shine.

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

I was overcome with joy. They got it! A part of me was fearful that this film was too abstract and the audience would not digest it well. After seeing the feedback from the audience it gave me a new sense of confidence in my ability to share stories that are meaningful to me within this medium.

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

Ever since I was a little girl. I loved movies, going to the cinema, and being a part of the stories. I always loved to tell stories and entertain people, whether it was through singing, dance or acting I loved expressing myself through the arts. I wanted all of it as a young girl just didn't really think it was possible growing up in the prairies. It wasn't until I moved to a city where the film industry was strong did I saw a possibility of joining the industry.

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

This is a hard one for me. I think the film that came into my head right away was Lord of The Rings- The Fellowship of The Ring.

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 love connecting with other filmmakers and networking with the industry. This festival and all festivals allow for an opportunity to reach a larger pool of people to network with.

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

It was effortless. I like using the filmfreeway platform.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love food! Dinner- either a classic roast for nostalgia or a Thia curry.

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

I have quite a bit on the go at the moment from a producing/writing lens. I have two features in development which I am very excited about. One called SNOW was awarded a grant and is set to go to camera this summer in Northern Ontario. I will be producing and starring in that feature. The other feature, I am currently developing the script. It is a sci-fi- post-apocalyptic story that is full of references from some of my favourite movies. I can't wait to share this one. As for directing, I have a feminist sci-fi short film called Serenity Spa that is currently being shopped around to investors. I hope to go to camera with it this year as my follow-up directing project.