Revealing Raymond: A Son Uncovers His Father's Past, 15min., USA
Directed by Mark Kaplan
My Father died in 1965 at the age of 39, when I was 12. He never discussed his childhood, although I knew he spent some of it in a foster home. This is the story of uncovering his painful past and how losing him at such a young age inspired me to try to be the best father I could be.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I recently transferred to digital old 8mm home movies my Uncle had shot in the mid 1950's that I had on VHS that I hadn't seen in 20 years. Seeing them again along with having only recently uncovered the before unknown story of my Father's childhood made me think this might make a compelling story for a short film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?
About 3 weeks.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Figuring out what to show on the screen when a literal image or moment being described in the narration didn't exist.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?
The satisfaction of seeing that the complex emotions I was trying to summon up in viewers were being acknowledged.

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

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Day The Earth Stood Still

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking
career?
Sharing this film to a wide audience.

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

10. What is your favorite meal?
Great seafood.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I continue to make political protest art every day, which often are short videos I share on social media. No current plan for a new film project right now.