THROUGH ROSE COLORED LENSES, 5min., USA
Directed by Arie Forma
In the midst of a toxic triangle with the love of his life, and her abusive boyfriend, Shawn Anderson, a college student blinded by love, is seeing his world fall apart.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was motivated to make this film after living through the events of this film. This film is a culmination of the years of lessons, mistakes and wearing of my pair of "Rose Colored Lenses". This is a very personal story that I felt needs to be told. Plus, I felt very alone going through this trauma, and felt no one could understand the pain heartbreak and toxic love has on your heart and soul. So, I wanted to reach out to those who may have felt this pain, to let them know they aren't alone, and that others can relate to this.

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

This film took four years to make. Since 2019 I had been living through the pain of my own personal story of heartbreak and blind love. Anytime I told the story of the events that would happen, I would always hear back, "THAT SOUNDS LIKE A MOVIE". Well... now it is! The film began Pre-Production back in Fall of 2022 and began filming stages January 2023 from the 27th- 29th. After that it took an additional three months of editing until we were all finished!

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

Raw emotion.

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

Myself. It is very hard seeing a dramatized version of yourself and your life story on screen, and countless times in editing. I wanted closure from this situation which I never got in person, so it became an internal battle which was hard to complete.

I originally had a different ending to this film that really began messing with my head, to the point I took a two-week hiatus from it. Not to spoil, but it originally left with an open-ended scene, which really messed with me. Left me feeling very awkward. I did not want to keep that relationship this story was based on, open-ended and knew I had to close that door for good. So, we completely threw out and burned the script, and a new version of the story rose out of the ashes. The ending was proper, and the spine of the story was stronger. Most importantly, it gave me the closure I needed.

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

I was extremely touched and honored. From certain figures in my inner circle, I received a lot of backlash from the idea and outcome of this film, which had me doubting myself. But the positive reactions and relatable feelings truly touched my soul. Winning Best Cinematography also was an EXTREMELY huge honor.

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

Ever since I first discovered Breaking Bad I knew I wanted to do this for a living. Breaking Bad is my main inspiration for filmmaking and storytelling. I have always wanted to tell stories that affect people in the way Breaking Bad made me feel. On an emotional level that touches your soul. That drives you, captures you and keeps you along for the ride. It's in the bloodline of my family. My Uncle Steve Alten is the author of NY Times Best Seller the Meg, which has become a motion picture grossing 500 million worldwide. Filmmaking and storytelling flows through our veins.

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

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. By far the best Indiana Jones, and one of the greatest films of all time.

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

The press and getting to know the filmmaker. This truly is an experience that makes me feel respected as an artist. It's not just caring about the film, but the MIND behind the film.

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

It has been amazing. Having all the festivals at my fingertips, with all the information I need is truly a blessing.

9. What is your favorite meal?

This is going to be very specific. Taco Asada from the restaurant Senor Burrito. Soft tacos with grilled steak, diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, and green jalapeno pepper salsa, with a Corona. My mouth just watered.

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

What's next is the making of my next film The Shepherd! Not to give too much away, but it's a story of two souls that find their way back to each other after decades being forcibly separated from each other. A sort of forbidden love tale.

It's in early development, but I am extremely excited at what is to come. Also, to continue striving to be the absolute best I can be. I never want to settle for "pretty good" with this art. I always want to do the best that I can.