WORK IT OUT, 9min., Hong Kong
Directed by Marie Yi-Qing Bouvéron
Resilience through Imagination: An ode to Hong Kong. A journey in between a disheartened and a virtual world.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
It all started in 2020 when Clement Ferre approached me. He was releasing a new album and wanted me to collaborate with him on one of his new tracks. That time, Covid just started. Due to the city's chaos with the 2019 protest and 2020 "early" Covid, there had been no performance for over a year in Hong Kong. With the world at sleep, Hong Kong had never been so disheartened and quiet, but yet, its beauty and landscapes left the population in awe. With the city's unusual peace contrasted with the absence of art, expression and production due to the pandemic regulations, there was a need to create. This is how the collaboration naturally took place . We all needed to do something, to create. When I first heard the soundtrack, I immediately wanted to create a visual contrast to it, a kind of dislocation that only works in one's fantasy. This film is about looking for solace and creating an ode to Hong Kong.

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

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The biggest obstacle would be the locations. We had to avoid crowded areas and traffic. The dancers had to adapt to their environment and the film crew had to keep everything to a minimal scale in order to keep the project's visual fluidity. Also, we shot everything at sunrise and sunset, so we had to plan and act carefully when getting to either the remote or the busy locations.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I was very pleased to see that the festival had that option, to share the audience feedback.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? Ever since I started watching them.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? I'm afraid I'm not sure.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? First I wanted to share how pleased I am from the many initiatives and elements you have implemented to this festival. It's really great for you to make a teaser and to share the audience's feedback. I haven't participated in many festivals yet for me to compare. My only comment so far would be a personal message right after submission? This would give anyone a really good impression and personal touch.

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

10. What is your favorite meal? That is a question that is impossible to answer, it's like asking what is my favorite film or music. My most recent favorite meal is Pol Sambol

11. What is next for you? A new film? Planning to make a newshort, yes. This time, narrative.

Thank you again for your responsive messages and follow-ups. Let me know if I forgot anything from your emails and if you need anything from my end (stills, posters, trailers etc.)