WMMINTL ALUMNI (2020)
Upwards & Onwards
CAMEO WOOD
Director/Writer | REAL ARTISTS
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
CW: The other films and filmmakers were great, and everyone was kind and supportive.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
CW: Yes! It screened at the Berkshire Short Film Festival, and the Bennington College Alumni Festival.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new work in the pipeline?
CW: Since the festival, I’ve been prepping for a short film, Reflection, shooting in June, and writing a TV pilot and a feature.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
CW: After the pandemic, I hope to shoot a feature film! Fingers crossed!
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, awards, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
CW: I just hope to write, make great work, hire some awesome people, and make amazing films together!
ETHAN KOGAN
Director/Writer/Cinematographer/Editor | THE ABANDONED ZOO
What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
The other films and filmmakers were great, and everyone was kind and supportive.
Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
Yes! It screened at the Berkshire Short Film Festival, and the Bennington College Alumni Festival.
Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new work in the pipeline?
Since the festival, I’ve been prepping for a short film, Reflection, shooting in June, and writing a TV pilot and a feature.
Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
After the pandemic, I hope to shoot a feature film! Fingers crossed!
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, awards, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
I just hope to write, make great work, hire some awesome people, and make amazing films together!
ALLISON POWELL
Director/Producer/Writer/Star | BANGING LANIE
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
AP: The community! WMM was and is a huge part of my filmmaking journey and I loved getting to catch up with members and fans, even virtually
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
AP: No, but we are available online now on several streaming platforms
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
AP: Last July I finished producing a short film called My Own that just premiered at the Oxford Film Fest in Mississippi. My first animated short as a producer, Hot Toddy, is nearly done with post! And I'll be heading to Pittsburgh in June to help on an indie feature
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
AP: Honestly, I'm most looking forward to hugging friends, catching up with filmmakers, and getting on more sets!
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
AP: I just updated my website! https://www.allisonhardingpowell.com And it, like my email signature, includes my favorite quote, "Too low they build, who build beneath the stars." ~Edward Young
MARCELLA C. DE FINIS
Director/Writer | THE INCREDIBLE TALE OF THE SPIRITLESS MAN
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
MDF: For me, the opportunity to bond with filmmakers from around the world, even during a pandemic, was the best part of WMMIntl Film Festival last year. The online interviews and conversations, and the laid back environment during the awards ceremony, they all made the experience very enjoyable, and collective, despite the circumstances.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
MDF: It did! Since it's exhibition at WMMIntl2020, "The Incredible Tale of the Spiritless Man" was exhibited at 3º Fest Cine Pedra Azul (Official Selection, Brazil), Cinemafantastique 5 (Official Selection, Canadá), CINDIE Festival (Non-Competitive, Brazil), Student Los Angeles Film Awards ( Finalist, EUA) and Katra Latinx (official selection, EUA). The movie is currently streaming at Cardume Platform.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new work in the pipeline?
MDF: I've been trying to fund my new short movie, "Toró". We ended up succeeding in securing the funding with a federal grant, however, the uncontained outbreak of COVID-19 in Brazil prevented us from filming as planned. We're currently adapting the movie to an experimental format. In another front, I've been working as a writer for a few Brazilian TV series being developed .
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
MDF: Even though I'm enjoying my journey with screenwriting for TV, I'm dying to go back to film sets! So my big "post-pandemic" plan is to resume the production of "Toró" as the movie we intended to shoot.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, awards, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
MDF: It's important that we put some effort in finding passion projects at this moment. The pandemic is hard on all of us, and artistic blocs, lack of inspiration and generally feeling that none of it matters are very recurrent in artists worldwide as we enter the second pandemic year. To find projects that ignite our creative spirits and restore our will to create is a helpful way to maintain at least a little bit of mental health right now.
ZACH DORN
Director/Writer/Cinematographer/Editor | LAX to VANCOUVER
Director/Writer/Cinematographer/Editor | SELF-PORTRAIT AT 86 DOG YEARS
Director/Writer/Cinematographer/Editor | THOUGHTS WITH A BABY
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
ZD: WMM was a special experience. It was a club of friendly film bandits, sneaking away from school to share films in a decked-out treehouse.
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
ZD: WMM was a special experience. It was a club of friendly film bandits, sneaking away from school to share films in a decked-out treehouse.
WMM: Have your films appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
ZD: Yes. Since WMMInt2020, my films were screened in Slamdance and Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new work in the pipeline?
ZD: I am finishing up a stop-motion film about a reclusive folk singer who gets her 1971 single covered by a bubbly pop star. I've been fabricating and shooting the entire movie in my bedroom since the start of the pandemic. It should be finished by the time LA opens up again in June.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
ZD: A fresh graduate from Calart's animation program looking for a job.
AMBIKA LEIGH
Director/Editor | BEFORE SHE GO
Director/Editor | RUDE
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
AL: The films that were selected were truly stellar. Diverse, well-produced, unique, and meaningful. I was so impressed with the quality everyone brought to the table.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
AL: I've been working on developing a multimedia musical, and a slate of film and TV projects, including an LGBTQ+ single-camera family comedy based on an incredible true story that I'm just bringing to market this week!
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
AL: Yes. Not trying to "get back to normal". I'm ready for a new normal!
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans?
AL: Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense? Every time I think of giving up on my dream, I remember there's some little kid out there who has never had a chance at one. And then that makes me want to go help that kid, and forget about my dream. It's really a no-win situation. :)
GREGORY BLAIR
Director/Writer/Star | IT AIN’T ALL BLACK AND WHITE … UNLESS IT IS
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
GB: How smoothly it ran: doing your first ”virtual” flight and having no technical difficulties was impressive! And I appreciated the excellent Q&A session, afterwards.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
GB: No. In fact, It’s now online for everyone on YouTube.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to?
GB: Any new projects in the pipeline? I’ve completed two screenplays and I sold a third--BEHIND THE SMILE (The Story of Hattie McDaniel)--that begins shooting this June. See this Deadline article. I’ve also done the most screenplay consulting in a single year, probably because everyone was stuck at home and so writing was one of the few things we could all get done.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
GB: Seeing and hugging my friends, like they’ve never been hugged before.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
GB: Just keep doing your thing: you never know where it will go, how it may change you or who you’ll inspire. You are magical!
PETER J. McCULLY
Director/Writer | KINO RATTEN
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
PJM: I think it was the feeling of a strong community of film makers sharing their love of films in an atmosphere that wasn’t competitive.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
PJM: Our film was accepted for a number of festivals both before and after WMMint. And it was fortunate to pick up a number of other awards as well.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new work in the pipeline?
PJM: Since last year, I have continued with Media Design School. We have completed two shorts, now being submitted to festivals. “Salvager” is a sc-fi short about AI policing gone wrong and “Killing The Parson Bird: a Marine’s Tale” is a historical fantasy set during Captain Cook’s exploration of New Zealand. “Dust Bunnies” is in post production. It was written by the course director at MDS and it’s a “MUCKumentary” about the secret life of the accumulated dust under the furniture. We have just wrapped shooting on “The Crimson Fairy Book” – set in 1916 New Zealand about a 10 year old girl who’s older brother is leaving for Europe to fly against the Germans in WW1.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
PJM: Just to continue what I am doing with as much energy as I can. In New Zealand we are very fortunate to have escaped the worst of the world-wide pandemic and so we are making the most of the freedom we have.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
PJM: Just to grab every opportunity I can to be involved in the craft. I have a 16mm Bolex and would like to shoot a movie on it. I wonder if any other festival fans are also fans of celluloid? On a personal note. Since I first watched 2001: a Space Odyssey when I was 15, I have wanted to make a movie set in space – still haven’t done it!
DANIEL HART DONOGHUE
Director/Writer/Editor/Actor | JIMMY’S TALE
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
DHD: I was honestly really impressed with WMMIntl. I think what I enjoyed most was the quality of the films - there were quite a few great ones. I really liked the fact that it was still structured like an event (the festival aired at a particular time) rather than just putting the films online like a lot of festivals did last year. I really enjoyed having an event to watch the films and felt there was a great selection of really good films.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
DHD: Yes, we have been in quite a few. Haven’t breached into the top tier of festivals yet but we have done well in general, winning best short in 3, best director in 3, best editing in 5 since WMMIntl.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new work in the pipeline?
DHD: Doing a lot of writing / shooting commercials to pay the bills and preparing a feature rewrite based on the short film we submitted (JIMMY’S TALE). Did a page 1 rewrite of the feature script based on what I felt worked in the short and what did not. Hoping to officially enter pre-production on this feature in a couple months.
PATRICK COLEMAN DUNCAN
Director/Writer/Editor/Actor | COMPEL
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
PCD: The Q & A! With the COVID-19 Pandemic having shut down theaters I was missing the festival experience and not sure if I would even have it for quite some time. We Make Movies is about community and although I and my fellow filmmakers as well as the audience were all in separate locations the Q & A brought back that film festival vibe. Great questions that gave me a chance to talk about a project that I and my team spent years of work on as well as an opportunity to learn about fantastic work from the other filmmakers.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
PCD: One other festival, LA LIVE Film Festival, that also wound up (ironically) being virtual. It’s a great festival that usually screens at the Regal Cinemas in DTLA. Since I wanted to save up COMPEL for an eventual live premiere I stopped submitting after LA Live.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
PCD: After WMMINTL Fest the post was completed on COMPEL. It had been quite intense and making the film was a long process so I was interested in taking a breather from filmmaking (a rather more than just self imposed break). I wrote a few things and took care of many long neglected family and personal projects. As we appear to be closer to the end of the pandemic I have begun submitting COMPEL to festivals again.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
PCD: Immediately must travel to see the extended family and travel to festivals that select COMPEL. I have relationships with multiple festivals in the United Kingdom and I would love to return there as a visiting filmmaker. And of course, anxious to return to the creative community that is We Make Movies.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
PCD: As much as we all love Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime etc. I think I speak for many that nothing beats watching movies with an enthusiastic crowd. Film as a theatrical experience was in trouble before the pandemic and this last year could destroy it altogether or revitalize it for decades to come. I hope we can make and share movies that bring audiences together for unique experiences you just can’t get on your own. As Siskel and Ebert used to say, “See you at the movies.”
AYOUB QANIR
Director/Writer/Editor | DARKNESS OF OTHERWHERE
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
AQ: I very much enjoyed the friendly and supportive attitude of the organizers. A great spirit of true film lovers was felt from the start which made the process and the experience a memorable one.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
AQ: Yes, our film went on to win best experimental at the Venice Film Week, at the Toronto Arthouse Film Festival and at the Obskuur film festival in Belgium. The feature also picked up many best film nominations in Belgium and Japan, amongst others.
WMM: Since last year's festival, where have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
AQ: Considering how tough and challenging the year has been on so many aspects, we have kept creatively afloat developing two new feature films - one set in the Midwest, Mama Duck, and the other Daria in rural Russia.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
AQ: We hope to shoot one or both of our feature films through the end of this year or next.
DAVID BEATTY
Director/Writer/Cinematographer/Editor/Actor | THE PORTRAIT OF A SKELETON
Actor | RUDE
Writer/Cinematographer/Editor/Actor | THE WASTELAND
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
DB: My favorite film was "Still Plays With Trains" which was very inspiring. I also enjoyed the filmmaker talk backs via Zoom. In fact, what I liked most about the talkbacks is they were short, sweet and to the point. Also I'd say the virtual backdrops were super cool ;-)
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
DB: Nope. Only social media :-)
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
DB: Personally, I have not had any new projects. However, I have contributed to a few short film projects as a cinematographer and actor. All of which have been entered into this year's WMM's film festival.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
DB: I would like to go to a bar and hang out with friends.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMMIntl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
DB: If you have not seen Still Plays With Trains, watch it on Vimeo.
CATHERINE BLACK
Director | LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
CB: I love the community most of all and of course the quality of the work.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
CB: YES! We luckily had a steady year of film festivals to attend virtually such as Minneapolis St. Paul IFF, Mystic Film Fest, Toronto Shorts IFF, Culver City, and Rock The Shorts.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
CB: I've been shortlisted to direct a feature, attached to direct another feature and currently working on getting my own films produced. I teach two ongoing acting classes at About The Work acting studios and have truly enjoyed teaching virtually every week during the pandemic. Teaching on zoom was an adjustment from in studio, but I've grown to love and value teaching in a close up. Helping my students grow as artists has been my rock all year, and has made me a better actor, director and overall storyteller. I also started a youtube channel - Act With Cat - where I share acting tips, because acting and actors will always be my first love.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
CB: I plan to keep making films, travel and hug my nieces and nephews!
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMM Intl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
CB: This is always what I strive for - The best work is when you don't care if you get the job but are 100% invested in the story.
YU JUNG HOU
Director/Writer | FA FU
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
YJH: I remember being on a virtual panel with the other filmmakers of the same category. I was very fortunate to be in the running with some super talented filmmakers. What they talked about really helped me look at their films with a different level of clarity, I was amazed and inspired. I also thought it was a great way to reach more audiences because we had to do it online. My family were able to participate, which they normally couldn't since they're in a different country.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new work in the pipeline?
YJH: I worked on the TV show The Mandalorian and now am working on a movie. I'm also cutting a feature on the side, and writing a Chinese short film script. If I could finish it before May I'll submit that to a Taiwanese festival that grants people funds.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
YJH: My line of work hasn't seemed to be affected so much so far, fortunately. However if things go south and jobs become extremely limited, I think I'll move to a cheaper country (most likely Taiwan where I'm from) and make small movies while doing illustrations for children's books. And maaaaybe teach English for the dough.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMM Intl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
YJH: I'm grateful to be invited to be a programmer this year. Honestly all the films I've had the privilege to review were inspiring and encouraged me to stop being lazy and keep making films. Let's keep creating art that amuses and inspires each other!
SERENE ZLOOF (DATGIRL)
Writer/Editor/Composer/Actor | POP&SPIN
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
SZ: I enjoyed taking part in the filmmakers convo Q&A at the end.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
SZ: Amazon Prime
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
SZ: Pop&Spin is getting picked up by a co-producer to help pitch it, as well as a Dramedy script I'm currently writing. We are itching to shoot more episodes, so we may just go ahead and do that this summer. I also have a new weekly livestream music & comedy show on Thursdays at 7pm.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
SZ: I want to be on set!! Hoping to be shooting either more episodes of Pop&Spin, or some sketches or music videos. I'm in the beginning of the Second City Conservatory year-long program. I also am just starting Voiceover work, and getting an acting reel together (finally!). And lots of music shows are starting up again, so that's exciting.
JENSEN RULE TIERRA
Director/Writer | UNCANNY VALLEY
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
JRT: I really enjoyed the way that the festival was organized online, it was really well done. Not only the curation of some great movies, but also how they were streamed. I especially loved the interviews with filmmakers and the creative interstitials in between the film blocs. The pandemic has forced film festivals to be more creative. I can imagine a world where more festivals could be livestreamed. It allows more filmmakers from around the world to interact with viewers and also allows for more access for people to see films they wouldn't normally have the time or the ability to travel to see.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
JRT: My film Uncanny Valley appeared virtually at the Cinema Diverse LGBTQ Film Festival in lovely Palm Springs as well as the Another Hole In The Head genre film festival based in San Francisco.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
JRT: Writing, writing, and more writing. Currently, I'm in preproduction on The Séance, a supernatural comedy, and just completed a horror/true crime screenplay, The Dinner Date, hopefully we'll be able to shoot right after wrapping on The Séance.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
JRT: Just the normal things almost everyone else wants to do, travel the world and also wanting to see friends I haven't been able to see for a long time. We could all use a damn hug. Also I'd like to travel to more film festivals in person.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMM Intl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
JRT: Just for everyone to stay safe and sane and to get vaccinated. Most of all, I'd like to use this time to tell people to curb their social media and internet use. It has really driven people literally to distraction. Go outside. Read more books. Laugh more and don't get pulled into the muck and mire of the sewer that is toxic online discourse.
CAOL ILA [Ondine] BADER
Director/Writer/Cinematographer/Editor | PASS
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
CIB: There were a bunch of different genres that were really interesting.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
CIB: Not that one.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new work in the pipeline?
CIB: Yes. I have made several short films but there was one in particular that I loved so I submitted it to a bunch of festivals. It was very well received.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
CIB: Sleep... and some travel… and making more movies.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMM Intl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
CIB: I recently saw Marie Antoinette directed by Sofia Coppola. I would recommend that to all female directors!
DEANNA ABLESER
Writer | BLACK COFFEE
WMM: What did you most enjoy about last year's WMMIntl Film Festival?
DA: I thought it was very relaxed and everyone was incredibly kind and helpful. I can't wait to apply again next year with a new project.
WMM: Has your film/project appeared in other festivals since WMMIntl2020?
DA: Black Coffee has been in many other festivals since WMMIntl2020. It has won many awards for the screenplay itself, along with quite a few best comedy awards and best romantic comedy awards.
WMM: Since last year's festival, what have you been up to? Any new projects in the pipeline?
DA: I have still been distance teaching so that has taken up most of my time. However, I am starting a new short film. It will involve my same cast, minus the extras. However, I am bringing on a new team of co-producers, director, and camera crew. They are semi-newbies at filmmaking but have loads of experience in front of the camera. I am extremely excited about this new endeavor. While it is very different in many ways from Black Coffee, it does have some similarities. I am hopeful it will find some success in the festival circuit also, even though it is not quite as straightforward as Black Coffee.
WMM: Do you have any special "post-pandemic" plans?
DA: I do not have anything special planned. I just want to get back to things being "normal" and being able to spend time with people. I miss the simple things.
WMM: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us and your WMM Intl Film Festival fans? Projects, goals, inspirational thoughts, random nonsense?
DA: I cannot wait to work in a more in-depth manner with WMM. I am a member and have not been able to avail myself of some of the great opportunities they offer, but hope to be able to do so in the summertime. I want to thank everyone who has believed in Black Coffee and who has joined us on this journey. We all really appreciate it.
