Filmmaker Profile: Sylvia by Ezekiel Goodman and Hannah Zipperman
Welcome to the Bushwick Film Festival Q&A series, where we introduce you to the incredible filmmakers behind this year's lineup. Each of these talented storytellers has crafted a unique vision, reflecting diverse perspectives and powerful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences today. In this series, you'll get an inside look at what inspired their work, the challenges they faced, and the creative processes that brought their films to life. Through candid interviews, they share their thoughts on the impact of their films, the themes they explore, and their hopes for how audiences will connect with their stories. Whether you're here for drama, comedy, documentary, or experimental films, these filmmakers are sure to inspire you with their dedication and passion for the craft. We hope you enjoy getting to know the voices behind this year's festival as much as we have enjoyed bringing their films to our screens. Let’s dive into their stories!
A new divorcee decides to go after the only thing she wants in life.
Q&A WITH CO-DIRECTOR HANNAH ZIPPERMAN
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
I wrote “Sylvia” during the quarantine portion of the pandemic, when my life felt very small and isolating. Living alone for the first time, I missed caring for and sharing physical space with someone else. I started watching a lot of Fosse and Twin Peaks and I just felt I needed to make a silly, but dramatic dance piece.
How do you want people to feel after they see your film?
I want them to feel hopeful! There is light on the other side of loneliness if we listen to ourselves and take care of ourselves.
What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?
My biggest challenge was money. Who has thousands of dollars lying around to make a short? I had to move back to my parents house for a year and work three jobs to make one 7 minute movie.
How do you approach storytelling in your films? What’s your process for developing a script or concept?
I like to write something and then come back to it months or sometimes years later. If something has been percolating in your brain for a while, you will have a more clear vision of what you want to actually write.
What’s your history with the Bushwick Film Festival?
This is my first time and I'm so excited!
What’s the last film you watched?
My Old Ass
Early bird or night owl?
Night Owl!
BIOGRAPHIES
Ezekiel Goodman is an actor and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. His first short film, Peacocking, won Best Narrative Short Film at the Oakcliff Film Festival. As an actor, he can be seen in Amazon’s I Know What You Did Last Summer, and will appear in the upcoming series Cruel Intentions, as well as Fernando Andres’ feature Rent Free, which premiered at the 2024 TriBeCa Film Festival.
Hannah Zipperman is an actor, filmmaker, and theater maker from Los Angeles. She has a degree in Drama from Kenyon College, and has produced and acted in various plays and short films in the LA area. Sylvia is her directorial debut.
Thank you for joining us for this special Q&A with the filmmakers of the Bushwick Film Festival. We hope this conversation has given you insight into the artistry, dedication, and heart that went into bringing their films to life. Each of these creators represents the spirit of independent filmmaking—fearlessly telling stories that reflect the complexities of our world and the personal experiences that shape us. As you continue exploring this year’s lineup, we encourage you to dive deeper into these works and discover the powerful messages, emotions, and perspectives they offer. Whether you're a long-time supporter of indie films or a newcomer to the festival, your engagement and curiosity make all the difference in uplifting these voices. Stay tuned for more filmmaker spotlights, and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s screenings. Let’s continue celebrating the magic of storytelling together!
