BFF FILM & FESTIVAL BLOG

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: BABA (爸爸) by Teresa Xie

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!

About This Film

Filmmaker Teresa Xie follows her little sister on their first family trip to China in six years.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR TERESA XIE

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR TERESA XIE

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

I hope that audiences will see the complexity of intergenerational familial relationships in immigrant families!

Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?

BABA (爸爸) is about my sister’s first trip to China in six years. The film unravels her reflections on our grandfather’s passing and relationship with our parents. I wanted to dissect the experience of feeling distant from places and people so integral to your family history and the complex emotions that come with it.

Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?

Sean Wang's shorts were definitely my biggest influences, particularly 3000 Miles! And also, Carol Nguyen's No Crying at the Dinner Table!

Can you talk about the festival experience? How does it feel to have your film selected?

I made this film for myself and for my family, so having the opportunity to have it screened in front of a larger audience feels surreal and super validating.

What’s the last film you watched?

War for the Planet of the Apes (lol)

BIOGRAPHY

Teresa Xie (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker and journalist who reports on culture, politics, business — and the spaces where they intersect. She has written for publications ranging from Pitchfork to The Nation, worked on NPR’s Tiny Desk and Louder Than A Riot, and produced an audio story on the mispronunciation of Asian-American names as an AAJA Voices Fellow. Teresa is a member of independent filmmaker collective Filmshop, a 2024-2025 Bronx Documentary Center Films Fellow, and was part of BRIC’s 2024 Documentary Intensive Cohort.

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!

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Searching For Satoshi by Paul Kemp

About This Film

A worldwide investigation into the bizarre vanishing of Bitcoin’s billionaire creator, the secretive “Satoshi Nakamoto”

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR PAUL KEMP

Paul Kemp, director of Searching for Satoshi: The Mysterious Disappearance of the Bitcoin Creator

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

So why did I want to follow this story? From my perspective, when I heard of Bitcoin in 2009, 2010, 2011, it was in the media but I didn't really know what it was. I thought it was like Monopoly money. I thought it was just some crypto-weirdness that I didn't think had much-staying power. But as the decade went on I started to realize people are still working on this thing and the name, Bitcoin, is everywhere. I saw ATM machines selling Bitcoin. I saw vendors or stores accepting Bitcoin. So I started paying more attention to it around 2018, 2019. Then I discovered that there was a guy named Satoshi Nakamoto who actually created Bitcoin. Everyone who knows anything about Bitcoin realizes he's the greatest mystery in technological history because nobody knows who Satoshi Nakamoto is. All they know is he could possibly be the richest person in the world in the years to come--because he’s vanished. He creates Bitcoin in 2009 and by 2011 he vanishes with a million Bitcoins, but no one has really asked the deeper questions about who he is and why he did do this? And so this is what this documentary sets out to do.

Why does this story need to be told now?

Because Bitcoin has become the 5th largest currency on Earth and is only growing. Its value has exploded--and with it so has the mystery of the guy who created it and vanished with extreme wealth

Describe who you want this film to reach.

Anybody who has heard the word "Bitcoin", but has no idea what it is or why its origin story is perhaps the greatest Tech mystery of all time.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

That this is AN INCREDIBLE UNSOLVED MYSTERY that will only grow in mystery as time goes on.

How do you want people to feel after they see your film?

That Bitcoin is not only real, but that they need to know more about it--and that the founder of it was perhaps one of the most forward-thinking people of all time. A Nobel Prize is next I bet.

What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?

Uncovering the genius of something that few understand and telling that story simple but with a human touch.

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

Traveling and learning that my presumptions of who Satoshi Nakamoto was, were all wrong--and being intellectually honest about what the facts were telling me.

What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?

Getting people to talk!

Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.

My film is a doc, so the key was finding people who could articulate crazy difficult ideas simply.

Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?

A passionate mystery that keeps people guessing.

Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?

Errol Morris

What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?

I didn't pursue it. It found me.

Why is filmmaking important to you? Why is it important to the world?

Because great stories and grand narratives matter.

What role does technology play in your filmmaking process, and how has it evolved over the years?

Small crews. High production values. On lower budgets

What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?

Get the story clear--BEFORE YOU SHOO|T. I see doc makers blowing their brains out and their budgets because they can't make hard choices on what they are trying to say.

Films are lasting artistic legacies; what do you want yours to say?

In 50 years, I want my film to the "THE FILM" about this historic mystery and journey.

If you weren’t a filmmaker, what would you be doing?

Likely a track coach or politician...something I have done before.

How do you approach storytelling in your films? What’s your process for developing a script or concept?

Find stories and ideas before others do. Then write an amazing pitch deck and ACT structure, and then pitch, pitch, pitch to convince network execs or funders that I am their best choice as the filmmaker to do this story.

What’s the last film you watched?

Liberty: Mother of Exiles (odc on The Statue of Liberty)

What’s the last book you read?

Revenge of the Tipping Point (Malcolm Gladwell)

One thing people don’t know about me is _____.

I was a national level track athlete, and used to be a political reporter

Early bird or night owl?

Neither...I hate mornings but seem to do better in life by going to sleep earlier (which I hate)

What three things do you always have in your refrigerator?

Pale Ale, Smoked cheddar, Greek Yogurt

BIOGRAPHY

Paul Kemp is a multiple award-winning TV series and documentary Director, Writer, Show Runner, and Producer with over 100 projects under his belt. His films and TV series have been seen in over 160 countries, including: “Searching for Satoshi: The Mysterious Disappearance of the Bitcoin Creator”; “The Pretendians”; “Nike’s Big Bet”; “The Rise of Jordan Peterson”; “GOING NATIVE” (39 x 30m); “Transformer”; “Village of the Missing; “Searching for Winnetou”; “Infestation” (4 x 60m); “Oh My God!” (20 x 30m) “The Science of Sin” (4 x 60m); “Secrets of the Dog Park” ; “The Plastic Fantastic Brain”; and "I Bet My Life". Paul also works with TV distribution companies ALL3 Media, Gravitas Ventures, Abacus Media, Sideways Films UK, and ZDFE of Germany.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: But He's Gay by Michael Calciano

About This Film

…Maeve kills the vibe when she confronts her ex-boyfriend at a party...

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR MICHAEL CALCIANO

Michael Calciano, director of But He’s Gay

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

The actual catalyst for the idea came from experiencing a considerably less dramatic version of what unfolds in the film— A friend of mine who was seemingly still hung up on her ex-boyfriend (five years after the relationship) who is now out as gay. It sort of haunted me that she could still have this wound after five years. It caused me to reflect on my own high-school girlfriend and my uncomfortability with that era in my life before I came out. The blurry lines of the situation and the question of where the blame should lay and what/who caused the most harm came up and felt like a movie to me!

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

I hope they’ll leave unsure of exactly who to side with. We start by assuming we have a clear cut villain but we end up seeing lots of questionable behavior from both sides. The fact is, there isn’t an easy answer. I think the once-straight-now-gay-ex-boyfriend is an almost universal experience and I want the nuance of that to shine through - especially in a time where we are constantly demanded to take sides.

Films are lasting artistic legacies; what do you want yours to say?

Absolutes make me angry. I think a lot of my films deal with questions that don’t have easy answers. I am constantly on the fence about things and I like to make movies that in that in-between whether in genre, subject, or the questions the films are posing.

What’s your history with the Bushwick Film Festival?

I was involved in 2018 with a short I wrote, Come Be Creepy With Us. We had an awesome time and I'm psyched to be back as a writer/director this year!

What’s the last film you watched?

Queer

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl slowly morphing into the early bird. It's true, they really do get the worm.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Calciano is a NYC-based filmmaker and writer. Always playing with genre, he makes uncanny and surreal horror and comedy films but especially loves to play in the delicious in-betweens. His films as both a writer and director have played internationally at film festivals including: Fantasia Film Festival, Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, Picture Farm Film Festival, Boston Underground, Bushwick Film Festival, and more. His film work can currently be seen online on Short of the Week and Alter.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: David Again by Adam Elliot

About This Film

A lifelong New Yorker conquers addiction and finds redemption, with the help of a friend.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR ADAM ELLIOT

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

The subject of our film, David Dennis was actually my next-door neighbor in New York City. When I first met him, I was instantly taken by his candor and wit, his unwavering humility, and his desire to share his story with me. His signature style also stood out to me. As two native New Yorkers, we connected on our shared love for our city. As I got to know David, I learned about his lifelong battle with drug and alcohol addiction, and his long road to recovery. I also learned who his best friend was: Jon Cryer. I learned that Jon’s character of Duckie from “Pretty in Pink” was actually inspired by David. Not only this, but Jon also wrote a film about his friendship with David called “Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God…Be Back by Five.” I realized the story of their friendship had transcended into the art world, which I found to be a rare and beautiful thing, and something well worth documenting.

Describe who you want this film to reach.

David was really excited about this film. I think it’s because he saw the film as a continuation of providing service, something he was deeply committed to in his own recovery. And in the months following his passing, I learned about all the people David helped in the rooms. The sentiment, “he saved my life” has come up several times. And knowing David like I do, that doesn’t surprise me at all. So I do hope the film reaches those who may have been impacted by addiction, either personally or through a loved one, and to know it really is never too late to ask for help.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

I believe David’s story offers the promise that no matter what you may be struggling with, it is never too late to ask for help, or to ask for forgiveness. This is also a story about the power of friendship, and what it means to support those close to you so they can realize their unique potential.

What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?

When David passed away during the course of making the film, I wasn’t sure we would continue. But we were encouraged by David’s family and Jon to finish the project in any way we could. At that point, the biggest challenge for me in making this was in the question of: “How do we tell a story of survival when our subject has passed away?” What we discovered was that we could both honor that sad reality while also paying tribute to what David accomplished in his life. And that while David was no longer with us, his story of surviving addiction was still very much at the core of the story we were trying to tell.

What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?

I don't like to give advice (especially since I still have so much to learn about filmmaking), but I can speak from my own experience. Something I always keep in mind for myself is that filmmaking is all about collaboration. I am the beneficiary of the most incredible team of collaborators, who I am so blessed to know and work alongside of. And while it’s great to be ambitious, I want the whole team to succeed just as much as any personal ambitions I have for myself. As filmmakers, we are at our best when we find ways to support each other. And ultimately, if we succeed in lifting each other up, I think the work ends up being better as a result.

Can you talk about the festival experience? How does it feel to have your film selected?

What I like about festivals is they give us a chance to let go of the competitive nature of the film industry, and just enjoy being a part of the film community. We all have so much in common — we all share this dream of getting to tell stories. So it’s nice to take a break from all the noise and just enjoy each other’s work.

What’s the last film you watched?

"Strange Darling." Loved it.

BIOGRAPHY

A New York City-based filmmaker, actor, and comedian, Adam Elliot’s short films and web series have screened all over the US and internationally. He served as a writer and appeared in the web series 'The Age of Insecurity' (Winner, LA Comedy Festival 2018) and 'Little Italy, Los Angeles' (Winner, HollyShorts 2018). His short documentary about his father, 'Harv' won the 2017 Greenwich Village Film Festival and 2018 Inwood Film Festival. He won Best Actor at the 2020 New York City Short Comedy Film Festival for his portrayal of The Agent in 'Adam Adamson: Licensed Realtor.' His short film, 'A Best Man' is a grant recipient of the inaugural Inwood Art Works Filmmaker Fund Award (Winner: Best Actor in a Short Film, New York CineFest 2022 and Midwest WeirdFest 2023). Winner of Gotham Comedy Club's 2022 New Talent Competition and Finalist of Stand Up NY's 2023 Comedy Mob Festival.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Director's Cut by Don Capria

About This Film

Excited to shoot their first music video, a punk rock band ventures into the woods of P.A. never to return.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR DON CAPRIA

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

I was shooting a music video in the heart of the pandemic in an abandoned location in PA. I was walking around the facility thinking about how we have no cell service and if someone wanted to - we could be butchered there and no one would ever know.

Why does this story need to be told now?

The heart of the story is about a band drama. It's a cautionary tale to the youth out there trying to "make it big." They really don’t know who they are dealing with sometimes and don’t take caution when they might need to. That is a valuable lesson for the youth of today.

Describe who you want this film to reach.

All young kids with dreams - but definitely artists in general.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

Beyond the slasher element with some cool killers I’ve created - I hope they take away a great story about a struggling band.

How do you want people to feel after they see your film?

Pleasantly surprised by a slasher film.

What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?

Music. I was a struggling musician - then a music manager and spent the majority of my life working in music. And while writing the script I listened to nothing but music!

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

Set.. It is intoxicating. So many people collaborating at the same time with the common goal of making one of the coolest mediums of art come to life.

What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?

SAG. We wet a small production and they really reminded us of how powerless we were during the process. lol.

Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.

I think the cast grew an amazing connection together during final callbacks. They were in a. different room together while we brought groups in and I was told they really bonded with one another while waiting for their turn. That human connection is priceless and I know many of them even the ones that didn’t get casted are now friends.

Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?

There is no such thing as a free lunch. Really about doing your research - don’t be so naive and quick to accept an offer.

Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?

I’m constantly rewatching John Carpenter and Wes Craven - they are amazing in their craft and for me it never gets old.

What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?

My first time on set was a music video and once I saw the operation I knew I wanted to do that as a career. Love at first site.

Why is filmmaking important to you? Why is it important to the world?

The ability to tell a story - share emotions and touch other people. It is the most amazing medium we have.

What role does technology play in your filmmaking process, and how has it evolved over the years?

I started shooting on 35mm - then watched the digital technology and lighting technology advance. We are spoiled today and I’m grateful for that - especially since I came up knowing how difficult it was before.

What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?

Rewrites. It's never too late to polish it some more. Then you are ready to break out a camera and spend real money.

Films are lasting artistic legacies; what do you want yours to say?

That I connected with them. Gave them a moment that felt real to them. And they felt what they saw.

If you weren’t a filmmaker, what would you be doing?

Writing.

How do you approach storytelling in your films? What’s your process for developing a script or concept?

I write. And then overanalyze it. Send it to 3 trusted people. Blend their feedback and rewrite. I like to take a week off to clear my thoughts before every rewrite.

What’s your history with the Bushwick Film Festival?

This is my first appearance.

Can you talk about the festival experience? How does it feel to have your film selected?

It's pretty amazing. Brooklyn is king. We did our wrap party in Bushwick and the majority of our cast and crew is New Yorkers. I’m very grateful and excited about this selection.

How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?

It's going to be very insightful - watching people as they watch your movie. Seeing what they like/don’t like/ laugh at and get sacred over. I can’t wait.

What’s the last film you watched?

last night - Friday the 13th part 3.. Watching horror all month.

What’s the last book you read?

The tipping point - My second time reading it.

One thing people don’t know about me is _____.

Im not as serious as I look.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl..

What three things do you always have in your refrigerator?

Oatmilk Creamer, carrots, seltzer water.

BIOGRAPHY

Don Capria is most known for his true crime biography, Colombo: The Unsolved Murder based on the life of mob icon Joe Colombo. In 2014 Don Capria wrote and directed his award-winning short film, Eulogy, and shortly after returned to work in music as an artist manager also directing and producing music videos and short-form content. In 2019 he filmed the pilot for his scripted TV series, Abaddon, starring Erika Alexander. In 2021 he wrote and directed his award-winning short film, Anecdota, a post-apocalyptic horror starring 11-year-old newcomer, Bella Grace. Now, Capria has written and directed, Director’s Cut, a horror/slasher that follows a young band going to shoot their first music video with a mysterious director. The film is set to hit theaters on Halloween.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Kid Nature by James Moutsos

About This Film

Kip, an angsty middle schooler, is fed up with the constant ridicule from his classmates and his cold, cynical teacher. He runs off into the woods with the promise of making his own treehouse, but finds an unexpected guest has tagged along in his backpack. In this funny, heartwarming adventure, Kip’s guest challenges his patience, brings him face to face with a bear, teaches him the power of friendship and gives him the courage to bravely confront his fears, or at least believe that he can. In the end, Kip’s most important lesson is the realization that sometimes the only thing standing between us and the life we want is our own choice to live it.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR JAMES MOUTSOS

James Moutsos, director of Kid Nature

Why does this story need to be told now?

I’m only 23 so I haven’t spent a ton of time in the world, but I do feel like in the world we live in now, how much information we have and how the younger generation has so much access to everything good, horrible, and crazy weird going on right now, everyone just has to grow up much faster it feels like. And while I think that’s partially a good thing, it’s can also lead to you feeling cold, hardened, and just overwhelmed with everything. So I wanted to tell a story first off that was just really sweet and could make people happy, but also one that showed everyone the power of vulnerability, the power of being “dumb” and silly, and ultimately that it’s ok even when you get a math equation wrong.

Describe who you want this film to reach.

I want to reach both a younger audience who’s feeling overwhelmed with the constant pressures of everyday life, as well as an older audience who’s just gotten better at pretending they aren’t!

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

I was hoping the audience could walk away from the film feeling a childlike sense of wonder and appreciation for the world, but also that the film could instill a sense of hope and empower the audience to face the world head on, even if they have no clue what they are doing! Kip at the end of the story really learns nothing about math or anything technical, but what he does gain is the incredible power of simply just trying.

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

Stop motion animation is usually a very solitary endeavor, but I think what was so great was all the wonderful help and support I got from friends when I made it. From helping paint toilet paper rolls to look like trees, to just simply clicking the capture button for each frame of a shot, to just sitting and talking with me as animated at 4am. I feel like just getting to hangout with some of my favorite people while I really just got to play around and feel like a kid again was really such a fantastic experience that made what would be a grueling process actually quite lovely!

What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?

I made this film at college, and a big difficulty was finding a space to work and store my large forest set. It was the most ambitious film I’ve made, being a stop motion film with a few different detailed locations, I needed a space where I could build the sets and props and shoot for very long periods of time. This made the shoot very chaotic as I ended up needing to use a communal stop motion room to film most of it. Many of the students and professors were very kind and generous for letting me use as much of the room as I did, and for as long as I did! The biggest problems I ran into was having to stuff all of my supplies and sets into a grocery cart after I wrapped animating late into the night, and wheeling the cart back into my room, so the space was clean and ready for classes the next day.

How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?

This is my first film festival I’ve ever been and before this screening I had only ever just been to smaller screenings or put up my short films on Instagram and YouTube. That was fun to show it to my friends and family members but I am a really excited and really nervous to see what random people will think! It will be quite surreal to see my work on the big screen!

BIOGRAPHY

James Moutsos is a Brooklyn-based director and stop-motion animator, who operates in the fantastical and the absurd! Just recently graduating with a BFA from Pratt Institute, James has already created a number of bold and imaginative works, including his newest short, Kid Nature, which won the NBR Student Grant!

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Lillo by Andrea Figueroa Chavez

About The Film

After the death of his father, a little boy has to do the cornfield harvest on his own, overcoming his loss with the help of his imagination.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR ANDREA FIGUEROA CHAVEZ

Andrea Figueroa Chavez, director of Lillo

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

The inspiration for "Lillo" was born from my own journey through grief after my grandmother's passing. As I cope with this loss, I was struck by my young cousin's ability to find joy each day, despite the pain. This observation led me to a profound realization: to understand his resilience, I needed to reconnect with my own inner child. This insight became the heart of my film, embodied in Lillo, a young boy facing his father's death while taking on the daunting task of the cornfield harvest. I set the story in my beloved hometown of San Miguel, Mexico, connecting my cultural roots into the narrative. By casting local farmers, including a young boy I've known for years, I sought to capture the authentic spirit of my community. Through "Lillo," I'm exploring how the innocence and wonder of childhood can guide us through grief, helping us find beauty and meaning in nature, memories, and the enduring connections of the soul. It's my visual philosophy, a vivid proof to the power of seeing the world through a child's eyes, even in our darkest moments.

Why does this story need to be told now?

Because my family and I needed it. It was a collective healing. Me putting the feelings into a narrative with symbolisms that are not only meaningful but my family or Mexican culture. "Lillo" brings us back to the earth, to community, and to the cycles of life. It reminds us of the healing power of nature and the importance of maintaining our connections to the land and to each other.The film's authentic portrayal of rural life and use of non-professional actors from the farming community also speaks to our current need for genuine, heartfelt stories that represent diverse experiences and voices.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

That they honor death, in that way they will understand grief.

How do you want people to feel after they see your film?

I want people to feel a sense of peace and closure in their own experiences with loss. My aim is for the film to help viewers build a personal language with the universe, enabling them to recognize and understand the signs of their loved ones all around them.

BIOGRAPHY

Andrea Figueroa Chávez is a Mexican Director and Production Designer. She sees life through the most colorful, emotional, surreal and yet realistic way thanks to her Mexican roots.

She graduated from the New York Film Academy in 2022 and was part of the prestigious program "Gold Rising" by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (A.M.P.A.S). She collaborated with the Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles in Women in Film Initiatives.

The mountains, rivers, corn fields, and Magic that embraced her when she was growing up helped her to create from within, to create realities that are not only relatable but can be felt deeply in order to change, wonder and dream.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Loft and Found by Pete O'Hare and Phillip Kibbe

About The Film

Five millennials with Peter Pan syndrome run an event venue out of their chaotic Brooklyn warehouse loft.

Q&A WITH THE FILMMAKERS

Pete O'Hare, co-director of Loft and Found

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

I found my first place in NYC on Craigslist– a warehouse loft/DIY venue deep in Brooklyn with a stage in the living room, and neighbors who throw sex parties, drug ceremonies, and circus shows. After I moved out, I realized I had to make a show about this place!

Phillip Kibbe, co-director of Loft and Found

Why does this story need to be told now?

Loft and Found explores the challenges of motivation and choice faced by so many millennials (including us!). We also celebrate the power of live community in an era of incessant lonely doomscrolling.

Describe who you want this film to reach.

For millennials (and also Gen Z, Gen X) who have grown up...and for those of us who are still working on it. Those who are passionately still pursuing their dreams, and those who need some inspiration. And also a good laugh!

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

They say the real miracle of Jesus was keeping 12 close friends in his 30s. It's hard out there! I hope the show will remind people of the importance of creativity, community, and a healthy dose of chaos. And it's never too late to pursue your dreams...or at least to pay your rent.

How do you want people to feel after they see your film?

We hope Loft and Found leaves you feeling like you've spent the night drinking with your best friends.

What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?

The cast is a group of phenomenal actors and performers. This film explores their reality--in real life and in the show, they tirelessly pursue their passions, and have to decide if growing up means giving up. And what does it mean to grow up anyway?

BIOGRAPHIES

Pete O'Hare is an award-winning and two-time Emmy-nominated cinematographer and filmmaker. He has filmed projects for Netflix, ESPN+, NBC, New York Knicks, and directed and filmed the documentary short films MUSE, A Day In September, and Baby Boy A. Pete lived at Unit J, the DIY loft from the show, for six years, and survived! Applying his documentary skill and experience to his friends and former living situation has been a process ten years in the making.

Phil Kibbe is a Brooklyn, NY-based filmmaker who specializes in docu-style content. His feature-length Documentary Float won Best Documentary Award at Charlotte Film Festival and Skyline Film Festival, and he is currently in production on The Bean, a feature-length documentary about the boxer Eric "Butterbean" Esch. He also co-directed the documentary short films A Day In September, and Baby Boy A alongside Pete O’Hare."

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Look Back At It by Felicia Pride

About The Film

A forty-something single mother gets her groove back with a little assistance from her teenage daughter.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR FELICIA PRIDE

Felicia Pride, director of Look Back At It

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

The most important women in my life are my mother, sister, and my niece. Individually, they are complex and loving and giving and complicated. Together, they love hard and sometimes messily. And they’re a hoot. LOOK BACK AT IT is loosely based on them. I asked myself what's an extreme thing a daughter could do to show her mother that she wants more for her.

Describe who you want this film to reach.

Black women across generations and then anyone who sees their family in it.

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

I had the opportunity to work with so many family and friends: My mother was location manager. My niece was a P.A. (her first time on set). My bestie did the hair. My cousin acted in it. My homeboy was a P.A. We filmed at my aunt's house. The way that Baltimore showed up for us was incredible. The set felt like family. Like home.

Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.

More than half of our cast is from Baltimore, including our lead actress Angel Laketa Moore. I was also able to work with my cousin Aaron Watkins who played Dante in the film.

How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?

It is one of the best feelings in the world. A mix of nerves, exhilaration, validation, and satisfaction.

BIOGRAPHY

Felicia Pride is a TV writer / producer and an award-winning filmmaker (BEL-AIR, GREY’S ANATOMY, QUEEN SUGAR, REALLY LOVE) who’s career in media and entertainment has spanned almost twenty-five years. Felicia founded and runs HONEY CHILE, a media + production company that tells stories by, for, and/or about Black women 40+. HONEY CHILE currently has projects setup at Netflix, Amazon, CBS Studios, Universal, Sony, and Lifetime. The first podcast out of its audio division, CHILE, PLEASE, was twice-nominated for an NAACP Image award. Its latest feature film proof of concept, LOOK BACK AT IT, which Felicia wrote and directed, was nominated for a Humanitas Prize and won the Audience Award at BlackStar.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Night Session by Ballard C. Boyd

About This Film

When a burglar unexpectedly runs into a homeowner during a theft, the robbery morphs into a makeshift therapy session, with the burglar helping the homeowner process his impending divorce - all while the homeowner helps to rob his own apartment.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR BALLARD C. BOYD

Ballard C. Boyd, director of Night Session

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

The film was written by my friend David Bizzaro and me, at a time that I was away from work on parental leave and I was looking for a creative project to work on, since I know I get itchy if I not working on something. It’s been so long ago, but I believe he pitched me a premise about a therapist, and then also a separate setup involving a burglar. We didn’t use the initial burglar premise, but it inspired us to come up with “what if this happened instead”. then we ended up combining parts of the two concepts together. The comedy beats of the story (and the turns & escalations) came together really quickly in an outline, but then it took several weeks to find the actual structure of the conversation between the homeowner and burglar that became a therapy session and was woven throughout. However, the whole time we had Richard Kind in mind for the homeowner, because we’re such fans. The fact that he responded to the script when we sent it to him (which was kind of a Hail Mary approach) and agreed to do it - and then was such a joy to work with and elevated the hell out of our script - is still amazing.

Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?

We were really interested in the idea of two people, who otherwise shouldn’t ever meet or have a reason to interact, that end up finding a connection and helping each other, almost by accident. That shared connection and understanding that we’re all going through something hard and we don’t necessarily have to do it alone was a big part of wanting to make this short. And I also really like hiding really emotional earnest moments and ideas (in this case, confronting grief over the end of a relationship) inside of very silly high-concept comedy premises (i.e. homeowner helps a burglar rob his house). I think people can be way more receptive to a big idea or an emotional moment when they’re laughing first and they have their guard down.

Why is filmmaking important to you? Why is it important to the world?

I think stories are how we humans process the world around them. And I think we’re actually hardwired for it and it’s part of what makes us evolutionarily human. Filmmaking is just one particular extension of storytelling, but when times are tough, when work is hard, people turn to stories. They’re CRUCIAL. Some people think of it as just escapist, but it’s STORIES that humans use to keep them going, to process grief, to find joy and connection in life. Stories show us what’s possible.

How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?

It's an incredible experience (especially when having made a comedy) to witness a live audience react to the film in front of them and have them be affected by it. The vast majority of a short film’s life will live online with people watching it by themselves on a phone or laptop, so it’s something really special to get to see it in a dark room together and get the confirmation that “Oh, yes! The jokes work! They’re laughing in all the right places!” Nothing can ever top a joke hard landing with an audience full of strangers.

BIOGRAPHY

Ballard C. Boyd is an Emmy Award-winning & Peabody Award-winning director & producer, based in New York City. and is currently a segment director and producer at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he has directed over 150 segments on CBS.

His narrative work has been broadcast on CBS, Showtime, Comedy Central, HBO Family, Logo, E!, ESPN.com, and NBC.com, and screened at over 4 dozen film festivals.

He has directed commercials and branded content for brands including Google, Wild Turkey, Captain Morgan, Mountain Dew, 3M, DICK’s Sporting Goods, Bounce, LongHorn Steakhouse, ACE Brand, NRG/Reliant, and Popular Mechanics.

In 2021, he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Talk Special (Live) for his work on Stephen Colbert’s Election Night 2020 on Showtime; as well as a Peabody Award for his work on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

He lives in Sunnyside, Queens, NY with his wife & daughter.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Ouchie by Kyle Kuchta

About This Film

A young woman discovers a mysterious lesion on her chest the morning after a disappointing tryst with a new lover. Throughout the rest of her day, she may or may not be the only one experiencing these unsightly symptoms.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR KYLE KUCHTA

How do you want people to feel after they see your film?

We hope that there is grace and self-love discovered by our audience members; an opportunity to love yourself and be gentle with yourself in the face of any Ouchies you might be dealing with.

What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?

Lots of body horror, queer horror, films that had some levity while also dealing with some gnarly stuff.

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

We cultivated a very empathic and caring set for all parties involved, which is something we pride ourselves on. We also shot a scene at a local pharmacy, and the pharmacist surprised us by buying our lunch that day. Truly special.

What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?

I've always been a social storyteller which, to me, means stories have involved other participants. So filmmaking is the storytelling medium that really lends itself to this. I love the camaraderie and collaboration that goes into making a film. It's a medium that so deeply requires an audiences' participation, too. It's an all-hands-on-deck art form, and I dig that.

What’s the last film you watched?

VHYes

Early bird or night owl?

Early Bird

BIOGRAPHY

Kyle Kuchta is a filmmaker born, raised and currently based out of Southeastern Connecticut. He graduated from Syracuse University’s (VPA ‘13) with a BFA in film and his first documentary feature Fantasm. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Los Angeles and remained working in the documentary world. 2018 saw the release of his feature-length documentary Survival Of The Film Freaks, a documentary about cult cinema co-directed with Bill Fulkerson. Later that year, Kuchta returned to Connecticut to focus solely on directing narrative work. His 2022 short “The Woodsman,” which has been recognized for Editing, Acting, and overall Best of the Fest(s) around the world. His most recent short “Ouchie” premiered at the 2024 Chattanooga Film Festival.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Sylvia by Ezekiel Goodman and Hannah Zipperman

About This Film

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!

DIRECTORS BIOGRAPHIES

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.

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.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: Tea by Blake Rice

About This Film

While rehearsing asking out the girl of his dreams, a lonely and highly allergic Circuit-Shack employee gets stung in the throat by a hornet.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR BLAKE RICE

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

I was inspired to create this film from a monologue from an incredible actor I saw years back, named Isaac Lee. He performed an original piece which displayed a character asking out the girl of his dreams, meanwhile they get stung in the neck by a horney - I thought, what a killer backdrop for a short film!

Why does this story need to be told now?

I think this story can be told ANY time...and that's it's purpose to me...I can fit in now, it can fit in any time. We/everyone can be lonely no matter the current events, and Tea is a comedy about the universal feeling of loneliness.

Describe who you want this film to reach.

As many people as possible. We try to make films as universal as possible. A goal with Tea was to be agenda-less. Without a topical angle, in hopes to live longer than a current film festival season!

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

I want people to not know what genre this project is....Our goal is to provide a unique expierience that the viewer has throughout this 12 minute journey.

How do you want people to feel after they see your film?

A tug on the heart chords.

BIOGRAPHY

Blake Rice is a New Jersey native and an award-winning director. His upcoming projects include DISC, starring Jim Cummings, and his debut feature The Empty Lot. These new works continue to showcase Blake's distinctive vision and storytelling prowess, following his previous successes such as PEOPLE LIKE YOU, which earned him the “Best Director” award at the 2019 New York City International Film Festival, and STEPS, a critically acclaimed drama that received Official Selection at the Sidewalk Film Festival and won the “Special Grand Jury Award” at the 2022 DeadCenter Film Festival.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: The End by Will Pinke

About This Film

In this surreal noir-comedy, SAM (75), an aging, wannabe mystery writer struggles to finish his first detective novel before it's too late. Over the course of one eventful evening, the lines between his real and fictional lives begin to blur.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR WILL PINKE

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

This film is the result of a long-term friendship and collaboration between myself (33) and my lead actor, Bill Gold (77). In 2022, Bill e-mailed me out of the blue: “Will, I’m considering producing a short film which will give me an opportunity to play the lead role. What I need is a script and a director/producer. Are you interested?”. I told Bill I was, if he was willing to be patient and develop something together organically. Despite our 45 year age gap, we share many similar references and sensibilities. We set out to devise a project we were both equally passionate about and invested in, inspired by Bill’s life and by our mutual interests in comedy and classic noir films. For over a year, we met at a diner for lunch every month. I gave Bill homework to write down his memories, and he’d share his life story with me. Bill recounted endless strange, funny, and touching anecdotes, and let me in on his passions, dreams, regrets, fears, and anxieties. Over time, I built a character and plot based on everything I’d learned about Bill — a sort of fictionalized memoir, that I knew he’d connect with emotionally and enjoy performing. The story, about a man trying to finish his mystery novel before he dies, mirrors Bill's desire to make this film and cross off one of the few remaining items on his bucket list. The surreal moments in the film are all related to real details from Bill’s life. It’s been a joy to help Bill live out this fantasy and to provide him with a completely novel experience at the age of 77. Through the process, this project has become deeply personal for me as well. I am grateful for all of the humor, wisdom, and experience Bill has shared, and that he afforded me the opportunity to channel his life into a film that feels uniquely my own.

What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?

My lead actor Bill Gold's personality and life story. Particularly, Bill's passion and drive to pursue his dream of starring in a film for the first time, in his late 70s.

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

Bringing together a crew full of artists I love, trust, and admire,.

Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?

It's never too late to follow your dreams. Life is short and unpredictable, your passions are worth pursuing while you still can. Take joy in the process, even if the end result is uncertain.

Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?

Directors: Hitchcock, Buñuel, Kaurismäki, the Coen Brothers. Films: After Hours, The Long Goodbye, Inherent Vice, Dillinger is Dead, Out of the Past, The Big Sleep, The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity

If you weren’t a filmmaker, what would you be doing?

Astronaut, Therapist, or Astrotherapist

What’s your history with the Bushwick Film Festival?

Bushwick was the first neighborhood I lived in when I moved to New York in 2014. This will be my first time attending the festival, but it feels like a full-circle moment to premiere this New York film where my life in New York began!

What’s the last film you watched?

Being John Malkovich

What’s the last book you read?

Black Wings Has My Angel - Elliott Chaze

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl

BIOGRAPHY

Will Pinke is a writer/director/producer from New Jersey, based in New York. Will attended Princeton University where he studied Literature, Creative Writing, & Film History/Theory. He graduated with an MFA degree in Directing & Screenwriting from the Columbia University School of the Arts in 2022. His stories mix genres in surprising and inventive ways.

Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24 Eduardo Sobrino 10/14/24

Filmmaker Profile: The Jasper's Experience by Jake Bakirdan

About This Film

Experience a night in New York City’s wildest deli.

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR JAKE BAKIRDAN

Jake Bakirdan, director of The Jasper’s Experience

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

What inspired me to create The Jasper's Experience was growing up around this neighborhood and witnessing both the chaos of the block and the love that so many people have for Jasper's. I have seen crowds in the hundreds on this block all gathered in and around Jasper's. The deli brings together many different walks of life, often times causing clashes between the students from the nearby college, locals from other parts of the city, and neighborhood locals who have fought to get a sandwich on the deli's menu. Seeing these groups coexist and, oftentimes clash made every late night trip to Jasper's an event in and of itself. I wanted to tell the story of Jasper's and show others what it is to experience a night at Jasper's Deli, and highlight the uniqueness of the business.

Describe who you want this film to reach.

I'm not sure that when making this film I had a target demographic in mind. I knew that as a new york native, this deli was unlike any other I had been to, and I definitely wanted to show other new yorkers what makes the deli so special. Whenever I would have friends from other boroughs come up and visit, I would oftentimes find myself saying "we have to go to Jasper's one night" and telling people some of the wild stories I have from my visits to Jasper's. However, as I was making the film, I also thought about people who have never been to the city, or those who have visited but only experienced a small, touristy representation of nyc. I think that the deli is not only unique when compared to other delis in nyc, it also portrays a slice of life in the bronx that I think many, whether locals or not, will be intrigued by. That being said, the film was not made for anyone in specific, I simply wanted to highlight and show love to a deli that I and many others in my community have called home.

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

Definitely learning Rocco's story and seeing how much he sacrificed and also how much he has provided for the community over the years. Going into the film, I intended to highlight Jasper's from the perspective of someone who has been both a spectator of the drunken chaos and also a member of said chaos. However, upon my first interview with Rocco, it added a deeper layer to the film for me. I had always known Rocco and he was always looking out for the neighborhood kids, overseeing his kingdom from behind the counter. But once I got to know him through the interviews I realized just how much he gave up when he immigrated to this country, and he himself pointed out the dichotomy between his upbringing as a devout muslim, as well as the fact that he still practices, and he noted to me during filming he is constantly surrounded by drunk people, without ever having had a a drop of alcohol. He also noted that seeing the drunken patrons has definitely convinced him to continue abstaining from alcohol.

What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?

Actually finishing the thing. Even now, I think about things that I missed, or locals I wish I interviewed, or even just some of the footage that didn't end up making the final cut. With documentary, the story is told through the edit and during the post process, I had so many different interviews and moments I wanted to include but just couldn't find the space narratively for them. I still have moments today where I will be around Jasper's at night and wish the camera was rolling.

What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?

Maybe this doesn't answer the question, but what I would say is make something you like. Maybe it seems like an obvious anecdote, but during the filmmaking process, especially if there are many hands on deck and expectations from a client or a studio, your own story or project can become one that you no longer resonate with. I think that by understanding yourself and what sorts of films/stories you enjoy, it will allow you to better tell your stories how you want them to be told. At the end of the day, it's your film, your story.

BIOGRAPHY

Jake Bakirdan is Turkish-American actor, filmmaker, and producer from the Bronx. Jake is currently the Director of Operations at Wrecking Crew Pictures, his production company. He and his team are always striving to tell stories that are real, gritty, and deserve to be heard. Whether in front of or behind the camera, Jake is always happy to be on set working, making connections, and telling the stories that need to be told.

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