Viscera Film Festival

 

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JEN MOSS, Director

My Brother’s Keeper- UK
Synopsis: Holed up at the end of the world with her well-meaning but dim-witted brother Jo (Alex Esmail), Jess (April Pearson) isn’t sure what will destroy her will to live first: the zombies or Jo’s incessant optimism.

“Being able to have your ideas come to life before your eyes and then to be able to share that experience with an audience is just the greatest feeling ever.”

 

FULL INTERVIEW:

1.                  Introduce yourself to the Viscera Community and discuss what inspired/inspires your love of filmmaking?

Hi, I’m Jen, writer/director of My Brother’s Keeper: or How Not To Survive The Apocalypse. I’ve been a film fan since as long as I can remember and have always wanted to be a part of that world. A few years ago, I decided to finally take the plunge from fan to filmmaker and safe to say, several shorts in, I have most definitely caught the bug! Being able to have your ideas come to life before your eyes and then to be able to share that experience with an audience is just the greatest feeling ever.

 

2.                  Tell us about your short film that’s being featured during VFF 2013 and/or the Road Tour?

My Brother’s Keeper is a dark comedy about a brother and sister stuck together in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. We never really see the outside world though as it’s all about their dynamic. It’s loosely based on the relationship me and my brother had growing up. It’s about the way your siblings can get under your skin in a way no one else can!

 

3.                   What would you say is the biggest challenge facing female filmmakers today? Are those challenges you personally face as well in your career?

It’s always tricky for me to answer these types of questions as so far, I’ve personally been fortunate enough to not encounter any issues due to my gender. There’s obviously an imbalance when it comes to male/female directors in particular in this industry but then, you don’t see a lot of female Formula 1 drivers either. I don’t know why that is necessarily but ultimately I think it all comes down to the work. If you make an awesome film, that will speak for itself rather than what you may or may not have between your legs. Or maybe we should just all go back to what we do best, cooking and cleaning ;)

 

4.                  What other projects have you worked on and what’s coming up for you in the future ?

A couple of years ago I made my first proper short film with the singer Kate Nash called The Morning After about the mother of all Halloween hangovers. The film played a few international festivals as has My Brother’s Keeper and both have been really well received which is just awesome. After taking a little bit of a break to figure out exactly what I wanted to do next, I’m currently working on a new script which I’m really excited about, shockingly not a horror this time round although still a dark comedy with supernatural elements! Hoping to shoot later in the year.

 

5.                  What do you enjoy the most about the horror genre as both a fan and as a storyteller?

Aw man, what don’t I enjoy! As a storyteller, not specific to horror necessarily I’d say but I really enjoy taking everyday situations and giving them a genre twist. Magical realism I guess. Expect maybe less magical, more twisted. Twisted realism, there you go, that’s my thing! As a horror fan, I love silly over the top gore, I love feeling like I’m about to have a heart attack when I think something scary is about to happen and to then have the release of nervous laughter after the fact. I love exploring the darker side of human nature and so much more besides. I could be here all night!

 

6.                  Is there anything else you’d like to add,?

Really I just want to say a massive thank you to Viscera for being so supportive of my work these past couple of years, it’s such an honour to be included in a festival such as this for the second year in a row. It’s hugely encouraging for a young filmmaker such as myself. Gutted I won’t be there in person to see the film play, meet everyone and soak up the atmosphere but hope you guys like the film!

 

              

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GIGI SAUL GUERRERO, Director

Dead Crossing- LOS ANGELES PREMIERE - Canada/Mexico
Synopsis: A Mexican family attempting to cross the border with a group of immigrants encounter a vicious and terrifying secret involving the way the United States deals with illegal immigration.

“Being a female filmmaker will become a challenge that will often rise, but it must be looked at as just another obstacle to solve in your filmmaking.”

FULL INTERVIEW:

1.                  Introduce yourself to the Viscera Community and discuss what inspired/inspires your love of filmmaking?

 

My name is Gigi Saul Guerrero. I am from Mexico City, but currently reside in Vancouver Canada. What inspires me to be a filmmaker is creating original content that captivates the audience on something they have not seen before. Horror is one of my favorite genres to film, as you get to play on that line of scaring or grossing people out at the same time. If I can get a rise out of a crowd that will cheer what is going on at the screen, I know I have done my job in making something that is fun for everyone to watch.

 

2.                  Tell us about your short film that’s being featured during VFF 2013 and/or the Road Tour?

 

“Dead Crossing” tells the story of a group of Mexican immigrants who discover a horrifying secret about the US government while trying to cross the border.

Movies have always portrayed the Mexicans trying to get into the US illegally, so I thought: HEY lets make a movie of Mexicans trying to escape the US from zombie eating border guards!! Funny enough, this sort film my best friend, Luke, and I wrote, filmed and edited in less than a week for a Zombie competition in Vancouver we found out about last minute. “Dead Crossing” was my very first indie film; at the time I was still studying film school at the time and still learning what filmmaking is all about.

 

3.                   What would you say is the biggest challenge facing female filmmakers today? Are those challenges you personally face as well in your career?

 

The challenge I have faced many times is the lack of trust in my ability to create a quality film. Even in my years of film school I experienced being a woman filmmaker I had to work twice as hard in getting recognized for my skill. I was never considered in being able to handle a directing gig until the teachers saw I had the confidence, drive and skill to perform higher crew positions. I just finished film school, so from the experience gained from university I know the real world will be a lot tougher for female filmmakers, especially directing horror films (which would be a gory dream come true). This means I must work really hard and always stay confident in what I want to pursue.

 

4.                  What other projects have you worked on and what’s coming up for you in the future?

 

Latest success was a Fake Film Festival being run in Vancouver that required us to tell the whole film in 60 Seconds. My team and I decided to remake “Evil Dead in 60 Seconds” which garnered almost 60,000 views as of today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9On1HsPqzo

Here is the awesome short and sweet Behind the scenes of Evil Dead in 60:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4EVW8j44Dg

 

Since “Dead Crossing” I have gone on to make a 8-part bi weekly audience interactive horror web series on Youtube called “Choose Your Victim” http://www.chooseyourvictim.com

 

For Halloween 2012 I created a mash up short film called “Halloween Vs Battle Royale” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du4QtDG4DoY

 

My YouTube channel is: LuchaGore Productions

https://www.youtube.com/user/mexicangorefest

 

What I have in the future for me is probably my biggest project yet! I actually just finished filming a Mexican Stripper Horror Short film. Yes, a Stripper Horror. It is called “Dia de los Muertos”, which means “Day of the Dead”. “Day of the Dead” is about a small town strip club in the slums of Mexico, where the women of ‘La Candeleria’ seek revenge on those who have abused them.
I am absolutely excited to get this film in the editing room and begin to promote it and start submitting it to festivals. Who knows maybe you will see it at Viscera’s 2014 ;)

 

5.                  What do you enjoy the most about the horror genre as both a fan and as a storyteller?

 

What I enjoy most about the horror genre is that I like how it can be played in many different ways. Examples of it being comedic, suspenseful, paranormal, supernatural, and so on… It can be played out so many ways that I feel I can branch out to certain parts of the horror genre to get a rise out of people that are watching. I really do like to keep challenging myself on trying different out different methods in the horror genre. And of course, I absolutely love the gore!

 

6.                  Is there anything else you’d like to add?

 

My best advice is to stay focused and never quit. Being an independent filmmaker is one of the best advantages to have because it is where you learn from your biggest mistakes in filmmaking.

Being a female filmmaker will become a challenge that will often rise, but it must be looked at as just another obstacle to solve in your filmmaking.

 

7.                  Gigi’s mini Bio:

 

Born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico, Gigi moved to Vancouver, British Columbia at the age of 13 with her family.  She enjoys the diversity of Canada, but never forgets her Latin roots! 

EVE EDELSON, Director

Shelter - USA
Synopsis: A battered woman finds an unusual way out of a very unusual relationship in a night of cosmic justice in an animal shelter.

“A well-made film sends me into the world of the imagination. It’s world-building.”

 

 

 

FULL INTERVIEW:

 

1.    Introduce yourself to the Viscera Community and discuss what inspired/inspires your love of filmmaking?

I’m a writer and filmmaker currently in the San Francisco Bay Area. I love filmmaking – and theater – and music – because they’re all storytelling. A well-made film sends me into the world of the imagination. It’s world-building.

Also, I was just raised that way. Literature, plays, music and films were the core of our family entertainment. Film was part of the cultural landscape – something to be enjoyed and also critiqued.

I like the process of turning my words into a scenario, and planning the shots – weighing the balance between word and picture, word and action – even rewriting with a view to keeping production costs down is satisfying. And the tools have certainly become more affordable and easier to use!  But storytelling is still at the heart of what makes film enjoyable for me.

2.    Tell us about your short film that’s being featured during VFF 2013 and/or the Road Tour?

“Shelter” is about a battered wife who finds an unexpected way out of her problems during a night of cosmic justice at a run-down animal shelter.

The idea was sparked by a news story about animal shelters accused of cruel practices, and mutated into something rather different. It was shot in a day, with a lot of the camera work done inside a cage - from the animal’s point of view.

3.     What would you say is the biggest challenge facing female filmmakers today? Are those challenges you personally face as well in your career?

I think it’s the same that men face – financial. With a cadre, you can do a lot for a little, but it’s still a struggle. Recently I crewed on a feature film directed by Rob Nilsson, “Bridge to a Border”, which introduced me to his style of filmmaking -  frugal, nimble, intense. The experience will help me in my own projects.

I’ve seen some discrimination on film sets – and in other life situations, for that matter. Mostly, I’ve had a good time and most people – women and men – have been great to work with. However, I’m not yet in the league of filmmakers who handle big money, so there’s probably a whole class of problems that go right over my head.

I’ve generally made my living in fields not traditionally considered ‘female’. I’m more focused on how I’ll handle being old someday, if I’m lucky enough to grow old, since I refuse to stop having fun. Meanwhile my personal artistic challenge is to keep creating, to not be lazy.

4.    What other projects have you worked on and what’s coming up for you in the future?

As far as genre films go, “Insomnia” – a story of a vampire who couldn’t get any sleep – played at a number of festivals and is now on Vimeo for your sleepless viewing pleasure:  http://vimeo.com/eveedelson/insomnia

I recently adapted my short horror story “The Underachiever” (published some years back) into a script which I hope to get made some time in the next year.

My play “Scamoramaland” – about people who write back to email scammers just to waste their time – opens in November in San Francisco at P.U.S. Theater. (www.pustheatre.com)    The play is based on my book “Scamorama”, which in turn is based on my web site www.scamorama.com, a gallery of correspondence with scammers that constitutes a literary genre unto itself.

Other plays and screenplays, short and long, are in the works.

I sometimes jot down remarks about my doings at: eveedelson.blogspot.com

5.    What do you enjoy the most about the horror genre as both a fan and as a storyteller?

The ability to play with notions of time and power, to follow weird premises to their logical – or illogical - conclusions. I’m not so interested in gore per se, especially gratuitous gore, whether aimed at women or men. I lean more toward psychological horror and fantasy – and I need a laugh now and then.

6.    Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Organizations like Bay Area Women in Film and Media are a good way to make contacts. I met the DP of “Shelter”, Peggy Peralta, through BAWIFM. Her encouragement propelled me forward on our first film together, “The Fare”, and she is game for anything to get a beautiful shot. In “Shelter” I stuck her inside a cage with the camera for much of the shoot, and also rolled her – and the camera - in a burlap sack and dragged her down a hall. She can handle it.

I don’t think you can overplan a film. Don’t be intimidated by the process, just plan and plan some more. And drink lots of water during the shoot – it’s surprising how dehydrated you can get!

CAROLINE TRUDEL, Director

Fashion Victim- Canada
Synopsis: A woman awakens in her party dress & heels. The sounds of distress she hears make it clear she needs to find a way out fast. Will her attire impede her ability to escape? Will she be fashion’s latest victim?

“…it’s important for society to have a wide variety of perspectives available to them. In my opinion, Viscera is groundbreaking because it helps give a voice to women filmmakers…”

 

FULL INTERVIEW:

1.            Introduce yourself to the Viscera Community and discuss what inspired/inspires your love of filmmaking?

       My name is Caroline Trudel, I am French Canadian in origin & I was born and grew up in Québec, Canada. I fell in love with west coast living while on vacation in B.C. & have since made it my home. My interest in film started out with documentary because I love telling people’s stories. I went to school & studied in documentary production and journalism.

          What got me interested in exploring narrative films is that there are no rules, and you can create whatever you imagine without boundaries. I like the magic of having an idea, seeing it come to life, and sharing it with others.

       Other filmmakers inspire me, and I love to work in collaboration with other artists. I find my inspiration in all kinds of art forms as well as in my day-to-day life.

I have a strong interest in science fiction, mystery, the paranormal, & dark humor.

       In documentary, I love to share stories of people who are passionate about what they do. I’m intrigued by the human mind, psychology & sociology as well.

          I founded a small film production company in Vancouver, Canada in 2011 called Vesica Films Production. I create a wide variety of media, from music videos to documentaries, narratives & more.

2.            Tell us about your short film that’s being featured during VFF 2013 and/or the Road Tour?

         “Fashion Victim” is a scenario I’ve always wanted to see in a film. It was shot on the grounds of a real abandoned women’s prison in Mission, B.C. The movie is only three scenes, and one of those scenes is over 8 minutes long with no cuts. The camera acts as the woman’s eyes so the viewer finds themselves in her shoes as if they are living the experience. “Fashion Victim” has irony, a touch of dark humor, and I think it breaks some of the archetypical stereotypes of women in horror films.

3.            What would you say is the biggest challenge facing female filmmakers today? Are those challenges you personally face as well in your career?

            I think that one of the biggest challenges that women face in the film industry is that our voice can sometimes be limited in the genre of stories we are able to tell in what is made available to the public. We don’t see enough films made by woman in the mainstream that step outside the stereotypes. That is why I got interested in the Viscera Film Festival; I saw what other women filmmakers had to offer, and I was fascinated by their interpretation of horror.

          I think it’s important for society to have a wide variety of perspectives available to them. In my opinion, Viscera is groundbreaking because it helps give a voice to women filmmakers, and encourages them to tell their stories from their unique perspectives.

 

4.            What other projects have you worked on and what’s coming up for you in the future?

          I self funded, produced & directed my first film, “The Thunderbird & the Killer Whale” in 2011; a documentary about the songs & dances of the Cowichan Tribe’s First Nations of Vancouver Island. This film was awarded a merit of honor at the Lucerne International Film Festival in Switzerland in 2012, and got a distribution deal. It will soon be available on a variety of VOD platforms including ITunes & Netflix. Please visit www.vesicaproduction.com for more info.

      I am currently in pre-production for two science fiction short films I have written. I am also collaborating with other artists on their films as well. Please visit my website for more information. www.vesicaproduction.com

JENNIFER WEXLER, Director of Two Official Selections

Slumber Party- USA
Synopsis: A dark wish becomes a nightmarish reality when best friends play a game of Bloody Mary.
Halloween Bash - WORLD PREMIERE - USA
Synopsis: A mean girl bent on playing tricks receives a mysterious Halloween treat.

“I absolutely love the adrenaline rush that comes from being scared. As a fan, my favorite kinds of horror movies are the ones that feel like roller coaster rides—your fists are clenched and your stomach will drop at any moment; it’s just the question of when.”

A still from “Halloween Bash”

A still from “Slumber Party”

FULL INTERVIEW:

1.      Introduce yourselves to the Viscera Community and discuss what inspired/inspires your love of filmmaking?

I’m a writer/filmmaker currently living in Brooklyn. My love of filmmaking was inspired by a desperate need to entertain myself as a teenager. I loved horror films, so I started coming up with my own ideas for scary movies. I made films about aliens invading my town and about girls waking up in the middle of the night to discover their kidneys were stolen; it totally beat after-school sports and choir club. I started working in the genre professionally as a member of FEARnet’s marketing team. Now I work at Larry Fessenden’s Glass Eye Pix, and I’m an associate producer on his new film, BENEATH. 

 

2.      Tell us about your short film that’s being featured during VFF 2013 and/or the Road Tour?

I’m really honored to have two short films in the festival and the road tour. “Slumber Party” is my take on the “Bloody Mary” myth. “Halloween Bash” is about a mean girl who gets her comeuppance. I wanted to make films that were short, sweet, & scary, but that implied larger stories. Both films play with monsters as metaphors and feature friendships-gone-wrong.

 

3.      What would you say is the biggest challenge facing female filmmakers today? Are those challenges you personally face as well in your career?

I think a big problem is awareness—if you’re a young girl out of film school, the path may seem more daunting than that for your male classmates because you aren’t part of a culture where female directors are the norm. There aren’t many female filmmakers that are household names, and women aren’t being given the big-budget, mainstream films. This enables a misperception throughout the industry that female filmmakers are not equipped to handle the same types of films as men. That’s why Viscera’s great— in addition to spreading awareness about the discrepancy, they support and encourage new filmmakers.

 

4.      What other projects have you worked on and what’s coming up for you in the future (please be sure to include links if you’d like us to promote specific pages, etc.)?

I recently wrote and produced a series of web videos that tie into Glass Eye Pix’s BENEATH. Presently, I’m at work on a feature-length screenplay and in pre-production on a new short film. Around Halloween season, I run a blog called Scares About Town (ScaresAboutTown.com), which focuses on genre-related establishments and events in cities around the U.S.

 

5.      What do you enjoy the most about the horror genre as both a fan and as a storyteller?

I absolutely love the adrenaline rush that comes from being scared. As a fan, my favorite kinds of horror movies are the ones that feel like roller coaster rides—your fists are clenched and your stomach will drop at any moment; it’s just the question of when. As a storyteller, I love that horror allows me to explore and express my anxieties and fears, and then share them with others; it’s a very entertaining form of therapy.

 

6.      Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’m so excited to have “Slumber Party” and “Halloween Bash” play at this year’s fest! Thanks again to the Viscera Film Festival for having me.