In 2019, I made an ultra low budget indie film called FAQIR.
I had neither made anything that professional, nor did I have experience with film festivals.
Rushing to submit the film, I sent it to a couple of film festivals without verifying if they were legit. Plus, the film was barely complete, with awful sound due to background noise.
Looking back, I should have made a silent film, or a short sound film instead with the same amount of money.
After that whole ordeal, I lost confidence in traditional methods of filming and going into festivals as it seemed too difficult for someone who doesn't have the resources. I made experimental films and music videos until I realized the itch has to be scratched. I can't just go on like this, neither can I give up.
At the end of 2023, I decided to embark on an effort to make a new film that would fix the issues I had in my previous films (sound, confusing storyline, lacklustre acting, overly dark and noisy cinematography etc.). I wanted my new film to actually be good and presentable. I also wanted to not hold back with dialogues and story ideas, and just show and say things that I wanted to say. After writing the script, I spent a month gathering different actors and crew members to take part in the film. It makes a world of difference between when you start off and when you have already put out different pieces of work, and have networked with industry enthusiasts over the years.
Afterwards, I spent 4 months rehearsing with the actors, letting them get into their roles, even if it was their first time in front of the camera. We began rolling on April 2024, shooting on weekends, and public holidays. I edited the footage almost everyday after filming so that we can get a rough cut as soon as possible. Although the filming started off smoothly, on the last few main shooting days, it definitely got stressful and mistakes were made. People forgetting lines, forgetting clothes, hitting the time limit for the day due to unexpected delays. The one-man crew which I knew from the start I would have to take part in took a toll, but thankfully we finished the filming relatively smoothly.
Originally, I didn't intend to submit to any festivals due to the bad experience from before. But after watching the rough cut, I decided to give it a try, but only for festivals that don't bankrupt me. So, without expectations, I submitted to Rameshwaram International Film Festival, after verification. I'm so glad I did, and I'm so glad I submitted right before the deadline. Whether our film wins or not, I wouldn't be too bothered. Just the fact that we were able to complete something is already something I'm proud of and I can't thank my team enough!
Just gives me more hope to make more projects, keep submitting, and potentially get to Cannes Film Festival to be nominated for a Palme d'Or.
Happy to announce that our Hong Kong produced indie film WOOD HOUSE has gotten into the Quarter-Finalist at Rameshwaram International Film Festival 2024. The final results would come on 28th May 2024 UTC+8.
