“The film follows a band of juveniles embarking on a spree of breaking into houses and causing a ruckus!” Director Ashley Brandon on DIA DE LA MADRE which screens in the Documentary Shorts section of SxSW 2020 Film.
Welcome to the amazing SxSW and congratulations! Are you planning to attend SxSW?
This will be my first time at SXSW. I’ll be attending with my producer, Nevo, and we are hyped! We’ve never been to Texas… although we hear Austin ain’t really Texas.
How did you first hear about the SxSW and wishing to send your project into the festival?
It’s hard to think of a time where I didn’t know SXSW existed. It’s just a must for anyone interested in art and art-communities in any way. I’ve submitted all my past-work to the festival and it’s always been one I’ve dreamt of attending as an accepted filmmaker. So stoked it finally happened.
Tell me about the idea behind your project and getting it made!
We like to be a tad vague when describing anything about the film as it is so short and has a bit of a surprise factor to it. But, I’ve always been obsessed with youth culture/pranks/shenanigans. This is a doc, so once we heard a group of youngins had a top-secret operation planned, we just HAD to tag along and film it.
Who are some of your main creative inspirations?
Way too many people and artists to name! And I feel like this answer is always changing for me. But in my current life-season, my work as an artist is very much inspired by the tv series MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, anything put out by A24, the music of Grimes, and my hero Annie Oakley.
How did you put this together from a technical viewpoint? What sort of cameras/lenses did you use and/or did you have any creative challenges in making it?
We had a two camera setup happening for the day. We didn’t have much time to plan or organize the shoot so we were really running and gunning. We shot with a Sony A7riii, a Sony Fs5, and a few GoPro cameras.
After SxSW, where is it going next? Anywhere you would love to show it?
We have about 12 more festivals lined up currently. So, we’ll be all over!
What would you suggest to theatres or even film festivals as a way to show more short films theatrically or make them more accessible to audiences across the country?
Attention spans are at an all time low so shorts are the answer! Play them, people love them!
If you know of anyone around you wanting to become a filmmaker/creator, what would you suggest to get their start?
Look around locally for interesting stories that inspire you. Creativity is all around you and there are so many stories to tell. Also, don’t get in your own head. If people don’t believe in your vision, make it anyways. Who cares! You have nothing to lose!
And finally, what is your favourite short film of all time?
My favorite short film of all time is I Think This is the Closest to How the Footage Looked.
This is one of the many films playing at SxSW 2020! For more information on this film, screening times and info on the entire SxSW experience, point your browser to www.sxsw.com/film!