Leicester International Film Festival 2018 - Handmade Film
The art of handmade film is a rarity in today's industry. Experimental filmmaker Lindsay McIntyre spends days preparing the film emulsion she shoots on and hand develops herself.
Interview with Director/Producer Christina Ienna
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! Lindsay and I were part of local co-op FAVA (Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta) in Edmonton, Alberta. She was one of the few female filmmakers in the city and I had always been fascinated by her dedication towards creating her own film emulsion.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I hope audiences enjoy a peek behind the screen and potentially it will intrigue a few viewers to pursue filmmaking themselves. As for those already filming, this is a little salute to you and your passion to create in this medium.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Lindsay is a true auteur, leaving her fingerprint both physically and creatively in every part of her films. She uses the medium to develop the story while building her stock. It's chemistry at both a relative and molecular level. Her relationship in the lab affects the outcome of the final project before she even shoots with it. The unpredictable nature of working this way can sometime result in happy accidents or new directions.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The nature of documentary can be much more unpredictable than scripted. I tried to parallel Lindsay's process to mine. I set out with a list of questions and an idea but let things happen naturally from there. I ended up having more of a conversation then followed her around for the day while she worked her magic. The rest was piecing together her story and what was shot in post with Kyle.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Handmade Film has exceeded expectation. People are genuinely intrigued by Lindsay's creative process. They ask interesting questions and are surprised by what is involved in making film emulsion. I am extremely grateful each time it is accepted into a festival, knowing more people will appreciate Lindsay's story and see the hard work of my team.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I did not expect the level of reception the film has received. Winning awards in multiple categories and having the opportunity to attend some wonderful festivals this past year has broadened my network and credibility as a filmmaker. The experience has also pushed me out of my social comfort zone and have made some great connections.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Tapping into any network can lead to a great opportunity. Hoping to make some connections, whether it is for my current film or future projects.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Handmade Film is nearly at the end of its festival run. I am currently looking for distributors or buyers interested in the film. Always happy to speak to film festival directors and journalists as well.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The average moviegoer is unaware of how much work and devotion goes into making a film, while younger filmmakers may not be aware of what is involved in shooting on film. Handmade Film strips a film down to its chemical base as a reminder to filmmakers to appreciate the process and creative growth of your projects as they evolve.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is film dead?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Lindsay recently moved to Vancouver to teach at Emily Carr. Kyle, my editor also lives in Vancouver working a Finale Post House. Aarin is in Edmonton composing and mixing sound.
Interview: August 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
HANDMADE FILM
The art of handmade film is a rarity in today's industry. Experimental filmmaker Lindsay McIntyre spends days preparing the film emulsion she shoots on and hand develops herself.
Length: 4:51
Director: Christina Ienna
Producer: Christina Ienna
About the writer, director and producer:
CHRISTINA IENNA is a Toronto based filmmaker and cinematographer with extensive experience in documentary, narrative and commercial production. She is a Women In the Director's Chair (WIDC) alumnae and holds Associate Member status within the Canadian Society of Cinematographers.
Key Cast: Lindsay McIntyre
Looking for: buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Twitter: @cstina
Instagram: @stina
Website: www.handmadefilm.ca
Funders: Edmonton Arts Council
Made in association with: FAVA and Edmonton Arts Council
Where will it screen next: Leicester International Film Festival in late August and Catalina Film Festival in late September.