A film festival and the motivation we all need

Roger Corman, film director and producer, known as the Godfather of Independent Film, launched “the first (and hopefully last)” Corman Quarantine Film Festival in April.

Article by Bella Trost

Application was easy through social media and the guidelines were simple. The short had to be filmed in your home or backyard, under 2 minutes long and made with what you have at hand. The cast could consist of family members or whoever is in your household with you. The story could be anything you imagine.

It was a great opportunity for everyone to show the world their creativity and filmmaking skills. No budget was needed, you could make a video with your cell phone using your home lights and edit the film in whatever program you had available on your laptop or simply on your phone.  

The festival got over 2,000 short entries from around the world. “Documentaries about family members, a day in the life of the family dog, sequels to my movies (Roger Corman’s), film noirs, thrillers, dramas, comedies, westerns, stop-motion animations, and multiple toilet paper heist films”.

I was one of the thousands who applied for the festival. I didn’t win but the opportunity was exciting and I was eager to create something. My filmmaking project had a lot to do with well-being during the quarantine. It had a positive impact on my life – I had something to work towards. I dreamed it and I made it happen. I did what I love! Even if filmmaking is not one of your interests and my film is not your cup of tea, I’m sharing my experience to encourage you to find a project for yourself that makes you jump out of bed every morning, makes you restless in a good way and gives you a goal to work towards to fill your days. I know lockdown seems like it will be over soon but having projects that make you happy on a daily basis is an essential part of a healthy life now and when it’s all over.

Cover photo by @polako_la