Cannes Film Festival
Short Film Corner 2021
After two years away, Marie comes back to Montreal for a last day with her former lover Eric. Would their strange sense of humour and unique chemistry be enough to give love a second chance?
Hi Jimmy, thanks for talking to The New Current, how have you been keeping during these strange Covid times?
Well, I did take a lot of walks, trying not to get insane. And it was also a great opportunity to work on the writing of different projects that I like to film someday.
Has this time offered you any new creative opportunities?
In fact, I’ve been kind of very busy, writing, directing, co-animating and editing a 6 episodes documentary named “Chasseurs d’étoiles”, who was presented on a major TV channel here in Quebec in March 2021. Results must have been good since they ordered a second saison.
Congratulations on having Paris-Montreal part of this years Short Film Corner, how does it feel to be able to present your short film at Cannes?
It’s a great honour and a good occasion for our film to be seen by a lot of festival programmer. But my real goal remains to one day have one of my movie part of the Official Selection of the festival.
Will there be any nerves ahead of the festival?
I don’t think so. We all did our best on this film. Me and all the team worked very hard with a very small budget (8000$). But now it’s time to let our baby go and hope for the best!
When you are about to start a new project what are some of the first steps you usually take before shooting?
First, it’s all about finding a good idea, that stimulate me as a creator. Then you must find the money and a great team to help you giving life to the project.
How did Paris-Montreal come about and what was the inspiration behind the screenplay?
The original idea is from the co-producer and main actor of the film, my good friend Karl Farah. He approached me with his idea about a short film that tells the story of two former lovers who decide to spend one last 24 hours together. I immediately felt in love with the two characters and their craziness, then I offered Karl to direct and co-produce the film, and he happily said yes.
What was the most challenging scene for you to film?
Without a doubt, it was the scene where the to lovers decide to go for a swim in a lake that is still partially frozen at that time of the year!
"When I was 15 years old, he bought a digital camera and that’s when me and my friends started shooting movies just for fun."
Looking back is there anything you would do differently on this film?
For sure, it’s always like that for every movies I make. But what is done is done, so I prefer focusing on how I will make my next movies as good as possible.
Have you always had a passion for filmmaking?
I remember watching movies with my dad almost every night since I was 6 years old. When I was 15 years old he bought a digital camera and that’s when my friends and I started shooting movies just for fun. My first job was in a VHS rental store. So when it came time to chose a career I went all-in for my passion: movie director!
How has your approach to directing changed since your debut short?
Well, I have way more experience about all the technical aspect of a shoot, which helps a lot. I also realized that it’s important to work with people that share the same passion and are willing to giving it their all for the good of the film.
As an award-winning filmmaker what have been some of the biggest lessons you've taken from making your films?
Go all in our forget about it! There is no in between when comes to the time it takes to make a movie.
Now you can be reflective what advice would you offer a fellow filmmaker?
Well: Go all in our forget about it!
And finally, what do you hope people will take away from Paris-Montreal?
We hope the film will be presented in as many festivals as possible since it’s often the only way a short film can be seen by the public.