Interview with Director Michael Brims (THE SOUNDS OF STREET VENDORS)

Michael Brims’ short film THE SOUNDS OF STREET VENDORS played to rave reviews at the September 2016 DOCUMENTARY film festival. It was the winner of Best Music at the festival. This was the first ever film that was from Cuba that played at the festival.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Michael Brims: A conversation at a conference in Havana with the musicologist Jaime Bofill from Puerto Rico

MT: From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

MB: About a month

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

MB: Street-vendor songs

MT: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

MB: Finding the vendors in all different kinds of places in Havana

MT: What were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film in the feedback…