Thank you so much! We are thrilled to hear our film won! The festival was awesome. We will definitely be back.
– Mariah MacDonald, Producer Short Film Cycle
The November 2014 Film Festival was a giant success with a sold out crowd and an amazing lineup of diverse and eloquent films.
The short film CYCLE was the audience winner for Best Overall Film at the Festival.
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Watch the Audience Feedback Video from the Festival:
Get to know more about the film here:
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/cycle.html
The Cycle is a story of revenge that touches on current world issues. Aslam’s entire family was gunned down by an American soldier named Hudson during a battle in Afghanistan.
Let’s get to know Producer Mariah MacDonald, and Director Ali Akbar Akbar Kamal
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Mariah: Ali heard a similar story on the news and was inspired to write a fictional version. His favourite genre is action/thriller so the script came to him quickly.
MT: From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Mariah: It took about 7 months to complete everything from start to finish. The most time consuming part for us was funding. We had to ask for a lot of favors and really budget carefully.
MT: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Mariah: Obtaining locations for an action film on a small budget is quite difficult. We were lucky to use our own apartment as well as find a family home in Mississauga, but we had to be extremely careful not to damage anything. And of course, funding.
MT: You were at the festival, what were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film?
Mariah: We were nervous at first, but pleased with the outcome. The audience seemed to receive the message we were hoping to convey. It is always interesting to hear audience’s thoughts.
MT: I remember when you initially submitted that the film’s length was much longer. What influenced you to edit down the film to it’s present length?
Mariah: We noticed there was a lot of down time that wouldn’t be missed. We want to make our films as tight and entertaining as possible.
MT: Other than your own, what was your favourite film that played at the festival?
Mariah: I think our whole gang collectively agreed that Bow To Your Prince was our favourite. Beautiful cinematography and art.
MT: What film have you seen the most in your life?
Ali: Andaz Apna Apna (Bollywood)
Mariah: What About Bob?
MT: What is next for you? A new film? I see you have another film that’s also playing in the festival circuit as well? What’s that film about?
Mariah: The other short film we had in circuit was a student film entitled “Shabnam to Ali”. We are currently working on a pitch package for a feature length version of the short film. It’s about two young suicide bombers, Shabnam and Ali, as they meet during a mission in the USA. During the missions they fall in love and teach each other the value of life. Now they have to decide what they believe in most; their mission or their love for one another.
Ali is also directing an action short film that will be shot in December.
MT: Tell us your relationship with Ali, your collaborative Director? Where did you guys meet?
We both met at Toronto Film School. We worked on a few projects in school and really understood the way we both work. We have stuck together as producer/directer and plan to do so in the future.
MT: Thank You.
Mariah MacDonald – producer
Born in a small town in Nova Scotia, Mariah MacDonald has always had a passion for the Arts. When it came to choosing a career path, the film industry stood out among any other choice. Also an alumni of Toronto Film School with a few short films under her belt. Working hard on pre-production for a feature film as well as a documentary series.
Ali Akbar Akbar Kamal – director
Born in Afghanistan, Ali Akbar Akbar Kamal has always had a deep passion for filmmaking. Even as a kid, Ali would write and act out feature length movies in the privacy of his bedroom.
After living 6 years in Pakistan and 8 years in Uzbekistan, Ali finally made his way to Canada where he would pursue his dream. He’s an alumni of Toronto Film School, where he wrote/directed/edited 5 short films. Ali has recently starred in an action-packed short film.
WILDsound Festival 
Reblogged this on WILDsound Writing and Film Festival Review.
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