Title: Reflection
Runtime: 7 min
Country: USA 
Director: Andrea Neal
Placement: Honorable Mention
Competition: December, 2020

Synopsis: A young girl, saddened after arriving home from her grandmother’s funeral, finds something to lift her spirits which quickly turns to more sadness. She combats this by creating something positive, which brings an uplifting surprise.

FILMMAKER Q&A – Andrea Neal – Director, Writer, Producer

OR: What was the inspiration for your film?

AN: After writing it I realized that it reminded me of an experience that my brother and I had, and felt, after the death of our mom. I can only describe it as feeling like my mom was finding a way to send us a loving message from beyond. Sometimes art imitates life.

OR: When did you conceive the idea for your film and how long did it take before it was realized?

AN: The script was written a few years back and I wrote it in a day or two as I was seeing the images in my mind. Once I decided to make it, it took roughly three months to organize and start filming.

OR: What was the most challenging aspect of working in a short film format?

AN: Hoping the audience stays engaged and interested throughout the short time frame presented, especially since my film has no dialogue. 

OR: What was the most challenging aspect of your production?

AN: Weather! The story was imagined as taking place in the fall but we shot in winter so we had to omit a lot of background that revealed the season. The first day we should’ve finished the film but we only got half a day because it started raining so we completed the interior shots. The second day, a couple months later, we shot the exteriors. We only had half a day again due to time restraints and the wind ruined some final shots I would’ve liked, but you adapt and that’s part of the challenge and fun of filmmaking!

OR: Do you have any advice for first-time filmmakers?

AN: You’re never too young or too old to start something you love, so just go for it!