Matt Interviews the Cleveland International Film Festival
- Matthieu Côté
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The 49th edition of the Cleveland International Film Festival was being held from March 27th to April 5th. This was the chance for upcoming filmmakers to debut their feature films or documentary in the hopes of grabbing an Oscar nomination since the films debuting at the festival are elligible at the Oscars.
I had the chance to chat with 4 talented directors who had their premiere over there: Emily Sheskin ("Livestreams with Grandmapuzzles), Florence Bouvy ("Where We Stay"), Ali Cook ("The Pearl Comb") and Lauren Melinda ("Before You"). They were kind enough to allow me some time to discuss their films. I'm not exaggerating when I say this, but this was a film school by itself. I learned a lot about filmmaking talking with them and I hope you do as well.
Interview with Emily Sheskin for "Livestreams with Grandmapuzzles"
"Adele Tiffith’s lifelong love for puzzling becomes her unexpected salvation when her hobby suddenly becomes a lifeline to preserve her mental health and connect with others through her growing Twitch community. Emily Sheskin’s heartwarming and uplifting documentary LIVESTREAMS WITH GRANDMAPUZZLES premiered at Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival where it won an audience award for “Favourite Short Film”, and will screen at the upcoming, Oscar-qualifying, Cleveland International Film Festival.
Emily Sheskin is an award winning film and commercial director who tells stories full of optimism and resilience, without glossing over life’s challenges. Her short films have featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Atlantic, and even pirated on TikTok (though she’d prefer credit). Her first feature film, JESSZILLA, premiered in 2023 at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival where it was in competition. It went on to play at notable festivals around the world (IDFA, DOC NYC, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival) and won awards with Slamdance, Fargo Film Festival, Rhode Island Film Festival, Ridgefield Film Festival, and the Atlanta Film Festival. She is currently 1/2 of the duo behind Chicken Wing Pictures."
Interview with Florence Bouvy for "Where We Stay"
"Longtime friends Carry and Daniel have never acknowledged their underlying feelings for each other, but with one now lying on their deathbed, they are finally forced to confront their buried emotions. WHERE WE STAY, from writer and director Florence Bouvy, is a beautiful and touching examination of human connection and unspoken truths. The short premiered at the 2024 Palm Springs International Shortfest and will screen at the upcoming, Oscar-qualifying, Cleveland International Film Festival.
Growing up in the fast-paced city of Amsterdam, Florence developed a fascination for human behavior that became a big part of her voice. In a constant search for deeper reflection on her stories, she studied philosophy at the University of Amsterdam, followed by film directing at the Netherlands Film Academy. After graduating in 2018, she focused on expanding her style and unique way of shooting film, including long improvisations on set. Her award-winning short film TILL THE END OF THE WORLD traveled globally, winning her a.o. the Dutch Critics prize for Best Graduation film, the Dutch Filmfund Wildcard, and Best Director at Moscow shorts. Her work is characterized by a combination of strong acting performances and poetic, expressive elements."
Interview with Ali Cook for "The Pearl Comb"
"When a fisherman’s wife (Beatie Edney -‘Highlander’), captures the attention of the medical profession as the first person to ever cure someone of tuberculosis, a doctor (Ali Cook - ‘Kajaki’) is sent to investigate her miraculous claim. Determined to prove that a woman’s place is in the home and not practising medicine, he soon discovers the source of her unearthly power. Writer & director Ali Cook’s, THE PEARL COMB, tells a thought provoking and captivating story blending historical drama with elements of myth and mystery. Its narrative highlights the resilience of women in a time when their voices were often silenced, drawing inspiration from the true story of the ‘Edinburgh Seven.’
It was nominated for five awards at The British Short Film Awards, winning two, and will screen at the upcoming, Oscar-qualifying, Cleveland International Film Festival. THE PEARL COMB follows Ali’s BAFTA long listed short, THE CUNNING MAN. It screened at 88 international film festivals including the Cleveland International Film Festival, FrightFest, the Oscar-qualifying Cinequest and the BAFTA & BIFA qualifying Norwich Film Festival — winning 33 awards. It was also nominated for the Melies D’Argent."
Interview with Lauren Melinda for "Before You"
"Looking back on her first pregnancy, a woman navigates the echoes of a life-changing loss. BEFORE YOU is a narrative short film based on true events that navigate the complex emotional landscape of having an abortion when a pregnancy is not viable – a procedure currently restricted or banned in 21 of the United States.
BEFORE YOU’s Writer/Director/Producer Lauren Melinda is an award-winning Persian American filmmaker and the founder of SIMBELLE PRODUCTIONS, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women through film. She is currently developing her first narrative feature ECHOES, and a TV series on her Ukrainian great-grandmother who worked as a midwife to the Shah of Iran. Melinda Shares ”at the heart of BEFORE YOU lies a deep commitment to foster meaningful dialogue around reproductive healthcare and bodily autonomy.”
Producers Helena Sardinha and Rafael Thomaseto’s latest project THE BALLAD OF TITA AND THE MACHINES was revered by the LA Times and Forbes. They are currently developing its feature length adaptation, supported by the Sundance Institute through their Producers and Screenwriting Labs. Having recently began its festival run BEFORE YOU has already been selected for St. Louis International Film Festival and Cordillera International Film Festival. This important film can soon be seen at Santa Fe Film Festival, NFMLA, Filmfort, Cascadia International Women’s Festival and Cleveland International Film Festival."
And that's a wrap for the Cleveland Film Festival! Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel for more content and yes, there will be more interviews and festivals coming up!
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