SHORT FILMS

TIFF 2019: VOLCANO SET TO ERUPT AT TIFF

Published

5 years ago

September 5, 2019

Co-presented by AGJR Enterprise Inc. specializing in Financial Services

It’s a nice feeling to be acknowledge for your efforts especially when it comes to the film industry where it such a difficult rock to climb let alone maintain. Sometimes its the small steps that you need to take before taking giant leaps to get that respect rather than falling flat on your face. Director Karen Moore has taken those types of steps and is set to premiere her short film Volcano in the Short Cuts Programme at the Toronto International Film Festival. Actresses Hannah Cheesman and Jess Saguilero star in this short but notable film that reflects the complexity of modern friendships and romantic relationships. Director Karen Moore had this unique vision of these two actresses performing in this short and she tells us why when FERNTV had a moment to interview her.

FERNTV: You said you wrote the story for this film for both Jess Saguilero and Hannah Cheesman knowing that the two would have great chemistry for Volcano. Do you find that its a different process when you find inspiration amongst actresses rather than something else like a subject or an issue?

Karen: I had Jess and Hannah in mind to play the characters in the film, but Volcano was inspired by personal experience. I was interested in exploring a messier female friendship and shedding light on issues I’ve faced myself, and I knew Hannah and Jess would be perfect to help bring it all to the screen.

FERNTV: Do you find that this film comments on not only the dating/relationship scene here in Toronto but the common struggle of dating in our times?

Karen: I think the relationship issues (both romantic and friendship-based) explored in the film are more universal, as opposed to commenting on a specific dating scene or moment in time. But I can’t say I’ve dated anywhere other than Toronto, so maybe I’m biased!

FERNTV: You selected the Shameful Tiki Bar for the Volcano’s setting which is quite the popular place in Parkdale, Toronto. Tell us what was about this place that you had to have this place in your film?

Karen: The Shameful Tiki is an institution in Parkdale — people come from all over to have birthday parties, bachelorettes, etc. over giant bowls of juice and rum. What’s not to like? I love how dark and moody and specific it is — it’s not just tiki-themed, it’s full-blown tiki everywhere you look. Also, the whole fantasy vs reality element of an escapist tiki bar thematically ties in with the film perfectly.

FERNTV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your experience behind the camera for this film?

Karen: The feeling of adrenaline. And I mean that in a good way… mostly. This was my first time directing, so I was of course nervous, but more so I felt focused, decisive, and in the moment.

FERNTV: You have won awards for being a writer but do you find that being a film writer first should be the prerequisite before moving on to directing a film?

Karen: No, I definitely don’t think you need to be a writer to direct. I think anyone who wants to should try their hand at directing, regardless of their background. I’ve worked with plenty of directors who don’t consider themselves writers & they bring their own unique vision and skill set.

FERNTV: How do you feel being selected at TIFF this year for your directorial debut for the film Volcano?

Karen: It’s an honour to premiere Volcano at TIFF, especially considering it’s my first as a director. Being selected for TIFF feels a bit like winning the lottery — there are so many deserving films and so few slots — I think I re-read the selection email 100 times before I believed it! We’re thrilled.

https://youtu.be/5-ZfD_Aavhg

VOLCANO Trailer | TIFF 2019 (https://youtu.be/5-ZfD_Aavhg)

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Fernando Fernandez

Fernando Fernandez is a graduate of Environmental Studies at York University in Toronto. He became interested in entertainment journalism in the late 2000s writing for online startups. He founded FERNTV in 2009 and focused mainly on the film industry. With over a thousand interviews conducted with all walks of life in film, he is still learning as if every day is day one.