Can you tell us about your latest film project and the process you went through in bringing it to life?
JF: Deja-Vu is Thriller/Action film that I wrote with my daughter Naomi while we were on strike in 2023; having writen the synopsis a few years ago, I took the oportunity to explore deeper in the subject to write a short film format.

I had set myself a target of 6 to 8 months to deliver the completed film ready to enter festivals and we made it!
The subject in our film is about past lives/reincarnation, a subject that gives unlimited creative possibilities in terms of story, charácter development, centuries, action, locations and so much more.

When you think about it; what if you can come back in another body lives after lives? The whole process from writing, filming, post and delivering has been an amazing ride.
Oh! And we shot it in only 3 days!!!

​

What inspired you to become a filmmaker and pursue a career in the film industry?

JF: I started at a very young age in elementary school where I did théâtre and muppet voices, so my interrest in performing started very early but then when I was a teenager I was already deeply involve in karate training so I started to create little story for live performances with some fight choreography, costume, props and music; that led me to want to explore the médium of camera work and this is when I fell in love with filmaking, purchasing my own video camera and started filming and experimenting all aspects of camera work, lens, editing etc.
I just love telling stories through moving images.

​

What challenges did you encounter during the filmmaking process and how did you overcome them?
JF: Time will always be the challenge; As I like to be extremely well prepared, I had shot listed all the scenes with some bonus shots if time permitting; also having a script read through prior filming with actors helped a lot but at the same time I give myself flexibility for the spur of the moment if I see something that is better in the performances than what I had planned on the day, I will adjust naturally; also the duel was rehearsed and stunt prevized so my crew knew exactly what was going to happen, where and when in the scene, and then of course the standard location survey with my D.O.P. and the rest of the crew involved.

So we were extremely well prepared as we definitely could not afford extra additional days.

​

What was the most memorable moment for you during the production of your film? Can you share any interes>ng anecdotes or behind-the-scenes stories from the making of your film?
JF: Actually yes it was when we were filming the street downtown city scene. our actor plaving the Homeless men was so convincing that real homeless came by to offer him help, food and making sure he was ok. A story within the story and truly a life lesson reminding us that we have to believe in human kindness.

​

How do you approach storytelling in your films? What themes or messages do you try to convey?
JF: As I wanted to immerse the audience to be with my lead charácter John, I used the VO narration at the beginning of the film to established John’s state of mind, his quest for answers, his personal story and struggles; I used slow mo+on shots in very specific moments and ECU for building intensity and suspense.

I was very specific about sound design as again I wanted the audience to feel and hear what John and other characters were experiencing.
The music score also was design to fit with each charácter and emotions of the scenes.

I added props hints in various moments to make connections between past and present.
The theme can also be a question; what if we can come back again and again living through different bodies and centuries?

​

What is your preferred genre of filmmaking and why? Are there any specific directors or filmmakers who have influenced your work?
JF: I love various type of style and genre; Thriller, action, comedy, drama all actually; its all up the subject, story and character development in the film; my main infuences are Martin Scorcese, Christopher Nolan, Akira Kurosawa, Ridley and Tony Scod, Sergio Leone, David Fincher, Steven Speilberg.

​

How do you select your cast and crew for your film projects? What qualities do you look for in collaborators?
JF: As I have been in the industry for a while I know a lot of crews and what they can and can’t do; in essence technicians that have experience and always capable to turn on a dime and able to find solutions to obstacle we may be facing.
In terms of actors/actresses I look for depth and range, as I am always very clear on what I am looking for and my casting director always make sure to present me with many good options and even sometimes options that I even didnt think of; thats the beauty of working with experienced people.

 

How important do you think film festivals are for independent filmmakers, and what has been your experience with film festivals so far?
JF: Film Festivals are extremely important for independent filmaker it gives us a window to the world for our work to be showcased and potentially discovered; I really think that festivals are essentiel to the growth for films and filmakers.

My experience with film festival so far has been really positive, well organized.

​

Can you tell us about any awards or recognition your films have received and how they have impacted your career?
JF: As it is my first short film and 1st time participating in film festival I havent’ won awards before Deja-Vu as a Director; so I must say that we have won a few awards already and I am so excited and grateful for the recognition so far; I learned a lot and it helps me get beder at Directing, it is all very positive.

​

How do you handle feedback and criticism of your films? How do you use it to improve your craft?
JF: I love getting feedback, good or bad it helps me finding balance in my work, it does help a lot.

​

What do you enjoy most about the process of filmmaking? Is there anything you find particularly challenging?
JF: The challenge will always be TIME but the filming process is what I like most as I love to be well prepared and see my vision come to life right in front of me; it applies as well for the post production part where we put it all together, its really magic.

To me script issues are more challenging.

​

How do you approach the distribution of your films? What strategies do you employ to reach a wider audience?
JF: At this point I dont have a specific distribution deal with any rep, we have a few offers on the table but for now I prefer to wait a lidle and use a social media strategy to promote and get my movie knowned around the world, that way it will get a beder value on the market before locking in to distribution deal.

​

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the film industry?
JF: Just write a short story and shoot it!!!, shoot as many as you can; that is how you learn best; you make mistakes then you adjust and learn.

 

Finally, can you share with us your future plans and upcoming projects as a filmmaker?

JF: As I have been developing a few projects over the years, my producer partner and I have 5 projects, features, shorts ready to go and a TV series in the works, so right now we have another short next in line and cant wait to present it next year!

​