5Q' w/Ray Arthur Wang "Disk 44" Director

SUNDAY | BLOCK K | 1:00 |
Disk 44 (13 min) dir: Ray Arthur Wang

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 280 characters?

A foreign-born scientist spends Independence Day weekend as an espionage suspect embroiled in a stolen classified disk scandal and soon becomes the witch hunt victim of a government agency from hell.

#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn't obvious from its title?

Considering current social issues, 'Disk 44' is as relevant as ever.

#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.

Having received a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford, I was first a concert pianist from age 10 (retired at age 30). Having done well in two fields, I figured I could translate this success to another field, that of filmmaking. Movies have always been my greatest passion, so I had to give it a shot. And well, I've definitely achieved some success in the field of filmmaking (see Wikipedia), but let's just say that it's not easy translating success from one field to another. I even had to quit piano concertizing to focus better on fewer things in life. And oh, I'm a self-taught filmmaker (my co-director is Federico Gaggero, a first-time director and animation expert).

#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?

Budget, budget, budget.

#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?

'Disk 44' will probably play more than ten festivals total, based on already received acceptances as well as pending decisions. I'll eventually move on to a new project, continuing to hone my craft. I can only hope to improve as a filmmaker!