5Q's w/David Freid "Guns Found Here" Director

SATURDAY BLOCK F | 9:30 am

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

GUNS FOUND HERE is a behind the scenes look at how American law enforcement traces guns involved in gun crimes. As you'll see, the system is a bit...old fashioned. You should see it because I think this is fixable legislation, and we should all know how it works so we can fix it.

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

It's a comedy.

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

I've got an MFA in making movies from the American Film Institute, which I threw away to get into documentary journalism. About three years ago, I started a tiny, six-person company called MEL Films. With modest financing and an unusual amount of creative freedom, we created 50 short documentary films since the spring of 2016. At last year's fest, we were glad to share our film NOBODY DIES IN LONGYEARBYEN.

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

If possible, try and let your film be what it wants to be, instead of what you think it should be. I thought GUNS FOUND HERE would be one part in a larger film about guns. But the world of this film was enough, and it would've overcomplicated the story to add any other layers.

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

I hope the film continues to be seen and to make an impact. Senator Patrick Leahy saw it recently, and crafted a bill to modernize the ATF's firearms tracing center. That's a great first step. For me, I'm not totally sure. For the first time in about five years, the future is wide open. I've got a TV series called ANTHOLOGY based on my experience making MEL Films films that I hope someone will let me make.