QUESTION#1: What excited you the most when making this film?: Having the opportunity to finally bring the award-winning play that I wrote (and performed in) to the screen after waiting over a decade to make it a reality. This short is a proof of concept for the feature that is currently being rewritten based upon having the location, crew and actors we discovered during the creation of this amazing short that has being moving audience's nationally and internationally.

QUESTION#2: What was the most significant film you've seen AT THE THEATER in 2024, and how did it influence your filmmaking?: The Woman and The Sea - brilliantly done. It was once again a confirmation that powerful storytelling is at the heart of every good film. Powerful pacing, and a protagonist that overcomes impossible odds based upon a true story. Authentic, gritty and full of inspiration!

QUESTION#3: What's an obvious and not-so-obvious question someone might ask about your film?: Obvious Question: What inspired you to make this film?
Not-so-Obvious Question: What was the hardest and most challenging part of making this film?

QUESTION#4: A magic movie genie is giving you an unlimited budget for your next production! However, you're only allowed to use it on either "above line" or "below line" resouces. Which do you choose and why?: Above line would be my choice. Since I'm most interested in creating slice of life, heartfelt, soulful stories it is all about the writing, acting and directing. In addition, if I can hire the best A-list actors I'll probably be able to secure additional funding easily for below line resources.

QUESTION#5: What is it about your current movie that will influence your next film?: The Twilight Cafe' is a proof of concept for the feature I've written - which is one of the next projects I'm working on. We will be doing another short - a documentary about the making of my next album, and I will take a great deal of what I learned with The Twilight Cafe' moving forward in crafting both the right script/outline and gathering the best team to execute it.

Social media tags to share with our readers: #thetwilightcafe #ontosfilms #michaelbrantdemaria #calliopefilms