Telling stories through film and conversation.
WSPodcast New Logo.png

WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts tagged sci-fi festival
EP. 1677: Filmmaker Dylan Randall (REACH FOR THE STARS)

Reach for the Stars, 22min., Australia

Directed by Dylan Randall

After her mother’s passing, young Madeline is struggling with coming to terms with her grief. One night, when a small spacecraft crashes in her backyard, she meets B3R1, a stranded visitor from the stars.

https://www.instagram.com/outatimepictures

Director Statement

Reach For the Stars is a project that I hold very close to my heart, as the idea came after the passing of my Grandad, and how my family and I dealt with the grief that followed.

My film aims to be a light-hearted, wonder-filled adventure with emotional undertones that helps us explore the idea of how different people deal with loss, and how that can be overcome.
When bringing this story to life, I was heavily inspired by the wonderful work of the ‘Industrial Light and Magic’ studio and the puppets created for the original Star Wars, and I began to wonder how I could incorporate these techniques into my story. The emotional weight of this film is carried by B3R1, our little robot friend, while also bringing wonder to your screens. B3R1 acts as an emotional bridge for our audience to connect them to the story and to act as a sense of hope that people may need.

Reach For the Stars is a heartfelt, nostalgic, science fiction tale that I hope brings you joy, wonder, and lets you know that it is okay to miss somebody, because that means you really loved them.

——-

Subscribe to the podcast:

Tweets by wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

EP. 1478: Filmmaker Yusuke Nakamae (ECHOES)

ECHOES, 8min., Japan
Directed by Yusuke Nakamae
The Third World War has left Earth’s resources depleted, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. Learning from the repeated mistakes of history, humanity turns to the advanced decision-making capabilities of AI to find a path forward. The solution proposed by the AI is an ambitious plan: transporting energy from outer space back to Earth.

https://www.instagram.com/yusuke.nakamae

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
The release of ChatGPT in 2022 really sparked something in me.
As a UX designer at Hulu Japan, I’ve always been close to technology and digital experiences—but that moment made me seriously reflect on what creativity means in an age where AI can generate content.
That question became the seed of ECHOES.
The sci-fi setting naturally came from my own personal taste and the kinds of stories I love to watch and tell.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was deeply moved and surprised by how many people picked up on the symbolism and emotional undertones. Seeing that the themes I care about resonated across borders and cultures was incredibly rewarding.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod