As Vanina, a flight attendant on Boeing-737, complains about her discomfort with braces. She blames her mother for not taking care of her as a child, leading her to get braces at the age of 39. Along with the burden of braces, Vanina carries something on the plane, which only her colleagues know about. We are so excited to have Director Thanasis Neofotistos on our “5 Questions With” series, sharing more about the film and it’s process!
To look out for more interviews like this, be sure to check out our BitPix.
What inspired you to start making films?
I am not sure what initiated it. I guess I was one of those children who were raised under the influence of the golden era of Hollywood movies in the mid to late 90s and was mesmerized by the incredible world building they achieved. I wanted to create worlds and live in them from an early age. It had a shelter-function for me.
Were there any challenges in making this project?
Of course. Every project poses multiple challenges, especially if you want it to be relevant and important. The main challenge in this one was the lack of funding that made it extremely difficult for us to rent an airplane and so we decided to build one. It was risky but it totally worth our effort. Watching the final result we feel justified. Another challenge was the fantasy scene because we needed to find it in the set. It was an extremely creative procedure.
Is there any type of message or emotion that you hope the viewer takes away from watching this film?
Not something in particular. I want for every viewer to connect with Vanina’s story and take something, emotionally. What that is, I am very much aware that is completely up to every viewer’s personal journey. If I could choose I would like them to feel compassionate about Vanina, but that is just because I love her!
How does it feel to be able to screen the film at HollyShorts?
Hollyshorts is the last of extremely important station, festival-wise, for “AirHostess-737” in the USA. After Sundance Film Festival, Palm Springs ISFF and our Oscar Qualifying Award in Seattle Film Festival and more, having the opportunity to have this kind of exposure, from such a prestigious festival feels like a blessing!
What’s on the horizon for you?
AirHostess continues her journey and I am just observing her proud to see where else she will land! Creatively, my mind is now towards my debut feature film, “The Boy With the Light-Blue Eyes”, a multinational coproduction, a story about a young boy who has blue eyes in a village that these are considered the ultimate curse. We are in the final arrangements to set date for the shooting, somewhere in late autumn, early winter. So, fingers crossed!!
Thank you so much, Thanasis, for sharing your responses! Moreover, be sure to check out AirHostess-737 at the upcoming HollyShorts 2023 Film Festival on August 16th at 7:30pm for “Dark Comedy.” Click here to get tickets for the 19th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival, running from August 10th – August 19th at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres.
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