By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.
Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.
SIGHT AND SOUND:
Razieme Iborra
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2018
Hometown: Her birth certificate says Canton, Ohio, but she’s convinced she’s actually from New York City.
Film: “Blackheart”
Danielle Kampf
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2017
Hometown: Syosset, NY
Film: “Paper”
Annalee Walton
Major in Film & Television, Minor in Entertainment Business – Tisch School of the Arts/Stern School of Business
Class of 2018
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Film: “The Peddler”
How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?
Razieme: In 2008, I went to see The Dark Knight with my mom in a theatre full of other first-time viewers. It was one of the best movie-going experiences of my life. Heath Ledger’s performance as the joker… was perfection. And as a fellow perfectionist, I knew I had to experience some of that for myself. By the end of that summer, I had decided I wanted to go into the film industry and become an actor. Then a couple of years went by, and I learned more about myself and I realized that I was far better off directing.
Danielle: I first decided to study film when I was a junior in high school. Prior to that I was on a science based track.
Annalee: I decided to become a filmmaker when I realized it incorporated everything I loved–photography, writing, storytelling, and working with people. I was inspired to become a director after working for women directors and producers at the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women as an intern.
What inspires you?
Razieme: Rock n’ roll, St. Mark’s Place, the chips in the sidewalk, the recent “Trauma of Painting” exhibit at the Guggenheim, 0il paintings, tattoos, and Jimmy Page…mostly Jimmy Page.
Danielle: Even though I’m aspiring to be a filmmaker, science is always something that will inspire me.
Annalee: I am absolutely inspired by children and their ability to face and conquer adult situations with incredible resilience and joy. Faced with the harsh realities that life often presents, children still find elements for awe and wonder and raise us all in doing so.
Why did you submit to Fusion?
Razieme: I’m always looking for ways to not only get my own voice heard, but also for ways to encourage and support other female filmmakers. I think Fusion is a remarkable platform for young women to showcase their work as artists, and I’m honored to be a part of this year’s festival.
Danielle: I submitted to Fusion Film Festival because I have a large respect for the platform and the community it creates.
Annalee: I submitted to Fusion because a film festival made up of women is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. What an honor to be able to meet other successful women in our industry who are making awesome things happen and changing the rules!
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?
Razieme: I have a three-legged cat named Tripod. (Because I’m a film student get it lololol).
The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th.