mini MUFF Profile: Kristen Anderson-Sauvé
“Equality is an important quality for a filmmaker because almost all films are male dominated on and off screen.”
This month MUFF is doing something a little different with mini MUFF. Not only do we have SIX short films to show you, but we’ve also expanded our usual local fare to include selections from every corner of Canada! Teaming up with Etheria Film Night for this event, we used our combined programming expertise to find the darkest, creepiest, and bloodiest in Canadian women-directed horror.
Third up: Remote Viewing is about a group of UFO enthusiasts go on a ragtag expedition in hopes of an alien encounter.
Remote Viewing has screened at the Calgary International Film Festival, Ottawa International Film Festival, Grand River Film Festival, Other Worlds Austin Film Festival, and Siouxland Film Festival, where it was awarded the Siouxsie for Best Horror, Sci-fi, Fantasy Film.
Calgary-based filmmaker Kristen Anderson-Sauvé has previously directed, written, and produced several short films which have played at film festivals all over the world.
Get to know more about Kristen Anderson-Sauvé and her short film Remote Viewing!
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED WITH FILMMAKING.
Kristen Anderson-Sauve: I’ve been interested in filmmaking since I grew too big for a crib, but I pursued a Bachelors in Computer Science thinking that was the best way to make a living. This left a creative void which I now fill with writing, producing, and directing campy horror and sci-fi comedies. So far my films have netted me a cool $368 CND. I’ve decided it’s not quite time to quit my day job.
TELL US SOMETHING FUN OR INTERESTING ABOUT REMOTE VIEWING.
KAS: We filmed outside during the hottest weekend of the year. The AC in the van broke. The only store within an hour drive had ten freezies left in their freezer. To cool off, the cast stuck freezies in their armpits and down their pants. They became affectionately known as the Ass-Freezies.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME/ALL OF THE OTHER AMAZING WOMEN IN FILM WHO WORKED ON THIS SHORT?
KAS: Cheska Appave was our super talented gaffer. Stephanie Orr was our amazing co-producer and actor. Brit Kennedy and Alice Nelson also dazzled us with their acting. Ashley Peters and Kylah Floen rocked our location audio.
TELL US ABOUT WHY YOU ARE A FEMINIST AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO YOUR FILMMAKING.
KAS: I’m a feminist because I believe in equality. This is an important quality for a filmmaker because almost all films are male dominated on and off screen. Films do not reflect the progress that has been made in the rest of society. Can’t wait for the new Ghostbusters.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WOMEN WORKING IN THE FILM INDUSTRY?
KAS: Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids are Alright)
PUT TOGETHER YOUR DREAM TEAM (WITH YOU IN ONE OF THE ROLES, OBVS!)
KAS: Working with Melissa McCarthy would be a dream.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE ABOUT FILMMAKING YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN THINKING ABOUT PURSUING CAREERS IN FILM?
KAS: Do your own projects to showcase your ability. If you’re always helping with other people’s work you might not get an opportunity to try writing or directing.
IF A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE WAS CAST/CREATED, WHO WOULD STAR AS YOU AND WHAT GENRE WOULD IT BE?
KAS: Kate McKinnon would play me and it would be comedy.
IF YOU COULD HOLD ANY GUINNESS WORLD RECORD IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
KAS: Balancing the most quarters on my nose while breakdancing.
WHO IS THE BEST/SUPERIOR BATMAN?
KAS: Michael Keaton
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO JAM?
KAS: Tegan and Sara — “Body Work”
RECOMMEND ONE #MUFFAPPROVED FILM FOR OUR BLOG READERS:
KAS: Ghostbusters (dir. Paul Feig)
End of Days Inc. — an amazing film made in Toronto by two Torontonians: director Jennifer Liao and writer Christina Ray. (See it on iTunes and VOD April 26!)
Give a like to Remote Viewing’s Official Facebook Page and keep up to date with Kristen’s upcoming projects on the i4Life Facebook Page.
#miniMUFF is our short film program to celebrate local female talent. We do so by screening a short film before our monthly features and highlighting the filmmaker on our blog. Learn more here. Read past mini MUFF profiles here.
