To begin, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background and your film?
I’ve been drawn to storytelling for as long as I can remember, especially through films and illustrated storybooks. I was one of those kids who would watch something and then immediately try to recreate it in my own way. That stayed with me. In high school, I focused on art and different ways of expressing ideas and emotions. This film really comes from that place — from wanting to tell something honest, not just something that looks good.

What was the initial inspiration behind your film?
I wanted to tell a story that feels real, even if it’s not entirely realistic. I was inspired by older storybooks that didn’t try to protect the audience from difficult themes — they talked about trauma, struggle, growing up. That stayed with me. I wanted to take that honesty and bring it into something more mature, with characters that aren’t perfect and don’t always make the right choices.

Did the script change much from the first draft to the final version? Yeah, quite a lot. At first, it was very simple — fewer characters, a more direct story. But the more I worked on it, the more I felt like it needed depth. I started building backstories, motivations, small details that make characters feel human. It became less about “what happens” and more about “why it matters.”

What was the most challenging part of the process?
Honestly — learning how to listen. Taking feedback is not easy, especially when it’s something personal. But it’s necessary. At some point, you realize the film isn’t just yours anymore. Other people see things you don’t, and if you’re open to that, the project becomes stronger.

Did you discover something about yourself while making this film?
Yeah, I think so. The story itself is about understanding who you are, and in a way, I was going through that process too. It made me realize how easy it is to stay inside your own perspective — and how important it is to step outside of it.

What do you hope the audience will take away from the film?
I think the main thing is — don’t live in a bubble. Be open. Question things. Don’t just accept what the world tells you or what people expect from you. And also — don’t see everything in black and white. Reality is always more complicated than that.

Is there a scene you’re particularly proud of?
The ending, definitely. I won’t spoil it, but it’s very personal. It’s about confronting what you’ve been through and trying to grow from it. Not in a perfect way — just in a real way.

Why did you choose animation as your medium?
Animation gives you a kind of freedom that’s hard to achieve in live-action. You can talk about heavy, complex things, but still shape the world in a more symbolic or emotional way. It lets you go deeper without being limited by reality.

Were there any filmmakers who influenced your work?
Yeah, I’m really inspired by directors who can take something ordinary and make it feel meaningful — almost surreal, but still grounded. That balance is something I’m always trying to reach.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?
I’d prepare more — especially when it comes to the team. Making sure everyone is on the same page from the beginning. When that’s clear, everything else becomes easier.

And what part of filmmaking did you enjoy the most?
Music, surprisingly. It’s such a powerful tool. Sometimes it says more than dialogue ever could. It can completely change how you understand a scene.

What would be your next step as a filmmaker?
 I think I’d focus more on distribution. Making a film is only half the work — if people don’t see it, it kind of disappears. I want to make sure the next project actually reaches an audience.

Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you — I really enjoyed this.