A significant day in the life of Kyra, a New Yorker who is happy to have her job, her close friends, her boyfriend, and her own place. Yet one look reveals her job is stressful, her friends are toxic, her relationship isn't great, and her beautiful home haunts her. We spoke to the producer of the film, Mofieni Iniya about Time of Your Life.
How did you start making films and what was the first film project you worked on?
I've always enjoyed being a writer and I shifted to screenwriting. The first project I worked on was actually my reel, Help Me Rise. I wrote the script and we shot it a few months before The Time of Your Life.
What genre of filmmaking fascinates you as a filmmaker and why?
I enjoy fantasy, comedy, and sci-fi, yet horror fascinates me most. I enjoy a story that is mysterious and spooky.
What is the most challenging aspect of being an independent filmmaker in the film industry?
The most challenging aspect as an independent filmmaker is funding.
How difficult is it to fund indie films?
Funding an independent film can get difficult, especially since this is a short film. Still I'm glad everything went well.
Please name three of your most favorite directors. How have they been influential in your work? Three of my favorite directors are Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, and M. Night Shayamalan.
E.T. and Close Encounters are a couple of my favorite films! In each I love the story, the movie magic, the music composed by John Williams.
I enjoy Stanley Kubrick films. When I watch 2001: A Space Odyssey or The Shining, I love the moments that give the sense of wondering what is really going on in the films.
M. Night Shyamalan - As a fan of horror I was excited to watch The Sixth Sense in the theater, and seeing twice! In my film, The Time of Your Life, I pay subtle homage to M. Night Shyamalan by naming the main character Kyra. She also wore a red skirt, and the light in the hall was red, and the blanket in the bedroom was red. Red played a role in both The Sixth Sense and The Village so I was more than happy with the synchronious tribute!
What inspired you to work on The Time of Your Life and how did the film go into production?
I was inspired to write The Time of Your Life because I wanted to make a thrilling short. One day I went to dinner with friends and I said I'm going through such a time. The phrase came to mind and I decided to play around with it so it can be taken as "the best time of your life" or "the worst time of your life."
How did you find the cast and the crew of the film? Tell us more about the production of the film and working on the set of the film to create this feature.
I approached Frank Juarez to shoot and direct my film, The Time of Your Life. I was very pleased with my reel, Help Me Rise a few months before. He planned the shoot with an excellent crew. For the cast, I had friends in mind who are actors and I'm glad everything went so well. Their chemistry was wonderful! I was happy to get a special effects make-up artist, I got a costume on my way to set, and I prepared the slime, fresh on set.
What do you recommend to other filmmakers regarding the distribution of independent feature films?
I'm always interested in watching new films. Independent filmmakers can enjoy other's films, in theaters when permitting, and video on-demand.
What is your next film project and what are you currently working on? My next film project - another horror film! I'm currently working on new scripts so we are able to shoot next year. I'm also working on the audio for my little children's book Eye Can See by Mo Ember!
Why do you make films?
I make films because I love writing. Telling a story visually will always be something I love.