A man battles with grief after the loss of a close friend. Mosaic is a narrative short, directed by Mars Lee Mckay. The dramatic short is an official selection of Chicago Indie Film Awards. The American independent film is shot on a low budget with a 4k camera. It is our pleasure to promote and screen Mosaic. We had the pleasure of speaking to Mars, the director of the film about how the project went into production and then ended up being an official selection in the festival.
What draws you to filmmaking and the cinematic language?
I love the nonverbal communication of film. I'm a real sucker for the 'show don't tell' aspect. I find that film, through music, images, sound, and editing can tell an entire story without the need for words.
Sight and sound can speak volumes.
I love any movie that can successfully pull that off and those are the kinds of movies I want to make.
Do you believe in film schools or does making a film teach you more than film school?
I don't believe that film school is necessary to become a filmmaker.
It's about having a drive and a love for movies. That's not something that can be taught.
I've learned all I have so far by making my own projects, working on other people's sets, and hanging out nearly everyday at Black Lodge, my city's local video rental store.
That to me is worth more than anything a film school could ever teach.
Does cinema stand out more than the arts for you? Why?
Absolutely. Not only is film a huge conglomeration of different art forms but it's also a great example of human expression.
Film is made to make you laugh, cry, and contemplate the world through another person's perspective.
That's why I love it so much.
Why do you like to make films and where do you see your career in the film industry in ten years?
I love that filmmaking offers the ability to connect with like minded creators while working together to bring an idea to completion.
Filmmaking is also a connection I've made with myself many times to channel complex emotions into an understandable form.
I went through a tremendous loss this past year and making my recent film helped me to process the grief that I felt.
I hope wherever my career takes me, I'll still have the opportunity to keep doing what I love, and that's collaborating and expressing.
Do you consider yourself an indie filmmaker and what would most be the most difficult thing about being an independent artist?
I'd definitely consider myself to be an indie filmmaker. As much as I love creating, it can be a challenge having to be the person taking on a majority of the on set roles. I have people to help edit, work the camera, and run audio, but I still have to write the script, direct, produce, cast, piece together costumes, and scout locations. All while simultaneously making sure that everything runs smoothly.
Its exhausting but rewarding once the final product is done.
What is the distribution plan for your film and how are you planning to reach a greater audience for your project?
Ha, festivals, festivals, festivals.
Watch the film: