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Meet the Filmmaker: Shawna Schultz, “Carrier”

Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
SS: I became a filmmaker because I’m an interested person. I love learning, and I love stories, so it was the perfect mix of passions to pursue.

Q
: What are we going to see at EFPalooza? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
SS: Carrier is a film that I directed for Denver’s 48-hour Film Project. In 2018, we won best actor, best actress, best writing, best directing and best film of the festival, and I became the very first female director to win best film and best director. Since then, it went to Filmapalooza in Orlando and has screened at the Denver Film Festival as a part of the Colorado shorts.

Q: What else are you working on?
SS: I’m currently working on animations for a couple feature films and also I’m in writing for a feature narrative that I plan to direct in 2021.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
SS: Until Carrier I had created half a dozen short films, and I never had won a single jury award, only audience choice awards. I had been at peace with the fact they my art is too low for the critics, but audiences thought I was funny. Apparently, my sweet spot is actually drama and thriller.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
SS: I am the co-founder and president of Mass FX Media, a motion design, animation and visual effects house in Denver, and more of my commercial and film work can be found on our website: massfxmedia.com

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about EFPalooza or The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
SS: I’m so glad to be a part of EFPalooza and for the support they offer to female filmmakers.

Carrier will screen Saturday, March 21st at 3:00 p.m. at The Bug Theatre as part of the “A Decade of Colorado Independent Women of Film” block during the 2020 EFPalooza Film Festival.