Transitions | www.maureenleemaloney.com
Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
MM: I was doing research on the effects endocrine disrupting chemicals on animals, a very poorly understood yet critical topic, and several of my mentors were emphasizing the importance of science communication. I met a woman very similar to myself who was working on a documentary about food justice, and it hit me that I could be combining my love of science and film to educate people. I later became a Peace Corps Volunteer, which gave my work more a focus on people and culture.
Q: What are we going to see at Mile Hi Mocs & Docs? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
MM: Transitions is a short documentary about the bureaucratic process of going through transition. Miriam Suzanne is a trans-activist who has been very open on social media about this process. When I read about what she was going through, I realized this was a way more people could understand and identify with people going through transition. It’s a subject that is usually sensationalized, which makes many people feel very distanced from it.
Transitions has screened at the Taos Pride Film Festival, the Watsonville Film Festival, and the Feminist Border Arts Festival.
Q: Who would enjoy attending the festival? Is it just for the filmmaking community, or is there a reason why non-filmmakers should attend?
MM: Our society is beginning to understand the value of hearing different viewpoints, and film festivals like this one make it easy and fun to learn and experience the world from a variety of people.
Q: What else are you working on?
MM: I’m working on a documentary about overcoming obstacles to live a more full life.
Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
MM: maureenleemaloney.com
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about Mile Hi Mocs & Docs and The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
MM: It is so great that we have an organization like the EFP here in Denver to nurture filmmakers, and I’m honored to be part of Mile Hi Mocs & Docs.
Transitions will screen December 3rd at 8:00pm during the 2017 Mile Hi Mocs & Docs Film Festival at The Bug Theatre.
