IXFF Spotlight: Allegra Hirschman
By Kuono • Sep 11th, 2009 • Category: Blog, Film FestWe caught up with a couple of finalists for the Good Vibrations Indie Erotic Film Fest, and asked them about their films that will be premiered at the competition screening at the Castro Theatre on September 17th (for more details and tickets, visit gv-ixff.org). Here’s our GV Magazine IXFF Filmmaker interviews: Allegra Hirschman, co-filmmaker of “Shafted”!
GV: How did you find out about Good Vibrations Independent Erotic Film Festival?
Allegra: When making a film where good vibes products were heavily featured we joked about getting Good Vibes to “sponsor” us. When I saw a flier for the fest I was delighted.
GV: Is this your first film? If not, what have you directed/produced, and how do they differ from your festival submission?
Allegra: This is Allegra Hirschman’s Directorial Debut, but Co-director April Hirschman has directed several other popular shorts. Shady Bi, a short spoof on advisory warnings told of the the “dangers” of bisexuals to jeopardize the tentative bonds of monosexuals (straights and gays) to get along. Shafted is different because it is character driven while still being campy and fun.
GV: What do you hope audiences will get from your work?
Allegra: We hope audiences come away with a smile on their faces as well as a little food for thought. Our film is meant to humorously poke fun at the conformity of some elements the gay rights movement that has directed its efforts in representing gays as “just like everyone else” often leaving certain groups behind. A custody battle over sex toys is a scenario that serves as a reminder that queers are still a sexual minority group and some of us are not willing to give up the sexual elements of our identities for some pottery barn sponsored brand of cookie cutter inclusion in mainstream culture.
GV: Who are your stars, and how did you meet them/invite them to participate?
Allegra: Shafted is cast and crewed entirely by our closest friend and loved ones. We are fortunate that they happen to be amazingly talented, very sexy, and willing to work for home cooked food. Also, one of our dear friends, Princess Donna, is a famous porn star.
GV: Were there any funny or unexpected moments while filming?
Allegra: Filmmaking consists almost entirely of unexpected moments when you are starting out. Everyone donating their sex toys to the project and then retrieving them lead to unexpected hilarity.
GV: What are your experiences at our stores and products?
Allegra: I have always loved Good Vibes and have had many dear friends work there.
Thank you and best of luck to Allegra, who’s film will be screened at the Good Vibrations Indie Erotic Film Fest competition screening at the Castro Theatre on September 17th (for more details and tickets, visit gv-ixff.org).
Kuono >> Magazine Editor, Web Producer at GoodVibes.com and manager of the Good Vibrations Affiliate Program (GVAffiliates.com). Okay, back to work.
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