Congrats to our next Filmmaker Spotlight, NY-based filmmaker Fredgy Noël [@fredgynoel]! Fredgy has been busy during quarantine “mentally preparing for virtual film festivals & Q&As,” directing a project remotely, and fine-tuning the lookbook for her short film script that just received financing.
Fredgy received a Gold Remi Award from @worldfesthiff in ‘16 for Best Original Comedy Short for her film @milkingitmovie, which is currently in development to be a feature.
Her short “Cotton Candy” premiered at @woodsholefilmfestival in July, has been accepted to @bushwickfilmfest, & will screen at @coneyislandfilmfestival 9/22-10/2/20.
Q&A with Fredgy
◾What was the moment you knew you wanted to make movies?
It's hard to pinpoint the moment I knew I wanted to make movies. Movies & music have been a major part of my life. I define so many critical moments by song lyrics & films. I think I realized that filmmaking was a viable option after I directed my first short film. I can still remember how exhilarating I felt after we wrapped.
◾Tell us a little about one of your projects.
My short film that is currently in the festival circuit is called "Cotton Candy." It follows two teenage entrepreneurs competing for a cotton candy route in the Bronx's Orchard Beach. Marie is a young entrepreneur whose main goal is to earn enough money to contribute to her aunt’s funeral in Haiti. David is a hopeless romantic––infatuated by music & women. He sells cotton candy in order to send money back to his brother who lives in the Dominican Republic. As Marie & David compete for the route, age old conflicts arise between their two families and the two young vendors learn that their differences may be what unites them.
◾What else have you been up to?
Over the summer I booked a gig with MTV for the VMAs. I wrote & directed the host announcement spot featuring Keke Palmer. I had to direct the spots remotely because of social distancing guidelines. But even though we were in separate spaces, it was wonderful to feel some on set energy.
Thanks for sharing, Fredgy!
Follow Fredgy → @fredgynoel
Watch → @cottoncandy_film + @milkingitmovie → cottoncandyshortfilm.com → fredgynoel.com