Festival Interviews | Filmmaking | Massachusetts | New England
2019 Online Film Festival Interview: NONPLUSSED
An interview with filmmaker Malachi Van Nice
Written by Gloria Han | Posted by: NewEnglandFilm.com Festival
NewEnglandFilm.com interviews Malachi Van Nice about his film Nonplussed, now streaming through October 15 as part of the 2019 Online New England Film Festival.
“Nonplussed” could describe both the reaction of the protagonist in Malachi Van Nice’s short film Nonplussed as well as that of the viewer by the end. The ending is chilling, and it leaves room for interpretation. Nonplussed is a story about relationships more broadly, but also relationships where you discover perhaps you didn’t know the person as well as you thought you did.
Nonplussed is now streaming through October 15 as part of the 2019 Online New England Film Festival. NewEnglandFilm.com caught up with Malachi Van Nice, the promising filmmaker and author of this piece, and learned more about the thematic goals of their short films as well as advice in the art of mastering directing.
NewEnglandFilm.com: When did you know you wanted to become a filmmaker? And how did you learn—did you just start doing it, did you go to film school?
Malachi Van Nice: I wanted to be a filmmaker since the fifth grade. I saw Spielberg’s movie, Jurassic Park, and decided that I wanted to be in charge of that. I was an enthusiast until I was able to get a camera in the ninth grade. From then on, I made short film after short film, until I went to college to peruse my love for filmmaking.
NewEnglandFilm.com: What inspired you to make your film?
Van Nice: I was prompted to make a five minute short about a surprise for my AFI application. As I made this film, I decided not to attend AFI and pursue my education on the East Coast. I was drawn to making the film because I wanted to explore what happens if someone blurs the line between what is platonic and what is not.
NewEnglandFilm.com: Where has the film been shown (festivals, other screenings, etc.)? Talk about a memorable experience with an audience?
Van Nice: I used a working cut of this film for my portfolio to get into Emerson College. After that, I’ve screened this at Queer Spectra and Lift Off Film Session June 2019. I’ve never seen this film with a live audience, but I always get good feedback on the writing and sound design.
NewEnglandFilm.com: How did you find your cast and crew for this film?
Van Nice: I found Reid through another festival he was a jury member for. He saw my entry and was so impressed that he wanted to work with me on the spot. So I met with him to talk about possible projects to do together until we settled on Nonplussed. I worked with Isaac on my previous project, I Dream in Five, and decided I wanted to work with him again. The rest of the crew I filled in using friends and classmates from my school.
NewEnglandFilm.com: What are you working on now?
Van Nice: I’m currently working on a feature Script called “Three Ages” that deals with the emotional fallout that comes with leaving a religion you’ve grown with your whole life. I’m also working on a five part mini series/feature script called “I Dream in Five” which deals with the grieving process and suicide. I’m also working on a musical short film about a woman who has a mental breakdown.
NewEnglandFilm.com: Any advice on making films you want to share?
Van Nice: Making films for artistic expression is very hard. Pre-production and casting can be a complete nightmare. Though, filming and post can fill you with adrenaline to push you to the finish line. I don’t have a lot of experience with professional filmmaking but I know that the process of doing so from fundraising to the final cut can be both soul crushing and completely rewarding.
It’s important to get as much experience in as many things as you can get your hands on if you want to succeed in film. The best classes to take if you want to become a director are acting classes. Especially theater acting. Dance and music composition are other fields to study to broaden your horizons.
Watch Nonplussed through October 15 as part of the 2019 Online New England Film Festival.
