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2020 FESTIVAL INTERVIEW: JOY

Emilee Wermenchuk talks about her film "Joy" which screens in the 2020 Online New England Film Festival

21 Sep , 2020  

Written by Hope Johnson | Posted by:

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NewEnglandFilm.com talks with Emilee Wermenchuk about her film Joy which screens in the 2020 Online New England Film Festival.

 

NewEnglandFilm.com interviewed director Emilee Wermenchuk who explores finding passion, rhythm, and excitement in an otherwise mundane workday in her latest film, Joy, now screening at the 2020 Online New England Film Festival. 

NewEnglandFilm.com: When did you know you wanted to become a filmmaker? How did you learn to make films?

Emilee Wormenchuk: I grew up having many interests so when looking for colleges I knew I wanted something that could let me do everything I wanted to do. Being able to pursue film and theater at Marymount Manhattan College was one of the most rewarding experiences to develop my skills with irreplaceable mentorship.

NewEnglandFilm.com: What inspired you to make your film?

Wermenchuk: I was working an internship in New York and found myself feeling so bored so I imagined a world where that could be different! I also grew up dancing and have always loved filming dance. It was very instinctual for me to include dance into the project in some way.

NewEnglandFilm.com: Where has the film been shown?

Wermenchuk: The film has been shown at the Marymount Manhattan College Digital Media Showcase where it received the Producing Excellence Award from a jury of faculty and alumni. 

NewEnglandFilm.com: How did you find your cast and crew for this film?

Wermenchuk: I found my cast and crew through Breakdown Express and pulling together friends who were available. Grace Van Houten (Joy and Choreographer) was in an MMC production of On the Town and her dancing had me mesmerized. She was filled with so much happiness! It could be felt on stage and on the screen. I knew from the minute I saw her dance that I wanted to work with her.

NewEnglandFilm.com: How does your film fit into today’s current social and political moment?

Wermenchuk: When I made the film, I didn’t realize how it would feel during a pandemic. Who knew we would find ourselves actually missing going into the office? I think my film provides a reminder of that feeling while also finding joy in a place where we don’t always find it.

NewEnglandFilm.com: What do you hope people take away from watching your film? 

Wermenchuk: I hope people leave with a smile on their face and imagine what they would do if there was room for more fun at their job.

NewEnglandFilm.com: What other projects are you working on?

Wermenchuk: I am currently in early research/development for a film about grandparents passing and the impact it has on young adult grandchildren who are already finding themselves at very transitional points of life.

Joy screens at the 2020 Online New England Film Festival at NewEnglandFilm.com.