MKaplan

What inspired you to become a filmmaker, and how did you get started in the industry?

When Trump threw his hat into the presidential ring in 2015, I immediately heard his fascist rhetoric and saw the imminent threat he presented to democracy and decency and felt compelled to answer the call by using my art to help warn America.  Aside from the photo montages I had been creating, along the way I taught myself After Effects to create short videos as a way of adding more complex statements to the mix.

 

What was your motivation behind creating this particular film?

I had a following of nearly 14,000 on Instagram, and on January 19, 2021, the day before Biden’s inauguration, Instagram deleted my account with explanation or the ability to appeal their action. A friend saw the body of work I had created over those 4 years as a day to day chronicle of the Trump presidency, and suggested I make a documentary about it.

 

Did you face any challenges during the production process? If so, how did you overcome them?

Having made only short videos addressing one issue at a time, I was unsure how to create a compelling narrative about this body of work. Following the actual timeline of each of Trump’s hideous actions was the key to finding that narrative.

 

Can you discuss the creative decisions you made while developing your film, such as the visual style or narrative approach?

Michael Moore’s use of his own narration was the inspiration for me to use my own voice as the narrator.

 

Are there any specific themes or messages that you aimed to convey through your film?

At the end of the film I used an excerpt from a rare interview with the great musical genius John Coltrane, who talks about wanting to be a force for good in this world. My hope is that that simple message of decency might resonate to people who may have fallen under Trump’s dark spell of fear, hate, division and violence.

 

How do you feel your film stands out from others in the same genre or category?

What I think may make it unique is that aside from it being a documentary about the Trump presidency, at the same time it’s also a very personal film.

 

What do you hope the audience will take away from watching your film?

To stop the hate and to try to be a force of good in our short time on this earth.

 

Can you share any interesting or memorable experiences you had while making this film?

In the film I recall the moment that inspired everything; seeing Trump stalking Hillary during that second debate and making the visual connection to Frankenstein stalking Elizabeth in the 1931 classic film.

 

What are your aspirations as a filmmaker, and where do you see yourself in the future?

I really don’t know if I have another film in me. This film was about the work I have been doing my entire life. I have plenty of other interests, but none I am confident that I am honestly qualified to tell.

 

Are there any filmmakers or films that have greatly influenced your work?

Again Michael Moore, but I devote a chapter in the film to the brilliant German photo montagist John Heartfield who was the first to use that medium as a political weapon, in his case to warn Germany of the rise of Hitler. He really inspired all of this.

 

Have you participated in any other film festivals or competitions? If so, how was your experience?

The film has happily won nearly 50 awards in film festivals throughout the world, but I an still hoping to attend a live screening and participate in a live talk back, which has not yet been offered.

 

Is there anything else you would like the audience and the film festival organizers to know about you or your film?

I hope you enjoy the film. I hope it makes you think, but I also hope it makes you laugh, as many of the still images and short videos are pure satire created for that exact purpose.