Liebe
In addition to serving as a programmer for CUFF Calgarian Cameron Macgowan is a rising filmmaker in his own right. Last year his horror short Liebe (Love) made the rounds at some festivals including CIFF and this week he’s decided to make it available online for all to enjoy. As creepy and subversive as it is wickedly funny it’s well worth three minutes of your time. Watch it below then read our brief interview with Macgowan.
Liebe
Where did you first come up with the idea for the film?
I came up with the idea for Liebe after watching way too many self important short films that used the dreamy visual style of Terrence Malick as a crutch. I wanted to playfully poke fun at these types of films while telling a satirical story about the possessiveness of relationships.
How long did it take to shoot?
It took one day to shoot. It was a run and gun shoot and was the fastest I had ever made a film. Not having any spoken dialogue saved us plenty of time as we rarely had to do more than one or two takes of each shot.
Who did you work with on the project?
I produced the film with my close friend and cinematographer Rhett Miller through my company Awkward Silencio Films. Over the last few years we have worked with the same crew of good friends who have a great time making these types of projects.
What were some challenges with its creation?
The greatest challenge was shooting the monster in a public park. Random families and people walking their dogs would often stop and gawk. Our monster was extremely uncomfortable in his make-up and the rubber-necking public didn’t make him anymore comfortable. However I cannot blame them. I’d totally stop and watch if I saw a dude in a troll outfit under a bridge.
What are some other films you had in mind while making it?
My points of reference for this film were Holy Motors Cocteau’s Beauty and the Beast and The Toxic Avenger.
What do you plan to do next?
I have written a feature film along the same lines of Liebe that I will be trying to get financing for very shortly. I also am also a producer of Kyle Thomas’ The Valley Below which is currently in the midst of a film festival release and was made through our film collective North Country Cinema.
