For the second time in two years, China-based Willmountain Films is headed to the Cannes Film Festival. Filmapalooza, the global 48 Hour Film Project competition, was held on March 20-23, and, out of 130 cities and 4000 films in competition, the Willmountain Films team won Best Cinematography and was nominated for Best Film, Best Directing, and Best Visual Effects. Because of its success, their sci-fi short film “Detaching” “梦蝶蝶梦” was selected for the 48 Hour Film Project's Best from Around the World screening being held at the Cannes Marché du Film's Short Film Corner this coming May.
The sci-fi genre short film “Detaching” “梦蝶蝶梦” explores the themes of loss, addiction, and artificial intelligence. Logline: When a game developer becomes addicted to her own game, only a powerful AI can save her from herself. The Shanghai-based cast includes Gao Lipei who won “Best Actress” at the Shanghai 2023 48 Hour Film Project, Luke Rayn, and Tyren Scott Thomas. The film's directors, Jud Willmont and Nicholas Z. Scott, won “Best Directing” at the Shanghai 2023 48 Hour Film Project and were nominated for “Best Directing” at Filmapalooza 2024.
Director Jud Willmont explained “We were delighted to see Detaching recognized for “Best Cinematography”. This is the second time that Willmountain Films has been featured and reflects our commitment to producing films in China. Our aim is to tell human stories that transcend cultural boundaries. This is an important step for us to showcase how the international film industry is progressing.” Director Nicholas Z. Scott added “The 48 Hour Film Project offered an amazing opportunity to work with SALT Studio and use their state-of-the-art new LED screen. It allowed us to travel anywhere in the world and still film in downtown Shanghai.” Detaching was shot in an LED Volume Studio with Unreal Engine, a real-time 3D software.
Willmountain Films was previously recognized at Filmapalooza 2023 for its short film Shen Qu 神曲 which won “Best Directing”, “Best Cinematography”, and “Best Wardrobe Design”. Additional nominations included “Best Hair & Make-Up” and “Best Picture”. Shen Qu was also chosen to be screened at the Cannes Short Film Corner in 2023 and will be released in 2024.
