Take 5 with "Conlang"

As we gear up for the Oxford Film Festival 2011 to be held at the Malco Studio Theater on Feb. 10-13, 2011, we thought we might introduce you to some of the people behind the movies we can't wait to show you.

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Marta Masferrer, creator of "Conlang," which screens Friday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. in the shorts block and Saturday, Feb. 12 at 6:10 p.m. For the full schedule and description of the films, visit www.oxfordfilmfest.com.

Q. 1: In 140 characters or less, describe your movie and why someone should see it.

A: A unique comedy about secret crushes, extreme linguistics and the language of love.

Q. 2: Biggest lesson learned in getting the film made? Best part in getting the film made?

A: With so many short films circulating the film festival circuit, I think it has become increasingly more difficult to have an opportunity to get your movie seen.

The biggest lesson I learned was not only the importance of finding your niche audience but building a community around that audience who can feel like they are a part of something exciting and unique.

Through the incredible support of organizations like the Language Creation Society and the Universal Esperanto Association, we were really able to find an audience beyond the traditional film festival goer. We've been able to screen CONLANG at conferences and language organizations all around the world... and now we are getting ready to release the movie on DVD with a bunch of bonus features!

Q. 3: Tell us about you. What is your movie making background?

A: I had my own production company in NYC for about 7 years, before receiving a Dean's Fellowship to pursue my graduate studies in film at Columbia University.

Q. 4: What's your dream distribution plan for the film?

A: We would love to make CONLANG available to fans around the world! We are in negotiations with a couple of distribution companies in Europe who want to distribute the film entirely with Esperanto subtitles. We would love to also distribute CONLANG in the United States and are looking into self-distribution options in particular.

Q. 5: What does the future hold in store for your film and for you?

A: I'm currently working on my thesis film, ASTERNAUTS, and will be pitching the film at the Berlin Talent Campus for consideration for the Berlin Today Award. Wish me luck!!!