Take 5 with "Ninjas vs. Guilt"

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. 


Without further ado, meet our first Take 5 filmmaker, David Chai, an animator with the film "Ninjas Vs. Guilt" which plays in the animation block on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 10 am and Sunday, Feb. 13 at 11:30 a.m. For the full schedule and description of the films, visit www.oxfordfilmfest.com. 

David Chai

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


A: Ninjas vs. Guilt” weighs the pros and cons about embracing who it is we truly are; an important lesson for the ninja warrior or insatiable lover in all of us.


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


A: The biggest lesson learned in making this film was from a quote by Leonard Bernstein, which I found on a tea label someone left on my animation desk: “To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan and not quite enough time.” 

This was perfect, because we definitely didn't have enough time!

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


A: I became addicted to making animated short films in college, and I’m still a junkie. My films are self funded and our production crews usually consist of volunteers who get up, set up, and never let up! We do it out of a love for the game; we love the process, have a great time working together, and always try to make something that will move the audiences.


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


A: I don’t necessarily have a dream distribution plan for this short. My real dream would be for someone to love our film(s) so much that they would commission some commercial projects or fund my feature film, so we could show them what we could do if we actually had a budget!


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


A: The future’s looking good so far. I’ve already completed my next short film called “Enrique Wrecks the World”, which has been nominated for a 2011 Annie Award for Best Short Subject. It’s up against Pixar, Bill Plympton, Warner Brothers, and another cool independent animator named Jason Carpenter. Then after that, it’s off to the next film!