I just returned from Brattleboro, Vermont, where “The Gaze” screened at the 5th annual Ax Wound Film Festival. This was my 4th time at the festival. I wrote about how much I love the festival in past recaps from 2016 and 2017, so I’ll keep this one brief.

Ax Wound isn’t a big buzzy festival, but it is definitely one to aspire to be part of because of its heart. Like I stated in my Horrible Imaginings recap, where Miguel’s warmth is what makes that festival stand out, I feel the same about this fest because of festival director Hannah Neurotica (founder of Women in Horror Month). Her kindness sets the tone for the screening event. There’s something so sincere and special about the way she treats filmmakers and gets genuinely excited about the work we’ve made. And the intimate atmosphere she creates makes you really feel part of something bigger than just showing up for a screening; it leads to really nuanced discussions about the craft of filmmaking and our individual artistic intentions. It’s also one of the few times I’m on a stage with a group of filmmakers and get to just represent myself instead of feeling like I have to speak for all woman-identifying directors.

As for this specific year’s festival, it was especially great because I again attended with my mom. Any time I get to spend with her is always a joy. And I got to be reunited with a few filmmaker friends I met at past years at Ax Wound (including Julia Berkey, who was a grip for “The Gaze” and there with her own short), while making a handful of new friends too. The festival was overall well attended, with the early morning and late night screenings pulling in around 30-35, and the rest of the blocks through the day (including ours) hitting nearly 50 people in attendance. The Q&As were timed well and gave everyone a chance to speak, with space to really dissect the creative process. There were rich conversations that spanned themes and processing trauma to practical tips for special effects and working with collaborators. It was a lovely time and one I hope to have again next year.

Also, they have the best swag bags around, no contest. Thanks to all the sponsors who make that possible! And thanks to Hannah, Ashlee Blackwell of Graveyard Shift Sisters and the volunteer team for another wonderful experience screening my work.