1. What inspired the story behind your short film?
The inspiration came from a desire to create an allegory about letting go. The struggle of releasing someone you’ve loved deeply is incredibly personal to me—and I believe it’s a universal human experience. Sometimes, holding on to the past does more harm than good. Letting go can offer not just closure, but hope for the future.

Wormwood explores themes of memory, grief, and liminality—territory I’ve always wanted to explore through film. With elements of time travel, ghosts, and the afterlife, it allowed me to express complex emotional truths through a surreal lens.

We were also fortunate to shoot at Filmscape’s “Volume” LED Studio, which significantly shaped the story’s visual world. That setting helped us execute the haunting “afterlife limbo” sequence in-camera, enhancing the dreamlike tone of the film.

2. What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from your film?
While Wormwood imagines the cosmic power of love, it also delves into its inevitable counterpart—grief. The film is a meditation on how holding on to the past can immobilize us, and how accepting loss in all its forms can be an act of love itself.

I hope the story offers comfort, closure, and a sense of peace to those navigating grief—not by erasing memory, but by honouring it. Love, even when lost, remains valuable across time… even on a cosmic scale.

3. What’s your go-to creative ritual before a shoot day?
A strong cup of coffee and mentally walking through the day in alignment with the call sheet.

4. What’s one film you wish you had directed—and why?
Wings of Desire. It’s visually stunning, emotionally profound, and strikes a perfect balance between fantasy, melancholy, and humanism. It’s a masterclass in tone—measured and surreal, yet grounded in deep social truth.

5. If you had to shoot a short film using only three props, what would they be?
A compass, a diary, and a key—three objects that carry both symbolic and narrative weight.

6. What’s your guilty pleasure movie or series you rewatch all the time?
Spider-Man 2. It’s a timeless comfort watch that’s never left my rotation.

7. Why are short films important in today’s media landscape?
Short films allow filmmakers to hone their craft, find their voice, and take creative risks. They’re accessible, powerful, and often the birthplace of fresh, innovative storytelling.

Even though features are the end goal for many, short films are vital platforms for unique stories to be seen—and are often a gateway into film festivals and professional opportunities.

8. What advice would you give to someone making their first short?
Story first. Fix it in prep. And get professional sound. A strong script, clear vision, and solid preparation will always outweigh fancy gear. Let your story shine, even with limited resources.

9. What’s one question you wish interviewers asked—and how would you answer it?
What life lesson did making this film teach you?
That people—and the relationships you build with them—are the most important part of filmmaking. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of collaborators in South Africa’s film industry, all contributing their time and talents for the love of storytelling. It was a humbling and beautiful reminder of why we do this.

10. Why are festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival so important?
They give our work purpose. Art is meant to be seen, and platforms like FAME Shorts provide the audience every filmmaker dreams of. Beyond exposure, they offer networking, visibility, and momentum. These festivals are where careers are built, confidence is earned, and passion is validated.