The Crazy8s Film Society has named a New West-based writer/directors as one this year’s top 6 finalists.
The eight-day annual film-making challenge provides funding, professional mentorship and support to emerging filmmakers to help them produce a short film.
The society said this year’s films include projects from some of “B.C.’s brightest up and coming talents” – including voice actor-turned writer/director Larissa Thompson, who is based in New Westminster.
What Are You Supposed to do With Your Hands? is written and directed by Thompson and produced by Amanda D'Silva.
“Kendra struggles to fit in at a noisy party, much to the chagrin of her guardian angel, a sharp-beaked and sharp-witted harpy, who really wants her to stop staring at her shoes,” said a synopsis of the short film. “Inspired by classic 80s puppet films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, What Are You Supposed to Do With Your Hands? explores the unique experience of living as a late-diagnosed autistic woman.”
According to a Crazy8s bio about Thompson, she began working as a professional voice actor, eventually specializing in audiobook narration. She is also an associate producer and creative consultant for The Sojourn, an award-winning sci-fi audio drama, for which she wrote and directed two episodes.
“Her years of acting training have prepared her for directing actors, and working as a script supervisor for various feature films gave her valuable shadowing opportunities under experienced directors,” said the bio. “It wasn’t until 2023 that she discovered she was autistic, and is excited to share her unique experience of the world with audiences through the medium of film.”
Running since 1999, Crazy8s was created to help emerging filmmakers who have little or no access to funding for short films and to train crew and cast.
Finished films will be screened at a gala event taking place April 20 at The Centre, with an after-party to follow at Science World.
