Local Filmmaker Shines at Minnesota Film Festival

The festival started as a way to make sure audiences heard those untold stories and features filmmakers from right here in Duluth, and around the world.

Seed of Doubt is directed by William J. Cox. It tells the story of a young couple’s world turning into paranoia and delusion.

Cox wanted to create a psychological drama about gaslighting which is when a person is manipulated into questioning their own reality. He brought in a consultant who had been in that situation.

” She was a person who had been traumatized by her ex in the past and we wanted to convey those emotions to be gaslit, and what she did to get out of that toxic relationship,” he said.

Cox grew up in Duluth, and after a stint in LA, has returned back home. As a young boy he was fascinated by one movie in particular.

” So when I was a child, I saw Jurassic Park for the first time, and there’s that scene where you first see the dinosaurs. And the first time I saw that was when I really became a fan of filmmaking. and realized it might be something I might like to do.”

He says each filmmakers’ journey is unique and to allow time for the creative process to fully develop.

Cox said, ” One of my producing partners and I came up with the story idea, then we found a screenwriter to take the story and turn it into a screenplay. Then go into all the logistics of auditioning and finding the crew.”

Setbacks are inevitable, and he hit a few snags that caused significant delays.

“We had people who were promising things they didn’t quite deliver on, so it was a little bit of a juggling act with that… But finally, we got it done.”

Zeitgeist’s Marketing Manager says industry professionals like Will are making their way to the Northland to film and produce movies of all kinds. However, she says you don’t have to be a hardcore movie buff to enjoy the festival. There is something for everyone.

” You can support local filmmakers. We have filmmakers from all over the world. There are events, there’s educational opportunities, we have a comedy show. It’s just four days of fun A pass gets entry into all the events. It’s just a great time,” said Camryn Resset.

Cox agrees and wants the audience to come away from his film entertained, but he also wants them to appreciate the overall significance of the festival.

“Have an understanding of what we are capable of doing around here. Bring in more productions to the Northland. Camryn said it is a booming industry and I hope to be a part of it ”

Cox gives a message of hope, even though it took six years to complete his film. He says to carry on, in spite of the roadblocks.

” It’s probably cliche but follow your dreams. ”