November 27, 2020, by Matthew Toffolo

1. What is your screenplay about?

Vincent and Paul: Unspoken Brotherhood is a biographical drama about the tumultuous relationship between Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Period drama. Thriller. Biographical.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Historians have said that Vincent van Gogh had periods of homosexuality and most likely had a relationship with Paul Gauguin. This screenplay is about the demise of Vincent van Gogh at the hands of Paul Gauguin.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Highly Disturbing.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

The Wizard of Oz.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Nine months. I’ve been working on Vincent and Paul: Unspoken Brotherhood continuously through-out the pandemic.

7. How many stories have you written?

Other than Vincent and Paul: Unspoken Brotherhood, I have written La Famiglia (The Family), a gay Italian immigrant who goes on the run after being accused of impersonating a United States citizen by a Homeland Security officer. Circus Animals, a group of animals that band together on a frightening, dangerous journey to find their stolen friends. The Apparition, about a divorced father who must protect his children from an aggressive ghost after moving into a historic mansion, and last, the Browne’s Addition series. Browne’s Addition is an episodic series that explores the lives of a group of gay friends. It’s a cross between Tales of the City and Queer as Folk.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

With Every Heartbeat. I love Robyn and everything she does.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

I retired from 36 years of Federal service, so I had no obstacles. Other than my family needs, Vincent and Paul: Unspoken Brotherhood was my number one priority.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My family.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?

FilmFreeway is a fantastic platform for screenwriters and film directors. It’s a one-stop-shop for submitting to festivals – the process is easy!

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I’m a proud member of the LGBT community.

The narrative/composition was concise and professional. The reader was attentive and forthcoming. I felt the reader had my best interest at heart.

Watch the Screenplay Reading: