Glitter talks TIFF Next Wave with Robyn Matuto
Robyn Matuto
Age: 16
Spirit Animal: Cher Horowitz
The Movie that Changed Everything: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Something no one knows about me (until now): I once shamelessly marathoned all current seasons of Parks and Recreation in one weekend and to this date, it’s my proudest achievement.
Dragons or Unicorns: Dragonicorns
Pirates or ninjas: Ninjas
“I signed up for TIFF Next Wave when I realized I wanted to be involved in the film/media industry, and I just so happened to have a friend who knew about the Next Wave committee. I’ve heard about Next Wave through Facebook and knew they had really cool things going on, and because of my new revelation, I decided to apply. Outside of Next Wave, I spend most of my time volunteering in a myriad of places, practicing graphic design and illustration and reading. I’m not entirely sure what I want to do after high school, but definitely in the film industry- my prospects have bounced between actress, producer, casting director and screenwriter- but I am solidified in my dream to be in it.”
GLITTER: Can you tell us about TIFF Next Wave?
ROBYN: The TIFF Next Wave Film Festival is essentially the youth counterpart of the Toronto International Film Festival, but its own standalone festival in its very own right. It’s a movie festival for teens, by teens that takes place in Toronto, Canada at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
GLITTER: How can others get involved in TIFF Next Wave?
ROBYN: You can get involved simply by telling others about the festival, attending the screenings and events or actively volunteering if you’re in Toronto. If not, you can help us by spreading the news or tweeting your excitement.
GLITTER: Do you know what you want to do outside of high school?
ROBYN: I want to work in film! Every aspect of the film industry fascinates me, from the casting portion, to cinematography, to screenwriting, to acting and to production. It’s an immensely fast-paced and influential industry in the world and my biggest aspiration is to show the world my creative side through the medium.
GLITTER: The movie that changed everything for you is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Can you tell us why?
ROBYN: Holly Golightly represents the apex of what every modern woman aspires to be. Charming, but not overwhelming, flirty but not overly clingy, clever but not obnoxious and beautiful but in the subtlest of ways. She set the tone for the change in women in media and showed that every woman is a little bit of the flirty blonde and cunning brunette. I find Holly and the certain charm found in old movies so enthralling and so formative in every way.
GLITTER: What’s one thing that people don’t know about you, but should?
ROBYN: I really do believe mermaids exist. If barely half the ocean has been mapped and charted how can we be so sure about their nonexistence?
GLITTER: If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
ROBYN: Jackie Kennedy! I’m fascinated by American Royalty and America in the 1950s-60s. I’d love to discuss politics and how to style satin gloves and Chanel over tea with her.
GLITTER: If you could work with anyone at all, who would it be and why?
ROBYN: Beyoncé. In what, I don’t know. I’d just love to work with Beyoncé for the sake of working with Beyoncé.
GLITTER: What advice to you have for teens who are scared to go for it in life?
ROBYN: It’s a frustrating and hard process. You won’t wake up one day with enough determination to dive headfirst into your future. But it’ll come, I promise it will. Just make sure to let your certainty of your passion overcome the fear of the unknown. At the end of the day, your happiness is the only thing that matters. If having a 9-to-5 office job or being a professional ice cream tester makes you happy, go ahead and do it.
GLITTER: Who is your favorite screenwriter right now?
ROBYN: I adore the screenplay of 500 Days of Summer, so I’d have to say Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. It doesn’t hurt they’re writing The Fault in our Stars too.
GLITTER: Who is your favorite director right now?
ROBYN: Steve McQueen. 12 Years a Slave was phenomenal in every facet and it takes so much passion and dedication to craft a story so moving and strong. I look forward to seeing more of him in the future.
Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
