Lily Zepeda’s passion for exploring unconventional stories began with a career in Journalism, interviewing subjects ranging from Grammy award-winning musicians to Olympians. Zepeda went from TV production to embarking on a five year journey to make her first feature film, “Mr Toilet: The World’s #2 Man,” and was a Diversity Fellowship and Accelerator Lab grantee from Chicken & Egg Pictures. The film went on to win the Docs for School Audience Award at this year’s Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.
“Mr. Toilet: The World’s #2 Man” will premiere at the 2019 DOC NYC film festival on November 14.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
LZ: “Mr. Toilet: The World’s #2 Man” follows Jack Sim, an eccentric entrepreneur who uses humor and irreverence to solve a global sanitation crisis. It’s a character piece about an obsessive dreamer whose child-like ways create challenges and spark inspiration.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
LZ: I was sold on Mr. Toilet’s fearless humor and disregard for cultural norms. I felt it was the magic potion for a character-based film about a taboo subject. Nobody was willing to talk shit like Mr. Toilet, and humor is the way I feel most comfortable expressing myself. I’ve always felt there is a child-like quality in all of us that allows us to tap into our creative genius.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
LZ: First, I hope they see that it’s truly okay to be your weird, wild self and are inspired to do something bold — even if it means they could fail.
I also hope they have learned something new about this issue. It’s amazing how ignored lack of sanitation is, but the fact that it affects 40 percent of the world’s population, especially women, is mind-blowing to some people.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
LZ: Hands down, it was dealing with bureaucracy, or as Jack would call it, “bureau-crazy.” We filmed in four countries, so each time we planned production it felt like starting all over again from scratch — all the logistics, paperwork, negotiating, and late night phone calls to ministries and crews was exhausting.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
LZ: The film’s funding came from lots of different sources. Our first funder was Kohler Co. – they make bathroom and kitchen appliances. I also received a Lab grant from Chicken & Egg Pictures that was not just helpful in terms of funding, but also for mentorship and moral support.
In addition, we had one really successful Kickstarter campaign — which I’ll be discussing on a panel at DOC NYC — and the rest of the funding came from private investors.
W&H: What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
LZ: Storytelling had always been a dream of mine. As a kid, I always thought I’d grow up to be a mix of Diane Sawyer and Jeff Corwin – a world renowned reporter who travels the world breaking news stories, and a childlike host who enthusiastically skips through rainforests and desert landscapes in search of the unusual.
The story of Mr. Toilet strangely embodies both of these elements.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
LZ: I love the advice from Brené Brown on courage: “Be brave. Show up. It’s not about winning. It’s not about losing. It’s about showing up and being seen.”
The worst advice I’ve ever been given is “Make sure you have a plan B.” I don’t have a plan B because all my energy and spunk goes into plan A.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
LZ: My advice echoes what writer Sarah Hagi once tweeted: “Daily prayer to combat impostor syndrome: God give me the confidence of a mediocre white dude.” Lots of women I meet really downplay their skills and don’t feel “ready” enough to start. It’s all crap.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
LZ: This year it has to be “Hail Satan?” It’s an entertainingly bizarre documentary on the Satanic Temple’s exploits. Director Penny Lane really just knows how to capture such a weird topic and blow your mind. She turns all your preconceived notions about religion and Satanism on their head.
W&H: What differences have you noticed in the industry since the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements launched?
LZ: I definitely notice an acknowledgment of past behaviors that were and now are no longer acceptable in the workplace. I believe that we are headed in the right direction, but I still think we have a long way to go.
