Wannes Destoop, director of “Holy Rosita”, which just won the Best Film award at the Torino Film Festival, shares his affinity for misfits and the unique stories they embody. Past films discussed include Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project” and Martin McDonagh’s “In Bruges”.
He reflects on his documentary roots, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the challenges of modern filmmaking. Wannes shares insights into his casting process, production choices, and the emotional rollercoaster of post-production.
Also touched on are the impact of awards and recognition on a film's reach and the complexities of distribution in today's film market.
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“Sonic The Hedgehog 3” director Jeff Fowler shares his filmmaking journey, focusing on his experiences with visual effects, animation, and storytelling, having been influenced at an early age by “Star Wars”, “T2”, and “Jurassic Park”.
Jeff emphasizes the importance of hard work and passion in achieving success, recounting his time at Ringling College of Art and Design and then being hired by Tim Miller at Blur Studios. He discusses the evolution of visual effects and the path that led him to direct the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
Jeff reflects on the challenges and innovations in creating compelling visual narratives, the importance of pre-visualization and storyboarding, and the collaborative process of working with actors and animators. He also shares insights into the production journey of Sonic 3, the impact of fan feedback, and the excitement of expanding the Sonic universe with new characters and stories.
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Pia Marais shares insights from her filmmaking journey, including the making of her atmospheric new film “Transamazonia,” which just screened at the New York Film Festival following a Locarno world premiere. Past inspirations include Werner Herzog’s “Wings of Hope” and Asif Kapadia’s “Amy”.
Pia’s latest film explores themes of faith and family dynamics, and she discusses the complexities of casting, production, the importance of film festivals, and the ongoing challenges of securing distribution for independent films.
Other topics include the evolving landscape of cinema culture, which has shifted significantly over the years with a need for more curated film experiences, as business decisions heavily influence American cinema these days. Also touched on are the differences between American and international cinema, particularly in funding and audience engagement.
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Ben Russell delves into the concept of observational cinema, sharing insights on his latest co-directing effort “Direct Action” (with Guillaume Cailleau), which portrays a radical activist community in France. It debuted at Berinale and just screened at the New York Film Festival. Past films discussed include Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson” and the observational films of Frederick Wiseman and The Maysles Brothers.
Ben shares his experience transitioning as a filmmaker from America to France, exploring the differences between American and European cinema, and the impact of public funding on film production. The discussion also touches on filmmaking techniques, audience engagement, and the importance of creating context for films.
Ben emphasizes the power of cinema to inspire action and reflection, advocating for a more immersive and community-oriented approach to filmmaking.
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In this conversation, Egil Pedersen reflects on his experiences growing up in a small Norwegian village and how he transitioned from short films to his first feature film, “My Father's Daughter,” the first-ever Sámi-language premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. His cinema inspirations include David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” and “Show Me Love” (orig title: Fucking Amal) directed by Lukas Moodysson.
Egil touches on the challenges and opportunities in the Norwegian film industry, the importance of cultural representation, and the evolution of his creative process. The discussion also delves into the nuances of humor in film and the intricate relationship between comedy and drama, exploring how these genres can intersect and enhance storytelling.
He also discusses the importance of identity in his film, the challenges of navigating film festivals, and the excitement of future projects, all while reflecting on the inspirations that have shaped his filmmaking journey.
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In this conversation, Erik Poppe - the director of “Quisling - The Final Days”, which just premiered at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival, discusses his journey from photojournalism to filmmaking, emphasizing the role of art in raising questions and engaging audiences.
He reflects on his influences, including Francois Truffaut’s 1970 film ‘The Wild Child”, the importance of personal narratives, and the challenges of portraying controversial characters - how creating empathy for these characters can be challenging yet rewarding.
Erik also shares his insights on his filmmaking process, the significance of preparation for film festivals, and how art's primary role is to provoke thought and discussion - through simplicity and truthfulness.
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In this episode, Afolabi Olalekan discusses the vibrant Nigerian film industry, dubbed Nollywood, and his latest film, Freedom Way, which premiered at the Toronto Int. Film Festival. His past inspirations include Cary Fukunaga’s ‘Beasts of No Nation’ and ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’, directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Afolabi shares the challenges he and his crew faced during production, such as police corruption and the need to swap out his lead actors halfway through filming. He also stresses the importance of using storytelling to create social change, highlighting the power of cinema to address societal issues.
Afolabi reflects on his journey as a filmmaker, and the personal growth experienced through his creative process. He also talks about his future projects and the significance of film festivals like TIFF.
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Mumbai-based director Subhadra Mahajan discusses her debut feature film ‘Second Chance’ which just had its Hollywood premiere at AFI, following a World premiere at Karlovy Vary earlier this year. Past inspirations include her love for the Iranian New Wave and Andrea Arnold’s ‘Fish Tank’.
She speaks on her filmmaking journey, influenced by classic Hollywood films, and reflects on her storytelling process, character development, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The discussion also delves into the themes of healing, nature, and the unlikely friendships made while making films.
Subhadra emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional filmmaking rules to foster creativity, the challenges of working with a low budget, and the significance of community in film festivals.
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Today’s episode features Devon Delmar, Jason Jacobs, and their feature film, “Carissa”, which just enjoyed its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and was nominated for the Venice Horizon’s Award for Best Film. They are also joined by Producer Deidré Jantjies. Past inspirations include Benh Zeitlin’s ’Beasts of the Southern Wild’.
The conversation delves into themes of community, cultural representation, and the challenges of storytelling on a tight budget. The filmmakers discuss their collaboration and process of crafting character arcs that reflect relatable struggles, all while navigating the complexities of cultural sensitivity. They reflect on the impact of their choices and the significance of casting non-actors to enhance realism.
The discussion also touches on their unique editing process, the emotional connections that drive their storytelling, and how magical realism allows for deeper exploration of themes.
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Vojtĕch Strakatý, director of ‘After Party’, which just premiered at the Venice Film Festival, speaks on how real-life experiences can inspire unique storytelling. His past cinema inspirations include the Brazilian films ‘Neighboring Sounds’ and ‘Aquarius’, by Kleber Mendonça Filho.
He discusses the emotional core of his film, inspired by real-life events, shares his excitement for blending genre and art house films, and how balancing technology and creativity is key to effective filmmaking.
Vojtĕch shares insights on refinement during his editing process, and how film festival dynamics play a vital role in a filmmaker's career. He touches on the physical and mental demands of the craft and looks ahead to future projects.
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In this conversation, Valerio Mastandrea discusses his film 'Feeling Better', which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The film thematically explores love, emotional awakening, and authenticity within the creative process. Past cinema inspirations include Sofia Coppola’s ‘Lost in Translation’.
Valerio reflects on his transition from acting to directing, the need for bravery in choosing film roles, the significance of audience connection, and the communal experience of watching films. Also discussed is the importance of collaboration in cinema, and the challenges faced in the Italian film industry, which faces practical challenges but has artistic potential.
Valerio enjoys engaging with audiences to understand their reactions, finds joy in learning, and dedicates his new film ‘Feeling Better’ to his father, who embodied love.
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In this conversation, Oscar-nominated Scandar Copti discusses his latest film 'Happy Holidays', which just won the Orizontti Award for Best Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival. His past inspiration includes Alexander Nanau’s 2014 Docu-drama ‘Toto and His Sisters’ and Brazilian doc ‘Bus 174’.
Scandar shares the creative process behind his film and the unique approach he takes in filmmaking, such as casting non-professional actors, and filming chronologically, which allows actors to experience deeper emotions as their characters would.
Scandar emphasizes the need to understand the human experience in storytelling, the value in embracing imperfections, and how the normalization of suffering is a central theme in his work.
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In this conversation, Peter Kerekes, Slovakian director of the Venice-bound documentary ‘Wishing On a Star’, shares valuable insights and inspirations, including Ulrich Seidl’s ‘Losses to Be Expected’ and Italian comedies from the 1970s.
Peter shares his journey into poetic documentary filmmaking, the influence of his filmmaker father's experiences, the importance of humor in his films, and the process of developing and editing documentaries.
He emphasizes the significance of character development, the impact of travel on personal transformation, the role of teaching in shaping future filmmakers, and the future of documentaries.
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In this conversation, Deepak Rauniyar - director of ‘Pooja, Sir’, which just premiered at the Venice Film Festival - shares how he found inspiration in Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Stray Dog’, and the 2019 French film ‘Les Misérables’ by Ladj Ly.
Deepak discusses his journey from journalism to filmmaking, inspired by personal experiences and the socio-political landscape of Nepal. He emphasizes the importance of cultural representation in cinema, the struggles that shape creativity, and the role of community and mentorship in the filmmaking process.
Deepak also highlights the value of openness to criticism and the importance of connectivity in the industry.
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In this conversation, Nathan Tape shares his experiences making ‘Off Ramp’, now in cinemas after its World premiere at the prestigious Polish genre festival Splat!FilmFest, followed by the New Orleans Film Festival. Nate’s biggest inspiration: David Lynch’s 1990 film ‘Wild at Heart’ starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern.
Nathan dives into the making of his film ‘Off-Ramp’, a film about Juggalos, the super fans of the Insane Clown Posse, and their sense of community and chosen family, sharing that he wanted to make a road trip movie that explores the meaning of friendship and belonging.
Nathan and Marcus also reflect on their time working together on big film sets in New Orleans, which provided valuable experience and opportunities for growth as a filmmaker, such as building relationships in the industry and coming to understand how resilience and perseverance are key qualities for success. Also, each filmmaker has their path and timeline, so it's important to embrace your journey, and that the satisfaction of completing a film and seeing it come to life far outweighs the challenges and setbacks along the way.
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On today’s episode, Elliott Lester talks about his latest film ‘The Thicket’, starring Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis, and shares his inspirations from movies like 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', 'Midnight Cowboy', and the works of Martin Scorsese. He also discusses his experience working with global stars such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Statham.
Elliott speaks on Tubi as a production partner and distribution platform, the challenges of making and distributing films in today’s landscape, the value of audience feedback, and the impact of awards and reviews. He also shares his casting process and the importance of finding the right actors for a role.
Elliott offers advice on creating a collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere on set and reflects on his journey in the industry.
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Today’s episode features Vincent Grashaw and his new film 'Bang Bang', screening this week at the Deauville Film Festival following Locarno and Tribeca. Past inspiration includes ‘The Wrestler’, and we share an appreciation for Spike Lee’s ‘He Got Game’.
Vincent talks about his connection to boxing, his casting techniques, shooting on ultra-wide lenses, and the unsung process of color grading. He also discusses his previous films and the challenges of making low-budget indie movies, emphasizing the importance of taking control of your destiny and to never give up.
Vincent shares the common themes in his films, such as friendship and the impact of relationships, and we talk about the current state of the Hollywood film industry and the need for a material renaissance.
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In this conversation, filmmaker Dương Dược Linh discusses her journey into filmmaking and her fascination with the body horror genre, ahead of her feature debut, ‘Don't Cry Butterfly’, which is premiering at Venice Critics Week followed by the Toronto International Film Festival.
Being inspired by such past body horrors ‘Possession’, directed by Andrzej Żuławski and ‘Species’ by Roger Donaldson, Dương explores the generational trauma and internalized misogyny experienced by middle-aged women in Vietnam and shares her interest in understanding how things work underneath led her to explore the inner emotions of characters through body horror.
She also speaks on her excitement about premiering at Venice Critics Week, and shares some of the unique marketing ideas she and her team have planned for the festival.
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Marcus speaks with Freddy Macdonald about his debut feature film 'Sew Torn', just screened at Locarno, following a World premiere at South by Southwest. Drawing inspiration from the 1998 German film ‘Run Lola Run’ as well as ‘No Country For Old Men’ (2007), Freddy speaks on the great fortune of sitting down with one of the directors of the latter film - Joel Cohen - who encouraged him to keep going, and to turn his short into a feature.
The conversation also touches on Freddy’s experience filming in Switzerland, making a movie with his dad, unconventional shooting methods and practical effects, and the value of creating a short film first that can lead the way to becoming a feature film later.
Other topics include the importance of managing expectations, the role of champions in the industry, and the vulnerability of sharing one's work.
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Marcus speaks with Bálint Szimler about his feature film ‘Lesson Learned’, which just premiered at the Locarno Fim Festival. The discussion also touches on the films that most inspired him - 'Play' by Ruben Östlund and 'Family Nest' by Béla Tarr.
Bálint dives in to the inspiration behind his film, and the challenges of the Hungarian educational system. He also talks about his approach to storytelling and the importance of realistic and character-driven films. He shares insights into his scriptwriting process, the use of improvisation in his films, the importance of passion and dedication, and the collective effort of the cast and crew. Bálint also speaks on the significance of honoring the craft, and the decision to shoot on 16mm film - collaborating with cinematographer Marcell Rév of Euphoria fame.
The conversation also touches on the themes of living in the moment, the value of limitations, the rewards of filmmaking, and challenging the systems in place.
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Today I speak with my friend and exceptional filmmaker Ellie Foumbi, about her Independent Spirt Award-nominated 'Our Father The Devil,' which is now on the Criterion Channel following a premiere at last year’s Venice International Film Festival. We also discuss the influence of Andrea Arnold’s film 'Red Road' (2006) on her work.
We reminisce about our initial meeting and collaboration in 2012, mutual connections in the industry, and Ellie's process of making an effective micro-budget thriller - which involves the balance of intrigue, character development, and a clear antagonist to create tension and engage the audience.
Ellie shares her thoughts on the future of cinema, the significance of her work being featured on Criterion, and the importance of patience and honing one's skills through short films and workshops.
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Today I speak with Mumbai-based director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat about his kick-ass action film ‘Kill’, which premiered at TIFF last year and is now globally distributed by Lionsgate. We discuss Nikhil’s journey into the film industry, from watching Indian action films on television as a child, and his love for James Cameron’s ‘Aliens’.
He shares his experiences with rejection and the importance of patience and persistence in filmmaking. The conversation also touches on the financing and production of his latest film ‘Kill’ and the challenges and excitement of premiering at film festivals.
Nikhil expresses his belief in underdog stories and aims to create films that combine thrilling action with humor and emotional depth. He also shares his desire to remake Paul Verhoeven’s 'RoboCop'.
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In this episode, I speak with Zhengfan Yang about his film 'Stranger’, which just won the Grand Prix prize in the Proxima Competition at Karlovy Vary. We also discuss his past cinema inspiration, ‘A One and a Two’, the 2000 film by Taiwanese filmmaker Edward Yang.
Zhengfan talks about the challenges of shooting his film in 7 total shots, each in a different hotel room, and the importance of the setting and space as a character. He emphasizes the importance of sticking to his original concept of shooting long takes and the pressure to find the right beginning and end for each take.
Zhengfan shares his experience with financing and the long process of securing funding from various different countries. He reflects on the changing landscape of cinema and the challenges of having his films seen by a wide audience. He also shares filmmaking advice - to stay true to your vision and make the most honest film possible.
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Short Ends
- Getting into film festivals can exceed expectations and open doors to bigger opportunities.
- Using cinematic techniques in documentaries can create a more engaging and immersive experience for the audience.
- Not knowing and being open to surprises while filming is an important part of documentary filmmaking.
- Editing and structuring a documentary can be a challenging task, but it is crucial to listen to the material and let it guide the process.
- Personal motivations and curiosity can drive the creation of a documentary film.
- There is a strong connection between music and cinema, and pairing music with images can enhance the storytelling. Taking breaks during the editing process allows for fresh eyes and new perspectives.
- Test screenings are crucial for understanding audience reactions and making necessary changes.
- Directing and shooting the film as a cinematographer can create a unique and personal connection to the material.
- Delivering a film can be a stressful and often overlooked aspect of the filmmaking process.
- Premiering a film at a festival is a mix of excitement and pressure to make the most of the experience.
- Drawing inspiration from other films can inform and shape the creative choices in a documentary.
- The filmmaker's next project involves experimenting with fiction and challenging themselves with different formats and cameras.
- Filmmaking is a deeply engaging and fulfilling art form that allows for personal growth and connection with others.
Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
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E35 • Expand Your Horizon, Stand With the Misfits • WANNES DESTOOP, dir. of ‘Holy Rosita’ - BEST FILM Award at the Torino Film Festival
41:45
E34 • Directing Live-Action VFX: Story Comes First • JEFF FOWLER, dir. of ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 3’ from Paramount Pictures
44:13
E33 • You Must Fight to Make Your Film • PIA MARAIS, dir. of ‘Transamazonia’ at the New York Film Festival, Chicago International, TIFF
43:45
E32 • Inspiring Action through Activist Filmmaking • BEN RUSSELL, co-dir. of ‘Direct Action’ at the New York Film Festival + Berlinale
44:19
E31 • The Serious Business of Effective Comedy • EGIL PEDERSEN, dir. of ‘My Father’s Daughter’ at TIFF + Reykjavik Int. Film Festival
44:46
E30 • Creating Controversial Characters • ERIK POPPE, dir. of ‘Quisling - The Final Days’ at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival
47:10
E29 • Shoot First, Ask Questions Later • AFOLABI OLALEKAN, dir. of ‘Freedom Way’ at the Toronto Int. Film Festival
33:39
E28 • The Healing Power of Film • SUBHADRA MAHAJAN, dir. of ‘Second Chance’ at AFI following Busan + Karlovy Vary
52:29
E27 • Navigating Cultural Sensitivity Through Magical Realism • JASON JACOBS & DEVON DELMAR, dirs. of ‘Carissa’, Best Film Nom at the Venice Film Festival
29:12
E26 • Leveraging Life’s Limitations • VOJTĚCH STRAKATÝ, dir. of ‘After Party’ at the Venice Int. Film Festival
37:33
E25 • The Right Way Is Usually The Hard Way • VALERIO MASTANDREA, dir. of ‘Feeling Better’ at the Venice Int. Film Festival
28:28
E24 • Transforming Adversity into Powerful Storytelling • SCANDAR COPTI, Oscar-nominated dir. of ‘Happy Holidays’, Best Screenplay Winner at the Venice Int. Film Festival + TIFF
33:33
E23 • Documentary as Profound Poetry • PETER KEREKES, dir. of ‘Wishing On A Star’ at the Venice + Toronto Int. Film Festival
40:19
E22 • Crafting Complex, Culturally Authentic Characters • DEEPAK RAUNIYAR, dir. of ‘Pooja, Sir’ at the Venice Int. Film Festival + Busan
41:55
E21 • Taking The Off Ramp: From Gaffer to Director • NATHAN TAPE, dir. of ‘Off Ramp’ in Cinemas following Splat!FilmFest + New Orleans Film Festival
1:09:22
E20 • Casting & Collaborating with A-List Talent • ELLIOTT LESTER, dir. of ‘The Thicket’ in Cinemas following the Deauville Film Festival
35:53
E19 • Directing Your Destiny • VINCENT GRASHAW, dir. of ‘Bang Bang’ at Deauville Film Festival + Locarno
47:39
E18 • Exploring Inner Emotions Through Body Horror • DƯƠNG DIỆU LINH, dir. of ‘Don’t Cry, Butterfly’ - GRAND PRIZE WINNER at Venice Critics Week + TIFF
40:12
E17 • Sharing Work, Seizing Opportunities • FREDDY MACDONALD, dir. of ‘Sew Torn’ at the Locarno Film Festival following SXSW
41:32
E16 • Challenging The System • BÁLINT SZIMLER, dir. of ‘Lesson Learned’ at the Locarno Film Festival
49:33
E15 • Writing Your Own Narrative • ELLIE FOUMBI , dir. of ‘Our Father the Devil’, Now on Criterion following the Venice Int. Film Festival
40:34
E14 • The Power of the Underdog • NIKHIL NAGESH BHAT , dir. of ‘Kill’, Now in Theaters following TIFF + Tribeca
36:15
E13 • Taking the Long Shots • ZHENGFAN YANG , dir. of ‘Stranger’, Grand Prix Winner at KVIFF
38:29
E12 • The Importance of Not Knowing • PAOLO TIZÓN , dir. of ‘Night Has Come’, Special Jury Award + FIPRESCI Winner at KVIFF
44:28
E11 • The Beauty of Change • IVANA GLORIA, dir. of ‘Chlorophyll’ at the Rome Film Fest + KVIFF
39:28