In this conversation, Nathaniel Lezra discusses his journey as a documentary filmmaker, focusing on his latest project, “Roads of Fire”, which just won Best Documentary at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Nathaneil’s past inspirations include Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The Act of Killing” and “The Look of Silence”.
He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of cinematically capturing the humanitarian crisis and the political climate’s impact on filmmaking. He also shares insights into the smuggling industry and the importance of capturing authentic experiences in documentary storytelling.
Nathaniel discusses the complex, harrowing realities faced by migrants, the need for empathy when addressing these issues, and how filmmakers can play a crucial role in pushing for change.
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Gaby Dellal discusses the journey of creating her latest film “Park Avenue”, which just premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Her past inspirations include “Midnight Cowboy” and “Midnight Express”.
She reflects on her transition from acting to directing, the themes of motherhood in her work, and the impact of industry politics on her projects. Gaby also speaks on the intricacies of independent filmmaking, including her experiences working with the now infamous Harvey Weinstein.
The discussion also highlights the importance of collaboration to create emotional depth in storytelling, patience and resilience when facing gaps between projects, and today’s challenges in navigating film festivals.
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Director Daniel Straub and cinematographer (and brother) Austin Straub discuss their film “Out of Plain Sight”, which just won the Audience Award at Santa Barbara, ahead of their LA premiere with Slamdance. Past influences include Alex Garland’s “Annihilation”.
The conversation explores the themes of environmental awareness and the legacy of chemical pollution, the power of documentary filmmaking and the authenticity that comes from capturing real stories, emphasizing the impact a documentary can have on public perception.
Also explored is the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking, where fiction and non-fiction increasingly blend, and the ongoing need for accessible storytelling that resonates with viewers.
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Montreal-based Directors Brian Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky delve into the making of their Rotterdam documentary “A Man Imagined”, which focuses on the life of Lloyd, a homeless man with schizophrenia surviving amidst urban detritus and decay. Past inspo includes "Dog Days" by Austrian director Ulrich Seidl.
They discuss their unique approach to storytelling, challenges in finding and capturing Lloyd's essence, and their collaborative relationship with him throughout the filming process - emphasizing the importance of portraying homelessness with dignity and complexity, rather than falling into common tropes.
They also speak on the art of portraiture, and the complexities of navigating trauma and memory in their narratives.
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Netherlands-based director Aaron Rookus explores themes of self-acceptance, mortality, and the quest for fulfillment through the lens of filmmaking ahead of his Rotterdam Film Festival premiere of “Idyllic”. Past inspirations include Tom Tykwer’s “Run Lola Run” and the films of Charlie Kaufman.
Aaron speaks on the impact of personal experiences, such as illness and loss, on creative expression and the importance of humor in addressing serious topics. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of character development in ensemble storytelling, the role of script editors in shaping narratives, and the evolution of film consumption in the digital age.
The conversation also reflects on the pervasive issue of loneliness in modern society, exploring themes of urban indifference, the struggle for connection in contemporary life, and the search for meaning amidst life's challenges.
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Colombian filmmaker Gala Del Sol discusses her debut feature film, “Rains Over Babel”, which just screened at this years Sundance and Rotterdam Film Festivals. Careful not to borrow too heavily, her cinema influences include Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who directed “Black Cat, White Cat”, and her favorite film of all time - “Children of Paradise”, from French director Marcel Carné.
Exploring a unique blend of magical realism, punk aesthetics, eclectic score and vibrant sound design, Gala shares her film's themes of loss, identity, and redemption, shaped by the challenges of creating art during the pandemic. She praises the support of her family during production, the role of dreams in creativity, and the collaborative nature of storytelling.
Gala speaks on the importance of trusting the creative process, the impact of expectations on artistic expression, and how your film is ultimately a sub-concious reflection of who you were at the moment. Further explored is the concept that dreams, as a form of unconscious expression, can influence our waking lives and potentially manifest into real-world experiences.
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Tad Nakamura, the director of Sundance-bound "Third Act," reflects on his latest documentary, which centers on his father Robert Nakamura, a distinguished filmmaker frequently recognized as a trailblazer in Asian American media. Tad drew inspiration from his father’s 1974 short doc “Wataridori: Birds of Passage”.
Tad shares the unique experience of growing up in a filmmaking family, the pressures of legacy, and the profound emotional connections that arise from documenting family stories. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of cinema as a means of exploring time and relationships.
Also explored are the challenges of living in the moment, the role of art in coping with life's difficulties, the importance of community and legacy in the creative process, and the significance of elders in providing wisdom and guidance.
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Co-directors Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction with their latest film “Serious People”, which just had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Ben discusses his filmmaking journey from Chicago to Shanghai and Pasqual shares the inspiration behind their film, which stemmed from a vivid dream he had, as well as real life - and also from the past works of Roy Andersson (“A Pigeon Sat on a Branch”) and Ruben Östlund (“Triangle of Sadness”). The discussion delves into the challenges of blending fiction and nonfiction, the importance of casting the right talent, and the creative process of improvisation.
They reflect on the personal relationships that influenced the film and the unique challenges of co-directing with a partner. They also dive into the art of long takes, the concept of auto-fiction, and the ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking. They speak about the collaborative spirit that drove the project forward, culminating in their acceptance into Sundance.
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Italian filmmaker Gianluca Matarrese discusses his documentary project “GEN_”, which is premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Past inspo includes the films of Frederick Wiseman.
Gianluca delves into the complexities of his filmmaking philosophy, exploring the therapeutic nature of his creative process, and the importance of community and validation in the industry. He reflects on his journey as a filmmaker, the influences that shaped his work, and the significance of finding humanity in diverse perspectives.
Gianluca shares his excitement for the Sundance Film Festival, highlighting the dreams and aspirations that drive filmmakers.
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Delaney Buffett, recipient of the Golden Key Award at the Key West Film Festival and director of “Adult Best Friends” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, stresses that when creating comedy, the story comes first. Past films discussed include Mike Nichols’ “The Birdcage” and Paul Feig’s “Bridesmaids.
She shares insights on developing her film with friends, the significance of real-life experiences in crafting relatable narratives, and the importance of emotional depth in storytelling, including the intricate balance of blending genres. Also discussed are “two-lane directors” such as Billy Wilder and Mike Nichols, who have mastered both comedy, drama, and other genres.
Delaney speaks on challenges faced during production, and the importance of communication and collaboration, emphasizing the need for patience and resilience along her filmmaking journey.
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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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E45 • The Humanitarian Crisis Through a Filmmaker's Lens • NATHANIEL LEZRA, dir. of ‘Roads of Fire’ - BEST DOC WINNER at the Santa Barbara Int. Film Festival
52:18
E44 • Make It, Move on, Make Another • GABY DELLAL, dir. of ‘Park Avenue’ at the Santa Barbara Film Festival
29:49
E43 • Environmental Awareness Through Cinema • DANIEL & AUSTIN STRAUB, dir. of ‘Out of Plain Sight’ - AUDIENCE WINNER at the Santa Barbara Film Festival + Slamdance + DOC NYC
46:44
E42 • The Subtle Art of Portraiture • BRIAN CASSIDY & MELANIE SHATZKY, dirs. of ‘A Man Imagined’ at the Rotterdam Int. Film Festival
47:02
E41 • Embrace The Unforeseen • AARON ROOKUS, dir. of ‘Idyllic’ at the Rotterdam Int. Film Festival
44:05
E40 • Dreaming Your Sub-Concious Film Into Reality • GALA DEL SOL, dir. of ‘Rains Over Babel’ at Sundance + Rotterdam Film Festival
47:46
E39 • The Burden and Privilege of Legacy • TAD NAKAMURA, dir. of ‘Third Act’ at the Sundance Film Festival
47:44
E38 • Meta Absurdism Explored Through Docu-Fiction • PASQUAL GUTIERREZ & BEN MULLINKOSSON, dirs. of ‘Serious People’ at the Sundance Film Festival
51:27
E37 • Finding Humanity in Diverse Perspectives • GIANLUCA MATARRESE, dir. of ‘GEN_’ at the Sundance Film Festival
55:41
E36 • Story First, Jokes Second • DELANEY BUFFETT, dir. of ‘Adult Best Friends’ - Golden Key Winner at KWFF following Tribeca
1:07:04
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