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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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. What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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. What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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'.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

This episode features Paolo Tizón and his documentary “Night Has Come”, which just won the Special Jury Award and the FIPRESCI (Critic) Award at the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. His main inspiration for the film: ‘Beau Travail’ (1999) by Claire Denis.We discuss cinematic techniques used in documentaries, the importance of not knowing and being open to surprises while filming - how to listen to the material, editing and structuring a documentary, and the personal motivations behind making his film. We also touch on the connection between music and cinema, the importance of taking breaks during editing, and the value of test screenings. Paolo discusses the stress and excitement of delivering and premiering ‘Night Has Come’, and shares his strong love for the medium of film.Short EndsGetting 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.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

Ivana Gloria, the director of ‘Chlorophyll’, which World Premiered at the Rome International Film Festival, followed by a warm reception at Karlovy Vary, shares her journey and challenges as a filmmaker, having been heavily inspired by the 2018 Swedish film ‘Border’ from director Ali Abbasi.The conversation also revolves around Ivana’s film ‘Chlorophyll’ and its theme of change - specifically the fear and beauty of change. She speaks on the importance of rehearsals, and being open to new ideas during the filmmaking process, which can lead to unexpected and magical moments. Ivana discusses the value of film festivals in building connections and networking with other filmmakers, and she also mentions her future projects, including a documentary and a short film. She also speaks on the Rome film scene.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

In this episode, filmmaker Nelicia Low discusses her film 'Pierce', which she just won the Best Director award for at Karlovy Vary. She talks about her past cinema inspirations which include Ang Lee’s ‘Lust, Caution’, and her experiences studying at Columbia University.The conversation highlights the value of editing and music in her film, her directing choices including casting and working with her actors, and the creative solutions used to overcome production challenges. She also speaks on the collaboration with her director of photography and the visual choices they made to create a sense of surrealism and connection between the characters. The conversation delves into the personal inspiration behind the film and the autobiographical elements that influenced the story. Financing and distribution (Magnolia Pictures) are also discussed, highlighting the challenges and support systems necessary for today’s independent filmmakers.Short EndsFilmmaking is a personal and challenging journey that requires dedication and perseverance.The value of editing and the role it plays in shaping a film cannot be underestimated.Music is an important element in film and can enhance the emotional impact of a scene.Love is a complex and ever-evolving concept that can be explored through storytelling.Cinematography and directing choices can greatly contribute to the overall impact and aesthetic of a film.Overcoming production challenges requires creativity and resourcefulness. Using existing locations and incorporating real-life elements can add authenticity to a film.Collaboration between the director and director of photography is crucial in creating the desired visual style and atmosphere.Personal experiences and emotions can serve as powerful inspiration for storytelling.Financing a film can be challenging, but seeking grants and international funding opportunities can help.Having a strong support system is essential for navigating the difficulties and uncertainties of the filmmaking process.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bruno Anković about his new film ‘Celebration’, which premiered at this years Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Crystal Globe competition. We dive into the themes and storytelling techniques used in ‘Celebration’, which explores the cyclical nature of history and the challenges of portraying the passage of time through different actors. We also discuss Bruno’s cinema influences, including Michael Haneke’s ‘The White Ribbon’ (2009) and Jim Sheridan’s ‘The Field’ (1990). Other past inspiration includes the Croatian films ‘Handcuffs’ (Croatian title - “Lisice”), dir. Krsto Papić (1969) and ‘The Birch Tree’ (Croatian title - “Breza”), dir. Antę Babaja (1967). The discussion also provides insights into Bruno’s creative process and the connection between personal experiences and artistic expression. It explores the challenges of making a film that tackles sensitive topics and the importance of creating dialogue and understanding. Bruno discusses the political and social context of the Balkans region and the ongoing tensions that exist. His film ‘Celebration’ aims to shed light on why young people can be drawn to extreme ideologies, and the impact of poverty and lack of education. Short EndsThe current cinema landscape is influenced by past films and filmmakers like Michael Haneke and Jim Sheridan, and it is important to appreciate and learn from their work.The passage of time can be effectively portrayed through storytelling techniques such as nonlinear narratives and the use of different actors to represent different stages of a character's life.Filmmaking is a powerful medium for exploring historical and social themes, and it allows for a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of history.Personal experiences and cultural backgrounds can shape the creative process and influence the themes and storytelling choices in a film.Filmmaking can be a powerful tool for addressing sensitive topics and creating dialogue and understanding.The Balkans region continues to face political and social tensions, and the film ‘Celebration’ aims to shed light on these issues.The film explores the reasons why young people can be drawn to extreme ideologies, highlighting the impact of poverty and lack of education.Film festivals play a crucial role in promoting and distributing independent films, and sales agents are important in navigating the industry.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

Bulgarian filmmaker Pavel Vesnakov discusses his journey in the film industry and his film 'Windless'. He talks about the importance of World Premiering at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival - a significant milestone for him. He shares his early influences, including the films 'Taste of Cherry' by Abbas Kiarostami and '3 Iron' by Kim Ki-duk, which inspired him to pursue filmmaking.Pavel speaks on the challenges of making films in Bulgaria and the impact of working in the TV industry, the importance of realism in his films, and how his perspective has evolved over the years. We discuss the influence of the Romanian New Wave on his filmmaking style, the importance of capturing the mundane and authentic aspects of human existence, and the challenges of distributing and finding an audience for art films. We also touch on the use of specific techniques in 'Windless', such as the one-to-one aspect ratio and the incorporation of home video footage. Vesnakov shares his thoughts on the themes of memory, time, and identity, and his desire to create movies that allow viewers to reflect on their own lives and existence. He also mentions his upcoming project, 'Deconstruction', which explores the concept of going back in time.Short EndsPavel G. Vesnakov is excited about the world premiere of his film 'Windless' at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.He discusses the challenges of making films in Bulgaria, including limited funding and a small cinema industry.Pavel shares his early influences, including the films 'Taste of Cherry' by Abbas Kiarostami and '3 Iron' by Kim Ki-Duk, which inspired him to pursue filmmaking.Working in the TV industry helped him overcome shyness and develop a better understanding of what he wants to achieve as a director.He emphasizes the importance of realism in his films and the impact of capturing authentic moments on screen. The Romanian New Wave has influenced Vesnakov's filmmaking styleArt films face challenges in distribution and finding an audienceMemory, time, and identity are recurring themes in Vesnakov's workCreating movies that allow viewers to reflect on their own lives and existenceVesnakov's upcoming project, 'Deconstruction', explores the concept of going back in timeWhat Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

On this week's episode, Marcus speaks with Russian filmmaker Anja Kreis, who shares her perspectives on Russia, the global allure of Hollywood, and the process of making her latest film 'The Alienated', which is World premiering at Karlovy Vary on July 2nd. With its themes of mortality, dreams, and sisterhood, 'The Alienated' draws inspiration from David Lynch's 'Mulholland Drive'. She also shares her childhood fascination with Brazilian and Argentinian telenovelas, being drawn to the simple human relationships and dramatic themes portrayed in these series. They discuss the effectiveness of simple human stories, and Marcus compares her own dream as a filmmaker to Naomi Watts' character in 'Mulholland Drive'.Anja also discusses her journey from studying German language and literature to pursuing a career in filmmaking. She talks about the challenges of getting a second education in Russia, and the differences between German and Russian film cultures, highlighting the emphasis on personal stories and authenticity. She talks about the Russian filmmakers who have inspired her the most and the frustration of receiving negative feedback from distributors. Anja expresses her desire to have her films seen by large audiences, and the importance of mental health while pursuing a career in filmmaking.Short EndsRussia and America share similarities, and Hollywood has a global allure.Filmmaking can be a challenging and rewarding process, especially with limited resources.Film festivals provide opportunities for recognition and networking.Personal experiences and themes of mortality often influence filmmakers' work.David Lynch's films, like 'Mulholland Drive', can inspire and influence other filmmakers. Childhood fascinations can shape our dreams and aspirations.Simple human relationships and dramatic themes can be effective in storytelling.The film industry can be challenging to navigate, with corruption and limited opportunities.German filmmaking culture emphasizes personal stories and authenticity.Distribution can be a frustrating and complex process for filmmakers.Mental health is important in pursuing a career in filmmaking.Sticking to one's artistic vision is crucial, even in the face of criticism.Connecting with other filmmakers and sharing experiences can be inspiring and valuable.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

Filmmaker George Sikharulidze joins Marcus from Tbilisi, Georgia to discuss his feature film debut 'Panopticon', which is World Premiering at the prestigious 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on June 30th at The Grand Hall, and competing for the festival's top prize: the Crystal Globe. A variety of topics include the influence of Francois Truffaut's 'The 400 Blows', the importance of honesty in filmmaking, the concept of Panopticism, and the value of making the films you regret. Other topics include the experience of watching one's own film, the challenges of making a feature film compared to shorts, the value of film labs and festivals, and the difficulties of the Georgian Film Center. George emphasizes the importance of serving the story and removing oneself as a director. Short EndsThe concept of panopticism and its influence on filmmakingThe impact of Truffaut's '400 Blows' on the director's own workThe value of developing a project through film schoolThe importance of structure and honesty in filmmakingThe excitement and anxiety of premiering a film at a festival The experience of watching one's own film can vary, but the goal is to reach a point where the filmmaker can enjoy it without being overly concerned with others' opinions.Making a feature film presents different challenges compared to making shorts, such as carrying the entire story in one's head and shooting out of order.Film labs and festivals can provide valuable opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work, meet industry professionals, and gain recognition.A director's job is to serve the story and remove themselves from the film, allowing the story to take center stage.The filmmaker has future projects in development and is motivated to continue making films.Honesty with oneself is crucial in the filmmaking process, avoiding distractions and staying true to the vision.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature