After the great success of the co-production meetings held during the Cannes Film Festival by WILD FILMMAKER in collaboration with the 8 & Halfilm Awards, we are honored to announce a project that will surely make all those who love the art of cinema happy.
The Wild Filmmaker Academy is the first international institution dedicated to those who wrote cinema history by breaking the production and aesthetic rules.
Our workshops will be dedicated to the artists that fought against everything and everyone, listening to their own Wild souls and not to the rules imposed by the market.
Each workshop will consist of 3 intensive lessons.
Inspired by Dante Alighieri, in the 3 lessons, we will delve into the ‘Hell, Purgatory and Paradise‘ that those artists faced and let cinema advance as an art form.
Our first workshop will be dedicated to an experimental and poetic masterpiece. The main character is a boy with a sensitive, wild-looking soul named Rusty James.
Based on the novel by Susan Eloise Hinton, “Rumble Fish” byFrancis Ford Coppola is one of the movies to see if you want to understand what a truly independent film is, a Wild film compared to the rules of marketing often imposed on those who make cinema.
Director and Professor Christopher Coppola will lead the lessons.
He is very close to “Rumble Fish” also because the movie is dedicated to his father, Professor August Coppola, brother of the director Francis Ford Coppola and father of Nicolas Cage, who was part of the movie cast.
At the end of the workshop, you will receive a certificate signed by the course teacher Christopher Coppola and the founder of the WILD FILMMAKER ACADEMY Michele Diomà.
If you’d like to get on board our Noah’s Ark because you feel like a wild animal among so many animals, contact us at [email protected]
Most think of the glamour of Monaco when they think of that sparkling gem of a Principality along the French Riviera — the history of their Formula One auto race, grand casinos, magnificent museums perched high on cliffs, Michelin-starred dining and designer boutiques. No denying that exists. My trip there took a different turn.
It actually started while living in Southern California. I was invited to attend an advertising client’s event at the Newport Beach Bayshore Marina docks. We’d only spoken on the phone before that. As soon as we met, I knew this was not your ordinary boat party.
Whether it was his swagger that was as titillating as his yacht company’s size or his dashing looks that kept our conversation flowing as fast as the Champagne, is beyond me. Our paperwork business was handled in record time. Then it was on to fancy hors’ d’oeuvres and a lasting memory of his sparkling smile and waving from a yacht stern as he drifted out to sea at sunset.
Being an Indianapolis native in the United States, I always thought it was our Indy “500” auto racing connection that made me dream of a trip to Monte Carlo someday. Now I had another incentive. The annual Monaco Yacht Show was in September that year and so was that man’s company. The plans began.
At first it was simply buying a flight to NYC’s LaGuardia Airport. Then it was getting a flight to Paris. Next paycheck was the next leg, another flight to Southern France. Surprisingly, by purchasing individual tickets, I could get better airfare overall.
Once in Nice the adventures really started. Of course the language barrier proved challenging, and being a young woman traveling alone added to it. Still the excitement of being on foreign soil soothed any worries.
The mood lighting at my first hotel was so dim I stumbled over a chair leg and landed flat onto the marble floor — not nice! I’d forgotten how the French prioritize romance. Note to bring candles for extra light next time.
I awakened to children’s laughter through a cracked window from the school grounds below the hill and wondered if they were becoming bilingual. Scratched rest for taking in the sights.
A taxi took me to the charming Juan-les-Pins Hotel Belles Rives for a drink by the bay on the Cap d’Antibes between Cannes and Nice. This is where the famous F. Scott Fitzgerald rented a villa and wrote TENDER IS THE NIGHT.
Afterwards, I decided strolling to the Musée Picasso (formerly a Grimaldi Castle built in the 14th century) would be ideal. After all, it was only a short walk and I could better learn their culture on foot. Except I took the wrong way and landed at the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc built in 1869 for writers. Flip the numbers and scenes from UNDER THE CHERRY MOON were filmed there in 1986 by its Director Prince.
A vintage motorcycle zoomed by, returned, and circled around me. Had it been a man, I might have resisted from fear, but it was a cheery young Italian girl who asked if I needed a lift. I hopped on the back and the two of us, with our long black and blonde hair blowing in the wind, zoomed towards Pablo Picasso’s current museum and his former home for 6 months. It was closed for extensive renovation when we arrived. I jumped off her bike anyway not wanting to obligate her to take me elsewhere.
Even roaming the grounds and observing their signage provided a glimpse of this famous artist’s life next to the Mediterranean Sea. A taxi pulled up beside me an hour later and asked if I needed a ride. Merci…except he wanted to stop several times to have others join us. Those passengers later tried to stiff for their share of the journey, but I made it back to my humble hotel in Nice.
The Monaco Touism Office had run a full page ad in a fashion magazine years prior which promoted a free helicopter ride from Nice. I’d snipped it out to save in my wallet for years. Despite the offer had expired, the next day I convinced a travel clerk to honor it.
Decked up in a crisp brown pleated cotton dress with silk blue scarf, I felt ready for the high life. Actors Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp’s film CHOCOLAT’s impact lingered for me past box office sales. So did the lavendar-smelling liquid soap from the ladies room at the heliport which landed down my pressed attire. No time nor ability to change or else I’d miss my flight.
I scurried to the helipad and as my scarf flew up, I screamed thinking it would mix with the spinning helicopter blades. Had a Cinematographer been available, the composition would have been strategically aligned. Lady in heels running to a helicopter with scarf flying inches from the blades. I yanked the silk around my neck tighter and jumped in.
Later using the scarf to cover vertical soap stains, I tried to be as graceful as possible stepping toward the Monaco Yacht Show amongst 24,000 visitors from 40 different countries. Heavy accents and cigar smoke filled the air.
Brand new Lamborghinis and Ferraris were on display at the MYS entrance. Gently admiring one, a man yelled at me with a camera. It appeared he wanted my photo, so I placed my hand on the sportscar. “Nooooo, no!” he shouted and motioned me to move over. Money over matter, got it!
With that I showed my credentials and entered into a kingdom of superyachts from around the world. Port Hercules had never seen the likes. Although my new client friend and I had been in touch, he didn’t expect me there of all places. I wanted it to be a surprise like my new cherry lipstick found on the counter of the heliport.
Suppose he did not want it to be a surprise as his eyes lit up in shock to see me across from him at his trade booth. After exchanging pleasantries, he reached out his hand to shake mine. That is, his left hand which was adorned with a wedding ring about the size of a bicycle tire!
Funny how he wasn’t wearing it when we met, nor did he ever mention a wife, and I assumed she did not exist. But she poked her lovely fair head around the corner and I quickly disappeared. That was the last time we spoke or saw each other.
Moving on, I wandered around Monaco checking in at Sainte-Devote Chapel which honors the patron saint of Monaco. Relaxing outside on a park bench, suddenly a bus pulled up beside me and opened its doors. The potbellied driver didn’t say anything and I simply hopped on. I had no idea where the bus load was going, yet I wanted to see more.
As we traversed around steep cliffs, at one point my bus window was an inch from the rock. How he could navigate so closely to the cliff walls on those curvy old roads was miraculous. The bus emptied at the next stop. Out of terror was my guess.
That stop just happened to be the entrance to the exhibition hall for the 25th Anniversary of the passing of Her Serene Highness Princess Grace at the Grimaldi Forum. What a delightful surprise since I had no clue it existed!
Seeing film costumes from this Oscar-winning Actress turned real Princess of Monaco was as educational as tracing her life with framed magazine covers or viewing her household artifacts. A mesmerized crowd roamed the numerous halls and I eventually roamed out to nearby gardens.
Those paths ultimately delivered me in 10 minutes, like a fairy flitting through vines, to be smack in front of the Place du Casino.
I’m not a gambler, but I’d say the adventures I encountered on this trip were some of the most significant of my lifetime. Look forward to returning someday.
I am a second generation Mexican American screenwriter and director. As a filmmaker, I aim to focus on raw, unique, and female character-driven films. I strive to create thought provoking content that pushes the mind and challenges perspectives. I made my directorial debut in 2018 with my short film “Ava,” and after 5 years of establishing myself in the industry I created my production company, Skye Film Studios, alongside my sister and producing partner Skye Bleu. Skye Film Studios just wrapped our first feature film that will premiere in November of 2023. Through Skye Studios we have created a platform that will leave behind a legacy of films that prioritize showcasing the worst and best parts of the human experience in the most genuine way.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
I believe stories are an extension of ourselves and the most important thing we can do in this life is share that undeniable extension with others. My inspiration to become a filmmaker always derived from my love of storytelling. Stories are an entity in themselves and they come alive when they are told. I have alway been fascinated in the idea that anything I can imagine, I can make real through filmmaking. The films I create always begin with a story that is a mirror of my own fears, traumas, angers, or happinesses. Through filmmaking I have discovered the process of witnessing a concept of mine slowly become its own kind of embodiment with a personality and perspective. The stories I tell oftentimes end up surprising me on where they end up going and what they end up teaching me about myself. Filmmaking is much bigger than one singular person and every film that has ever been created was a compilation of countless individuals and their original ideas. I am constantly inspired by how film brings people together. My drive is centered in those opportunities to collaborate with other professionals on something as personal as my own story. Filmmaking has taught me how to be inspired by everything around me, whether it’s my inner abrasions or the strangers I see on the street. My films have become so deeply impeded in me that they often unveil a part of myself I had no idea was there. I feel privileged to make filmmaking a career and storytelling a priority for my life.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
I think cinema has always and will always hold a high place in society. Films have been known to shape perspectives, bring awareness to issues, and create a necessary sense of empathy that is widely lacking in today’s population. Films open our mind to new ideas, original thoughts, and can make us care for characters we have never met. It will never cease to amaze me how something as simple as cinema can expand a person’s emotional spectrum and make them better than they were in a matter of minutes. Stories are the legacy left behind by those brave enough to share their deepest secrets with the world, and film is the vessel in which they are told. Cinema inspires society to be honest and unique because when an artist is honest in their art, countless others are able to relate and create a community of authenticity. Cinema brings people together unlike anything else I have ever seen. When people discuss their favorite film, they light up in such a way that makes me believe there is nothing more personal than a story you feel has been written just for you. Cinema makes many people one, and that one is better in every way.
-What would you change in the world?
If I could, I would coat the world with more curiosity. As we grow older, adults begin to lose their curious nature and with that their sense of awe. The world is filled with so much wonder and we should spend our lives discovering it. Having a sense of curiosity for other cultures, for the nature around us, for different kinds of art, and for the people we have yet to meet will serve us more than any amount of realism. Keep being curious, and you’ll never stop falling in love with the world around you.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
In 100 years I see the film industry becoming more inclusive, more experimental, and more authentic, or at least that is my hope. I see classic films remaining classics and film students 100 years from now studying the cinema that makes me cry today. I hope the future brings new ideas and evolves shallow perspectives. In a century I see a world where film is no less important than it is today and even more impactful to those who need it the most.
In cinema history, some faces become the synthesis of an entire era. Catherine Deneuve is for France, Marilyn Monroe is for the United States, and Sofia Loren is for Italy. That’s why presenting the “Feminine Singular” project with Catherine Deneuve makes us happy and proud. Her face is the image of the Cannes Film Festival 2023 and a civil commitment project. We discussed it with Ludovico Piccolo of Artex film, who are overseeing the international sales at the Cannes Market.
–What is the “Feminine Singular” topic with Catherine Deneuve?
The central theme of “Feminine Singular” is gender equality. The movie tells seven stories of seven women in seven episodes. The episodes have different focuses on women’s rights, like violence against women, disparities in the workplace, etc. The most important thing is that the characters don’t give up and keep fighting in front of every trouble. These are stories of women who find their strength in facing the difficulties imposed by society’s unequal way of thinking.
-What does promoting a project with an icon like Catherine Deneuve mean?
Catherine Deneuve is a great actress in cinema history. Her presence in the movie is essential for two factors: the message of the film and the promotion of it. That’s because a vital presence like hers gives trust to the audience and to the meaning that the movie wants to tell. Finally, there’s a more commercial and marketing aspect: a name like hers helps to sell the film internationally, so it also helps the movie’s message reach more people than possible.
–The movie I love the most starring Catherine Deneuve is “The Last Metro” by François Truffaut. Is there anything about that character in “Feminine Singular”?
Surely a great actress brings her charisma in each movie: in ‘The Last Metro’ and ‘Feminine Singular’ The most important feature of the character played by Catherine Deneuve in the film we brought to the Cannes Market 2023 is the ability to give confidence to those next to her by going against all forms of prejudice.
-We at WILD FIlMMAKER are carrying out a ‘revolution of roles in cinema.’ That is, we intend to give a voice to the public, which is no longer just a spectator but can also become an author with the current means of producing and distributing an audiovisual project. By making this meritocratic path aimed at a universal audience, do you think we will be able to discover actresses destined to become new icons like Catherine Deneuve?
It is a valuable opportunity for those with something to say through cinema and from which new actors can emerge, but also new directors, screenwriters, etc. WILD FILMMAKERS is an original project that lets the public discover a new way of understanding cinema. I hope that the Community founded by Michele Diomà will continue to grow for the sake of cinema itself.
Anthony Lolli is my husband and the star of our first film “Skin Deep” & “The Super Lollis”. He produces and directs our documentaries with me.
-What inspired you to make “Skin Deep” & “The Super Lollis”“?
My husband embarked on a weight loss journey in 2018. We decided to capture his journey on his cell phone to hold him accountable. Once his transformation was complete where he lost 125lbs in 9 months, we knew we had to put together a film about it to inspire others to do what he did. And that was the start of our filmmaking production company journey – Lolli Brands Entertainment. As of today we have produced 5 documentaries and have 3 in pre production.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
Absolutely, we are a living proof of that. Our documentary was streamed 95 million times and we developed a cult like following. We get countless messages on our IG accounts every day, thanking us for the inspiring and life changing content we have been releasing. @anthonylolli – 1.4 million followers and @terezahakobyan
-What would you change in the world?
My husband and I are committed to enlighten the world to reconnect with Mother Earth when it comes to health, parenting, family, and achieve an overall balance in life where One can have it all.
–Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
Film industry has transformed after Covid and became more relatable, more real. I see documentaries taking the lead in the future as the audience is more interested in real life stories.
As an African American woman, artist, and storyteller, I infuse a rare perspective into the realm of narrative art. My ambition? To spotlight the hidden cultures and untold stories that seldom garner attention in mainstream circles. By confronting taboo subjects in a secure and engaging fashion, I empower the marginalized and underrepresented voices. Through my artistic endeavors, I aspire to foster a profound understanding and empathy for the rich tapestry of experiences that compose our world.
-What inspired you to become a screenwriter?
As an avid cinema enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated the diverse range of films available. However, I soon noticed a significant void when it came to stories that resonated with my own life experiences. Recognizing this gap, I felt inspired to contribute my voice, my storytelling, and my unique perspectives to the world of cinema. I became driven to share these untold narratives, insights, and lessons, enriching the industry with fresh and authentic perspectives.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
I am firmly convinced that cinema possesses the potential to enact meaningful, albeit subconscious, change within society through the medium of entertainment. By providing a visual window into different situations, cinema can elicit empathy, offer fresh perspectives, and stimulate thought-provoking conversations that ultimately pave the way for tangible transformation. Embracing the power of cinema, we can unite in our quest to better understand and shape the world around us.
-What would you change in the world?
Given my passion for cinema and storytelling, my ultimate goal is to foster greater inclusivity and diversity within the industry. I yearn to see a world where stories from all walks of life are embraced, providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated. By amplifying these unique perspectives, I believe we can spark vital conversations that inspire change, encourage empathy, and create a more interconnected global community. Through the power of storytelling, I hope to contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive cinematic landscape, ultimately enriching the tapestry of human experience.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
As I gaze into the future of cinema, I foresee an extraordinary expansion in creativity, perspectives, and storytelling. I imagine a world where mixed media takes center stage in film production, seamlessly blending advanced AI technology with the raw talent of phenomenal actors, production, music and screenwriting. This potent fusion will deliver consistently captivating and evocative masterpieces, pushing the boundaries of traditional cinematic expression and taking audiences on unforgettable journeys through time and space.
An unprecedented event for independent cinema will begin in Cannes on May 16th. For the first time, filmmakers who have self-produced their projects will find themselves next to internationally renowned stars. It is a win that seemed impossible to many. A goal achieved thanks to the need and desire to ‘reinvent’ cinema!
In all industrial sectors, novelties are not loved and there is no difference in the film industry, which has targeted the web as its competitor. At Wild Filmmaker, we have a diametrically opposite opinion compared to those who produce cinema in a “classic way.” The web can be an excellent opportunity to create and spread a new way of doing and seeing cinema, which can finally be a free art form.
Our motto is “Wild Filmmaker – Cinema, not Propaganda. Poetry, not Marketing“.
At first, we saw ourselves as dreamers doomed to fail, as the great Oscar Wilde would say.
Today, over 30,000 artists are part of our Community, from all over the world. Our co-production meeting in Cannes aims to discover the latest generation of filmmakers to hire for new projects that will be post-cinema pioneers. In addition to the already announced project of the series “eleveN fiftY” that will be filmed in New York, directed by Darius Rubin, and produced by Michele Diomà, we will soon reveal further initiatives.
In the meantime, we are honored to pay tribute to another talented young director like William Atticus Parker, whose “Forty Winks” with Susan Sarandon and John Turturro was awarded best film at the 8 & Halfilm Awards last year. During our meeting in Cannes, we will show the trailer for “Atrabilious” (Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, Jeffrey Wright…”.
Our journey is only at the beginning.
Thank you very much to all the filmmakers who believed in us.
I am a person who deeply loves film and music, and I have devoted my whole life to these two passions. I began in 1982, playing as a guitarist in various bands then, in 1983, I moved on to cultivate the art of photography and later in 1993, the art of filmmaking. I began as an actor, acting in many feature and short films. This activity gave me many satisfactions. For example, with the 2020 short film ISOLATION – for which in addition to acting as the lead actor I shared my first experience in directing, together with director Roberto Loiacono – I won many awards as Best Actor.
ISOLATION was made during the first lockdown of 2020. I worked at home during the lockdown, with the help of my wife, making the entire first part of the short film. At the end of the lockdown the second part of the short film was made with the help of Director Roberto Loiacono, who was in charge of directing relatively to the final part, editing and production.
After Isolation I continued my activity as an actor. 2022 is the year I made my second work as a director (this time only): it is the short film Jasmine’s Suspicion, a “Spy Movie.”
In January 2023 my wife Maria Rosaria Scicchitano, whom I consider my right-hand man (she is in charge of writing, screenwriting and acting) writes UNEASE, a project that is made in the space of only one month of intense work and is then presented in various International Festivals.
A key role in the realization of UNEASE can be attributed to musician Paolo Cercato, who sent me the soundtrack before I even went to the set. Listening to his music inspired me greatly in researching and creating the atmosphere I wanted to imprint on the short film.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Just acting did not give me the feeling of completeness, I felt the need to express my feelings through images and, loving photography, I felt the desire to experience something new. Some directors made me fall in love with cinema, to name just a few, among my favorites I can mention Michael Mann, David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, Jim Jarmusch, Clint Eastwood…. They are a source of continuous admiration for me. I am also a collector of films and of course music CDs. I spend much of my free time watching movies, TV series and listening to music, constantly looking for new inspiration.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
I like to think so, there are movies that left their mark and make you think, although I think fundamentally you need to be endowed with great personal sensitivity.
I remember years ago the movie “In the Name of the Father,” by Jim Sheridan, with a terrific Daniel Day Lewis, made a big impression on me. That story remained etched in my memory. This is just one example; many other movies left their imprint on me.
-What would you change in the world?
A really difficult question to answer. I wish so many things would change in the world, sometimes I have a feeling of helplessness, for not being able to do anything. The first thing that comes to mind is the desire for a world where peace reigns, but as I said I think a lot of things should change. I love nature and animals, and I like to think that sooner or later we can change our attitude toward the creatures that accompany us in this beautiful experience that is life.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
To be honest I am a little bit pessimistic about the quality of cinema in recent years, I see few really interesting products. I am not talking about the technical level: by now with the new film equipment it is “easy” to get films of high technical quality, but I notice that less and less importance is attached to the content, which I often find uninteresting.
In recent years TV series have taken over and in some cases have even surpassed the films in circulation, I am talking about Series like Lost, 24, Breaking Bad, True Detective, Fargo, etc.
I don’t mind this, because I love TV series, the problem, in my opinion is that lately more space is being given to quantity over product quality.
I am founder and CEO of T&T Management and Production, where I wear multiple hats as a writer, Director, and Executive Producer. My love for the art of storytelling has been ingrained in my from a very early age. Over the past few decades, I have honed my skills writing, directing and producing numerous award-winning short films that have been well-received in the film festival circuit. Being a filmmaker requires a lot of hard, sacrifice and a willingness to take risks and push boundaries. I have learned to appreciate and embody these qualities over the years.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Ever since I was a young child, I possessed a passion for storytelling and the desire to express my creative vision with the world. A lot of my inspiration comes from personal experiences and beliefs that I want to share with others. I’m also equally inspired by the works of great storytellers such as Steven Spielberg, James, Cameron, Michael Bay and George Lucas.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
Absolutely. I believe that cinema can be a powerful tool for social change, promoting empathy, understanding, and awareness of important issues while also providing entertainment and cultural exchange.
-What would you change in the world?
Combat climate change to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
Inclusivity for women. Creating gender equality through opportunities and empowerment happens only when aligned and united. There needs to be a balance in unity between men and women in the entertainment industry.
Promoting peace. Conflicts of wars have caused immense suffering and loss of life. We need to find ways to promote peaceful resolutions.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
With the advancement of technology such as artificial intelligence, I imagine this may have a significant impact on the film industry in the next hundred years. My hope is that AI doesn’t take over the creative process completely; there by eliminating the human element.
She is a an artist, leader , award winning actress, and storyteller. Michelle was born to work in the motion picture industry doing not just acting, but writing, producing and directing. She knew as early as 7 years old she was going to work in filmmaking and acting and credits god for giving her the gift to write, act and produce masterpieces on an award winning level. She has won over 101 awards in under 3 years spanning primarily her filmmaking, screenwriting, and acting with only 13 awards from her books.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
I got inspired to be a filmmaker to showcase my talent for my acting, and storytelling. With the launch of The Silver Lights Books Series I felt my talent was not be recognized , and my skillset could really shine in filmmaking and acting.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in society?
Compelling Cinema and films told with an authentic voice and unique story cause change every day in society.
-What would you change in the world?
If I could change one thing in the world it would be the education programs in our schools. It would be making more of a core curriculum in public schools and lower income areas to have more classes accessible in filmmaking, digital marketing, screenwriting, photography, film editing , and high definition cinema in earlier youth . Also, having more classes like yoga as young as kindergarten teaching kids the importance the connection of the mind, body, and spirit and how to be aware of channeling emotions in a healthy way.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
I see the industry taking on so many different faces from younger filmmakers that we see on youtube to more change with the documentary segment in soceity , and those like myself that have worked there way from the bottom to the top to showcase their extraordinary god given talent without necessarily having the formal training or hollywood connections.
