Month: July 2023

-Who is Sanela Prasovic Gadzo?

I am a person who firmly believes that there must be justice somewhere along our life’s path, and I fight for that justice and truth. I was born in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I graduated in journalism, obtained my master’s degree in public relations, and I am currently completing my PhD in communication sciences.

Since 1991, I have been working in journalism, and I have spent most of my career working for the BHT – the national broadcaster of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1995), I reported from the front lines as a war correspondent. For years, I was a correspondent from the Tribunal for the Prosecution of War Crimes in The Hague, and reported on the war in Kosovo in 1999.

Throughout my journalistic career, I worked as an editor, reporter, war correspondent, and author/director of documentary films. For my work, I have been awarded multiple times; in 1999, I was named the best TV journalist in BiH, and in 2015, I was named the best journalist in all categories in BiH.

My documentary film “Banjalučka nepravda” (Banja Luka injustice) also won an award in 2004. I have produced and directed over 30 documentary films.

In addition to my love and dedication to film, I am also devoted to academic work, which also makes me happy as I believe it is important to pass on knowledge to young people.

I am the mother of two daughters.

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

My entry into the world of film happened spontaneously in the 90s when I was engaged on the national broadcaster to make a series of documentary films. Compared to the pace of work in television journalism, working on documentaries brought immense satisfaction as I had the time to slowly develop the script and directorial explication.

Entering the world of documentary film was love at first sight for me. And that love has continued with the same intensity for over 30 years.

My latest documentary film SONJA is currently on its festival journey, and I am infinitely happy that this story has been recognized by colleagues at home and abroad, and thus awards are coming in. The documentary film SONJA was declared the winner in the documentary film category of the Future of Film Awards film festival in North Macedonia in June 2023. In July 2023, it also received two awards in Rome, Italy. It was declared the winner – the best documentary film, and I was chosen/awarded as the best director of the festival. This is the 8 & HalFilm Awards.

The documentary film SONJA is currently included in the official selections of exceptional and important film festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as abroad. Yesterday I received news that it is in the official selection of the JAGRAN FILM FESTIVAL in India. Then it was also selected by the Frida Film Festival in France, Stockholm City Film Festival, then the Balkan Panorama Film Festival in Izmir, Turkey, and a festival in Budapest, etc.

I am happy that exceptional and renowned professionals from the world of film have recognized the powerful message carried by my film SONJA.

-Do you think cinema can bring about change in society?

I genuinely believe that cinema can bring about changes in society, and I did just that in 2017. That year, I filmed a documentary titled “Power Lies in Truth and Justice,” which spoke about corruption in government, favoring investors, and illegal actions by officials.

As the author and director of the film, I was exposed to terrible pressures and threats, but I did not give up. The film attracted a lot of attention in Bosnia and Herzegovina after it aired, and the illegal procedures were immediately stopped. This is the power of what we can do through making films. And the documentary SONJA carries the message that although the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina was horrible, and although the film’s main character Haris Hastor endured captivity in a camp, maltreatment, and torture, he never stopped believing in life, never lost hope.

Even after escaping from the camp, Haris did not fill his life with hatred towards those who imprisoned and tortured him. He devoted his life to new values and belief in a better future. From that painful period in the war-torn 1992, he emerged and created a normal life for himself and his family. This is a strong message that we should never stop believing, hoping, and encouraging ourselves to step out, to try to make a change.

-What would you change in the world?

I have partly discussed this in the previous answer. In my 32 years of working in journalism and film professions, I am happy that through the reports and films I created and directed, I have contributed to changing things in my country. That’s exactly how I am recognized in the public discourse. And that’s important for the job I do.

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

I deeply believe that the film industry will never cease to be a tool not only for imagination through which we create the world we believe in, but also a tool for engaged film projects through which we convey that the fight for a better world is the path to justice from which we must never deviate. The world will surely look different in 10, 20, 50, or 80 years, but I want to believe that we will not turn art into AI, that we will not lose emotions, and that the films we create will always have value in an artistic sense.

After all, art must contain emotion or produce emotion. If there’s no emotion, then it’s a bad job. In the future, the film industry must be even better, and I believe it will be.

-Who is Antonio Bourge?

Antonio Federico Bourge is a film Director, Screenwriter, amateur photographer and storyteller through the art of light sound and colors w my medium of choice motion pictures. Also a brother and loving family man and friend to many people of different backgrounds and experiences, which help me shape my fictional worlds. And US Army Veteran.

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

Watching the blockbusters of the 80s and 70s and 90s with my mom on our home television set including but not limited to Jaws, The LionKing, Nemo, Indiana Jones, the first StarWars films, some oddball movies like space-balls, Goonies, and my early childhood friend introducing me to the matrix and more risqué forward thinking films at a young age also including Tarantino’s Kill Bill and IP Man.  

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?

Yes, only if we allow it and the general public and audiences believe in the stories enough to make a change, big or small, yes.

-What would you change in the world?

Less hate, more peace at living a sublime yet no frills life. 

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

Most likely in a direction we cannot predict, a-lot is changing with new technologies and new doors opening for people of different cultures and viewpoints to share their own stories. Im excited for the next 100 and the 100 after that…

-Who is Slava Ushakov?

Slava Ushakov is the brilliant director behind the captivating animated series “GINJI,” brought to life by Blanca Pictures studio. But his journey to success began as a talented caricaturist for a newspaper at just sixteen! At twenty, he dived into the world of animation, honing his skills under the guidance of the legendary Alexander Tatarsky at the “Pilot” studio. With his bags full of talent, he ventured to animation giants like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon in the United States. The legendary Charles Swenson not only became a mentor and teacher to Slava Ushakov in America but also a cherished friend to this day. Now Slava’s a sought-after director, hailed for his amiable nature and unwavering humor. Oh, and did we mention his mantle adorned with over 50 world festival awards? Slava Ushakov, the name behind animated wonders!

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

Becoming a filmmaker was a whirlwind adventure for me. The energy and inspiration I absorbed from the legendary ‘Pilot’ studio, thanks to Alexander Tatarsky and Igor Kovalyov, were invigorating. Amidst the seriousness of work, there were also plenty of pranks and laughter. A serendipitous moment occurred in the apartment of a music video producer, who introduced me to a captivating song by an unknown band. Sketches turned into a quirky story, and the journey of filmmaking began. With complete freedom, I followed my heart, infusing characters with ethnic art and surreal elements. It’s my style, and later it’s been adopted in the series ‘Qumi-Qumi’. It was my first significant “adventurous vaccination”.

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in society?

Absolutely! Cinema, including animation, has the power to bring about meaningful change in society. GINJI aims to be a catalyst for positive impact, departing from traditional sitcom-like elements. Instead, we dive deep into the psychology and storytelling brilliance, surprising and astonishing our young viewers like the works of animation pioneers. Our show goes beyond mere clowning, instilling values that resonate with the audience. Each moment is a delightful revelation, reflecting teenagers’ unique perspectives and bridging the generation gap. Inspired by Pixar’s magic, GINJI seeks to leave an indelible mark on hearts and minds. In this whimsical scenario, I’m fueled by my passion for making a difference through animation. Our goal is to create a magical journey that touches hearts and ignites imaginations, inspiring positive change in the world.

-What would you change in the world?

Ah, life’s not always a carnival of joy, but let’s brighten it up! If I had boundless wealth and endless opportunities, I’d create clinics to fight cancer and blindness, and a sanctuary for elephants, because our majestic friends deserve love. Let’s venture to space, explore the Moon, and take kids on underwater adventures in a submarine! And of course, filmmaking would be my passion, spreading empathy and cherishing every soul. I’d use my power to stop escalating aggression, replacing it with empathy and peace. Let’s build bridges, forge friendships, and embrace our shared humanity. Together, we’ll weave a world of understanding, where peace reigns, and kindness leads the way. Let’s dream big and make this world better, one act of kindness and one captivating film at a time!

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

In the next 100 years, the film industry will explode with imagination, driven by AI and groundbreaking technology. AI-powered filmmakers will craft narratives beyond our wildest dreams. Yet, human emotions and values like love and fear will stand strong, unchanged for centuries. A new generation of storytellers will emerge, using AI to captivate audiences with interactive experiences. But amidst all the marvels, storytelling’s heart will remain, touching souls and delighting all ages. The animation will break free from formulas, leaving audiences in awe with every moment. Brace yourself for a cinematic adventure, where AI and human creativity shape a future that cherishes human values and embraces innovation!

-Who is Pamela PerryGoulardt?

I’m a professional Artist/Designer with a Master’s Degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art. I was a LIFE Magazine Award-winning Photographer, and I am an Awardwinning Produced Storyteller /Screenwriter. My husband and I operate our own Film Company, FlyingCloud Studios. As a photographer, I rarely
photograph the ‘surface of the world’. I always try to tell a story and most of my photography is surreal and multi-layered.

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

When I was an art student in New York, I went to see Fellini’s “SATYRICON” I’m not kidding! I was stunned and enchanted. I don’t know if watching it on YouTube would be as mind-expanding as seeing it in the theatre. It was freaky, wild, and visually beautiful. Many of the images remain permanently etched in my consciousness. I became a neorealist and never looked back! I didn’t understand the film, I was just captivated by the imagery. I wanted to know more. Upon investigation, I learned the writing of the
Roman poet Petronius loosely inspired the story. I also learned what the story is really about – a young man’s initiation into life. I wanted to make stories and films about a young woman’s initiation into life!

-Do you think cinema can bring a change in society?
Absolutely!

-What would you change in the world?

I had the amazing privilege of growing up pretty free. I definitely experienced more freedom than any female from my heritage ever did. I was educated because of a scholarship to the New York Institute of
Technology, and a General Motors Scholarship to Cranbrook. I was independent and free to be initiated into life! I traveled, learned to meditate, and developed the powerful ability to look inward.
If I could change anything in the world, I would first clean up the water, and then do whatever I could to empower women.

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

The film industry possesses an energy that will assist in educating the world and beyond on embracing diversity and appreciating the awesome gift of being human and if you are really lucky, a WILD
FILMMAKER.

-Who is Sena Tunali?

Sena Tunali is an award-winning film producer-director and actress. She is also a prolific writer. She wrote the script named Zumrut based on a true story. She has been associated with films like “She is Mine” and “Anna.” Her short films and screenplays got her multiple awards from international film festivals around the world. “Love in Italy” is her ongoing project. She took acting classes from Hollywood professionals at the New York Film Academy in 2015. Sena has been a part of many theatrical works, including Romeo Juliet, Den of Thieves, and Proof.

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I graduated from 3 universities: the first one is Wheaton College, where I got my bachelor’s degree in the field of International Relations, the second one is a conservatory that guided me to become a professional concert pianist on my life journey, and the last one is New York Film Academy that was the place where I started my film career in Los Angeles. After I graduated from Wheaton College and started working at a big company in Massachusetts, I never gave up on my Piano concerts. While I was giving concerts throughout the world, one of the head office members of the New York Film Academy saw me playing in Greece. He sent an email. In the email, he is inviting me to be a student at the New York Film Academy. He mentions he would be so happy to see me learn about acting in front of the camera and behind the camera at the Academy. When I got this email, I got so excited and answered yes to the email. I was living in Massachusetts at that time, but moving to LA seemed incredible for me. Because I was so unhappy working in a cube of a company all day long with people who are way older than my age. Some people would love to work in a cube all day, but it is not for me. I am happier while I am making art. Since my childhood, I spent most of my time telling stories with piano in concerts around the world, and being in the cube all day was a disaster for my being. So I am used to being social, telling stories, and communicating with loads of people through art. However, I always felt half only with music to tell a story. I needed other forms of art makings to feel full at my heart. The art of Filmmaking fascinated me the most because it contains all forms of art in it at some point. Music and moving pictures of amazing things on a silver screen are more than fascinating: The sound, the music, the images, the people, and the places that the pictures are unfolding all together are more than marvelous. So these combined art forms inspired me to become a filmmaker.

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?

Yes, of course. Cinema is an extremely powerful art form and tool to give/send messages to all humanity. People mostly the kids take the characters in the movies as their examples. Movies and documentaries in the film/TV industry together are very educative as well. With today’s technology and internet platforms, we have access to every project across the world, so it’s a limitless amount of opportunity to spread ideas words and artistic views. I am an environmentalist too. And participating many events as much as I can. One of my award-winning short projects called “Who is Responsible” is about global warming and the effects of global warming.

-What would you change in the world?

There are so many things I want to change. But I can give you a specific one that needs the most attention, and it’s the children across the world. So many bad guys of today were kids once in a while. So, in order to prevent bad outcomes across the world in the future, we need to educate our kids now, to be good hearted personalities. We need to make sure that they are happy, safe, living in good conditions and no more hunger. One kid’s happiness or unhappiness could change the whole world in the future.

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

It’s such a hard question. If it’s like 10 years I would make a guess but 100 years is tough. But I hope, the AI won’t be used to replace every kind of artmaking and filmmaking and discourage all the artists across the world.

-Who is Roger Paradiso?

I am an independent filmmaker. And journalist.

I had a great learning experience working as an AD, UPM and Producer in the Studio system. That started in my mid-twenties after I had done short films, theater productions and home video as a Director, Writer, Designer. I made a good living for which I am forever grateful to my mentors in the Hollywood system.

I got to meet directors like John Huston, Woody Allen, Norman Jewison, John McTiernan, Adrian Lyne, Irwin Winkler, Robert De Niro and many others.

But then it was time, when my family was settled, to return to my roots as an independent filmmaker on films like Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding, I Want My Name Back ( about the Sugarhill Gang), The Lost Village (about the gentrification and displacement of artists from Greenwich Village), Searching for Camelot (which is about John, Jackie and Robert Kennedy and the search for peace and civil rights.)

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

Early on it was filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick, John Huston, Frederico Fellini and other iconic filmmakers. It was, at the time, about freedom in expression and a unique vision. You can see and taste an independent film.

We need our audience to get out there and find them and support them. But right now you can only get truly independent films in the festivals and occasional art house cinema’s. You can stream them at some companies like Globalcinema.online

It feels like independent films are being sent to the gulags.

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?

No, I think it can change individuals. It is up to these individuals to support freedom and equality by voting and by peaceful protest. You gotta get in the streets. To live in the Wild. Then and only them will you see changes in society. We need leaders and benefactors with money. We need to monetize independent films like we do fine art.

-What would you change in the world?

I would like to change the Stock Market so that no person is indebted to pay monopolies that provide, food, shelter and healthcare at outrageous prices. All the necessities of life should not be a commodity to be speculated on. In a democratic world we are all custodians of our lives. We need fair wages to pay for fair rents and grocery bills. We need free colleges and universities. And healthcare.

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

I see the continued erosion of commercial filmmaking to the point where it is all propaganda streamed to your home or by chip to your brain. I want to see independent filmmakers being supported by a rebellious and educated society that includes billions of young and old people raging against the machine. I want to see films being shown in retro theaters either brick and mortar or online all over the world. Film will have a rebirth. I hope that festivals will start paying artists and becoming centers of distribution and celebrations. Festivals are the new true art houses remaining. They are either connected to physical theaters or festival will join a free internet streaming service for indie films.

Churches and bookstores will be many of the brick-and-mortar parts of a distribution system. More and more streamers will become art houses online streaming indie films to sophisticated and rebellious audiences worldwide. I see cultural centers like festivals promoting global and nonviolent films which support a system where independent artists can make a living.

I also see the continuation of the battle of fascism over democracy. Fascists control the messaging and they do not want indie films. But I see hope for the future as we continue our evolution to a peaceful planet. But it will not be easy. We will need leaders who cannot be bought and sold.

–Who is Joseph Louis Booth?

I am a father of twin boys. At my core, I am a lover of people. I am also a lover of storytelling. They almost go hand in hand – learning people, loving them, then finding ways to tell their stories – real or imagined. I’m an Army brat from Hampton, Virginia who followed in my father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by joining the United States military. I served honorably in the United States Air Force for ten and a half years. I’m a fighter. By the grace of God, I was given the strength to wrestle with and ultimately win against cancer just this past year. I am grateful.

–What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

My older brother was so creative at such a young age. My parents would make him babysit me and two of my little sisters. He would take our parents’ old VCR camcorder and create movies with my siblings and me. I played a James Bond type ninja, if you can imagine that. That was the seed planted in the early 90’s. At the time, I thought we were having fun while our parents were out on a date. However, those times set me on the path I am on today.

–Do you think the cinema can bring a change in society?

Cinema has always documented the past and present or influenced the present and future. Audiences are often swayed because entertainment does not always feel like education. However, the impact that cinematic works can have on an audience is immeasurable. It has a way of illuminating issues that some audiences never even had to consider. It is truly a beautiful art form that can bring a change in society.

-What would you change in the world?

If I had the means and opportunity to make a change in the world, it would definitely be providing homes for unhoused people. There are so many reasons a person may end up without a home, and I desire to create programs that would support those people. While there are so many great organizations doing amazing work, the fact of the matter is there are always so many gaps in those programs. I know there are so many systems that make it difficult for folks to have their basic needs met in society, and I would like to help bridge that gap.

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

I would hope that in the next 100 years that the film industry would still largely be in the hands of human artists. With the continual emergence of artificial intelligence, I fear that the push to replicate human inspiration and creativity may force so many potential artists into another industry. While I understand that advancements in technology can help make bringing art to audiences easier, I never want the human touch to be lost in all of the advancements.

–Who is Christophe Lenoir?

First of all, a man, a masculine man. A man with a vision who makes films without constraints or limits. Knows for his feature film Hexing, starring Domonique Swain, and his short movie reverse, conceptual thriller multi-Awarded starring Camille Solal. 

Over the years, he has trained in every technical department related to image and sound, mastering and controlling them all like a martial art. There’s no area he can’t master: he’s autonomous, so he can shoot under any conditions, with or without a budget, with a small crew, alone or with others. He puts his skills at the service of his art and others, as he teaches what he has learned and passes it on to future generations. For him, autonomy is the key to creation, and not depending on any system to tell a story is crucial. However, he is aware of the limits of his system, and knows that cinema is told by many, so he knows how to surround himself and share his vision. And he respects the rules of filmmaking. Christophe Lenoir is an artist/director/screenwriter/editor/sound designer/motion designer/producer/trainer/ who loves cinema, concepts, graphic films, emotions, great stories, actors and actresses, and who wishes more than anything to share his vision with as many people as possible by making films that are powerful, graphic, rich in emotion, technically advanced and popular. He excels in the thriller and fantasy genres, which he particularly likes because they are graphic, technical, conceptual and emotionally intense.

–What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

In the beginning, I wanted to be an actor. I must have been 7 years old, and Jean-Paul Belmondo fascinated me: he was twirling, joyful, unpredictable, funny, in action, I had my idol and I wanted to be like him. Over time, I became more interested in cinema and discovered what was going on behind the camera. There were several films that made an impression on me, but the ones I remember most are Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and Emir Kusturika’s Arizona Dream, and although they’re variations on the same film, they made an impression on me for different reasons. I experienced directing with North by Northwest, and poetry with Arizona Dream, and my greatest inspiration would be to condense these two segments into a poetic thriller, carried by the grace of the divine in a world that is searching for itself, opaque and dangerous.

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?

Yes, absolutely. I’m thinking about Veroehven’s film Hollow Man, for example, where special effects enabled science to progress in the medical field.

Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey for the conquest of space, and the Ted Lasso series, recently released on Apple TV, help people in their daily lives, because the series is built around self-esteem and awareness, and the work that needs to be done on oneself to progress in one’s life.

There are so many examples to cite. Jules Verne wrote that what man dreamed in his century would come true in the next, and I think cinema is a catalyst of perspectives that enables us to project onto a screen the world we want to have, the world we have, and the world we should have.

–What would you change in the world?

If I could, I’d bring education everywhere. I’d make it possible for everyone to have a roof over their heads and food on the table, to learn, to train, to know themselves and to evolve and progress towards the path of truth.

This is the awakening that will enable the world to flourish and erase inequalities.

Eventually, I’ll make a film about this, about a character whose life path, choices and desire to surpass himself will inscribe infinite possibilities in the collective unconscious. I think Americans do this very well, and they model our lives on very different aspects of our respective cultures, and it’s not just about Coca Cola. I’m thinking of Rocky, : incredible impact on my generation.

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

The Las Vegas sphere sets the tone, the union of stage and special effects immerses the audience and makes the show total!

You’ll see the Titanic sink in front of your eyes, and the actors will make the story evolve on stage, just like in a film, cut and paced in the same way.

Re-live the Punic Wars, the rise of Hannibal, the triumph of Charles V…

But in a way, cinema will remain on traditional screens, like books on paper. Because they create an intimate connection with each viewer, and more than the spectacle it’s the connection to oneself and to our emotions that remains the most important thing. And that’s what cinema is: a mirror space in which our respective lives are played out and carried by others.

–Who is Joseph Michael Vrola?

Joseph Michael Vrola is a writer, actor and producer born in New Jersey. His first feature film, “Buzzkill New Jersey” came out in 2019 and won the Fangoria Magazine Special Prize Award at NJ Horror Con Film Festival.  It was an amazing honor for him to have such an established horror publication give the film such praise. Joe began creating “New and Forever” in 2021 as a seven part series.  After casting Chappell Bunch as the female lead “Lauren,” Vrola decided to cut most of the side plots and characters, turning the central story of the newlywed couple into a film. A trailer for Joe Vrola’s next project can be seen in the festival screening of “New and Forever.”  This sci-fi satire series is being kept secret for the time being.  There is also a dark and emotional horror film on the horizon.  It is set to begin filming December 2023.  Vrola is excited to return to the horror genre, as he feels his screenplay is very strong and will appeal to a variety of audiences. 

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

Writing is my favorite part of the process. Getting my ideas made into movies required me to learn the art of filmmaking.  “Buzzkill New Jersey” was a three-year endeavor, which included plenty of mistakes and hard learned lessons about the business side of the industry. My writing style has changed to factor in the jobs of director and producer when creating stories. 

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?

I believe that the advancement of film and television is one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments.  As we embark through an era of technological leaps, the potential for films and other motion picture projects to inspire audiences also grows. 

-What would you change in the world?

I would like to see more people believe in God and salvation. 

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

Divine spirituality is beginning to address its lack of representation in mainstream film. As audiences tire of the constant dopamine-draining imagery currently saturating the industry, demand for a more enlightened medium will be created. 

With Artificial Intelligence on the cutting edge, we are about to see a shift in power away from the establishment and towards independent producers.  AI will also most-likely create some murky problems when the lines between real and artificial get blurred even further. 

–Who is Charli Brown?

I would like to think that I walk along the realm of “normal” but I am guilty of having a very vivid imagination. Thoughts, images, conversations and stories are very intriguing and my source of stimulation.

-What inspired you to become a screenwriter?
I never aspired to become a screenwriter. It happened accidentally while I was living in New York City. Every day was a new story and the elements changed. You are not in control and you have to find a way to fit into the developing story. I would read a news article,  hear a conversation or people-watch (my fav activity). A story would follow.

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?

Yes. If the elements of a story can provoke thoughts or awareness, I think that society will become more aware.

-What would you change in the world?

I would start with oppression because that leads to so many social issues like violence, poverty, racial tensions.

-Where do you see the film industry going  the next 100 years?

I think it will be more interactive. I think the audiences will be entertained, empowered and enlightened.