NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Lena Mattsson


Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

In the tender dawn of my existence, I embarked upon a sacred journey with art and film as my chosen mediums—ever striving to expand the boundaries of what these forms can embody. Though I wield the cinematic lens, I still consider myself a painter, shaping films and narratives with brushstrokes of poetry and rhythm.

My creations are meticulously filmed and edited, destined to grace diverse canvases—projected upon islands and edifices, or more intimately upon cushions, canvases, and even gravestones. I also delve into documentary filmmaking, short films, and synchronized cinematic installations, which find homes in galleries, art halls, and museums. My short films travel the globe.

In my universe, the boundaries of cinema dissolve; only imagination dares to stem its boundless flow. Perhaps this passion was kindled in my earliest years, cradled upon a sheepskin rug before the flickering light of the television—my hearth of yore—where the magical world of film awakened my senses to scent, taste, and sound, reviving memory through the viewer’s gaze.

And so, I seek to shatter confines and fling open the doors, forging spaces for awareness and reflection through the alchemy of moving images.


What are your goals as an artist?

The journey itself is the destination—a living canvas painted with both light and shadow. Existential questions have always stirred the depths of my soul, and perhaps the truest aim of my artistry lies in opening portals for reflection. That, to me, is a noble and necessary pursuit.


What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

This question unfurls a tapestry of complex, layered answers. Culture, to my mind, transcends the rigidity of industry—it evolves, breathes, and pulses like waves upon a restless sea. The cultural industry, by contrast, may often seem static, formulaic, and less hospitable to the artist’s wandering eye.

And yet, both language and industry shape our creations. My creed is simple: live and let live. I trust that true art—imbued with the soul of its maker—seeps through the seams, igniting hope, insight, and vitality within both culture and its commercial counterpart.


Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

That depends on the nature of the artist’s work, but my heart responds with a resolute no. There is an ongoing need to carve new paths and create more spaces for free, unbound expression. We must challenge the limits imposed on independent cultural workers—and perhaps, in solidarity, reshape the very conditions under which we create.

Wild Filmmaker stands as a shining example of how the cinematic landscape can be reinvented. Long live untethered, international art—art that knows no borders, only bridges.


What new project are you currently working on?

At this very hour, as the dawn whispers, I am unveiling my experimental short films, The Rorschach Test and Not Without Gloves, to the festival circuit and far-flung venues.

My newest cinematic odyssey, The Aesthetics of Failure, emerges as a concise yet profound tapestry—experimental, poetic, and rooted in the universal human contemplation of failure. Rendered in stark black and white, it bathes the screen in the quiet courage of imperfection’s haunting beauty.

I am currently immersed in a vibrant creative flow—developing new scripts, textual compositions, and visual narratives, all coalescing into contemplative cinematic tapestries. I invite the audience to remain attentive, their gaze open with anticipation, as these embryonic visions unfurl into a symphony of new horizons, where the soul of cinema dances with the infinite.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Kimber Leigh

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?


My desire to express myself through art began as a spark in childhood, between the ages of five and seven. My grandfather, who adored old Hollywood, would tell me stories about legends like Greta Garbo. One day, he bought me a beautiful vanity, sat me in front of the mirror, leaned down behind me, and said, “You’re going to be just like her.” That moment planted a seed.
My great-grandparents came from Czechoslovakian—hardworking and focused—and my grandfather carried that same determination into his love of storytelling. Over time, that early desire grew into a deep, unshakable passion for filmmaking and creating art. It’s a passion that continues to guide my work today, shaping every story I choose to tell.


What are your goals as an artist?


In the beginning, my goals as an artist were fueled purely by desire and passion, that overwhelming need to express myself through acting and filmmaking. As my journey unfolded, I became curious about every phase of how the “film wheel” spins, so I wore many hats: actor, producer, editor, and director.
Directing, in particular, gives me the ability to shape the intention behind a story. I realized my goal is to tell stories that uplift, inspire, and hold space for truth, creating a safe place for these stories to be told without hidden agendas. The freedom of independent filmmaking allows me to keep the vision authentic and storytelling grounded in honesty.
Ultimately, my goal is for audiences to feel deeply connected from the first frame to the last, leaving the theater not just entertained but carrying thought-provoking questions that call them to their own action, whatever the subject of the film may be.


What is your opinion on the cultural industry?


From my perspective, the cultural industry is a vast and powerful space, but one that is often driven by familiar formulas and recognizable names. For independent filmmakers who don’t come from the Hollywood system, it can be an uphill climb, not because the work lacks merit, but because the platforms, resources, and recognition often gravitate toward those with established backing.
In my experience, the independent side of the industry remains an under-discovered world. Without the luxury of large budgets or marketing machines, indie creators have to rely on resourcefulness, community, and an unwavering commitment to their stories. And yet, this is where I see the greatest potential—stories told with freedom, honesty, and no hidden agenda.
I may not fit neatly into the cultural industry as it’s typically defined, but my purpose is clear: to tell stories that educate, entertain, and inspire, and to show others that it is possible to create meaningful work even when starting from nothing. I believe the industry has the potential to build bridges between cultures, and while I don’t claim to have the full answer to how that happens, I can do my part, telling one truthful story at a time, building connection by connection. Perhaps one day we’ll look back at this interview and see how it all came together.


Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?


While independent artists may not have the same immediate access to resources or platforms as large-budget productions, opportunity is still very much alive. It’s easy to use the lack of funding or connections as a reason not to begin, but the truth is, the heart of filmmaking—and of all art—is the story. If you have a story that needs to be told, whether it comes from your own life, someone else’s, your community, or a global perspective, the right circumstances will align to bring it into the world.
Opportunity often comes down to perspective. When an obstacle appears, I thank it for showing me a new way forward, then ask how I can adapt. Sometimes the path may look different than expected, but creativity thrives in those moments. For independent artists, the opportunities are endless and abundant—you simply must be willing to see them and take that first step.


What new projects are you currently working on?


We recently completed Invasion of the Space Vixen, which has just been released and is already garnering awards on the global FilmFreeway circuit. Building on its success, we’re moving forward with Vixen Conquers Fixen, the second installment of what will be a three-part series, concluding with Vixen Rules.
I’m also awaiting the final edits for Pick It Up America, a documentary focused on beach stewardship, ocean safety, and the often unseen dangers of waters that appear calm and inviting. Another project in the editing stage is The Sound of the Soul, which explores the transformative power of sound therapy—not only as a physical healing tool but also as a way to restore emotional balance and bring harmony to the world around us.
In addition, I have two other documentaries currently in the thought-provoking stages. There are many projects in motion and countless more stories to tell—I’m always curious to see what the future will bring.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Kai Fischer 

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

I discovered my love for books and movies very early in childhood. I still remember watching Steven Spielberg’s E.T. with my parents and friends—and just two years later, being captivated by Michael Ende’s The NeverEnding Story. Born in 1973 in Frankfurt, Germany, I was eleven years old at the time and already deeply moved by the magic of storytelling.

Years later, in 2019, my first book Ich glaub, ich krieg nen Vogel was published in Germany, followed three years later by Promigeflüster Mallorca. The success I had hoped for didn’t come. But in January of last year, after working as a background actor in Mallorca—including in the Paramount+ production Lioness alongside Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Zoe Saldaña, and Laysla De Oliveira—I decided to follow a bold idea: fly to Los Angeles and pursue the dream of conquering Hollywood. Since I’m not Robert De Niro, I thought my goal might be more achievable through a screenplay of my own.

There is always a “why” in life—the moment you choose a different path. In that process of reflection, I told myself: Improve what you can improve. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. And in fact, the results of my screenplay LAMBADA: The Dance of Fate on the international festival circuit have proven me right.

Everyone on this planet knows the song La Lambada—young and old alike. It’s as universal as pizza. Yet few know the real story: the song originated in Bolivia, written in 1981 by two brothers from the group Los Kjarkas. Years later, two French producers discovered the melody via a radio station in Porto Seguro, Brazil, and falsely registered it under another name in Paris—a clear act of copyright infringement. Still, by blending Brazilian rhythms with European flair, they achieved global success in 1989. Tragically, in 2017, the lead singer of Kaoma was found burned to death in her car.

In my screenplay, the story begins with that haunting image: flames rising from a car at dawn—a symbolic moment that sets the tone for a story where music, fate, and betrayal intertwine.


What are your goals as an artist?

In my life, I’ve had to reinvent myself time and again—and that’s what keeps creativity alive. The most beautiful moments come when your creativity is recognized by others, even those who don’t know you personally. I’ve just experienced that with my screenplay.

This journey has led me to receive the Film Emmy Awards 2025, the Independent Golden Globe, the Independent Oscar Awards, and the Cinematic Tony Awards of Broadway. In total, I’ve earned more than 70 awards and selections across 16 countries on five continents, including honors for Best Biographical Script and Best International Screenwriter.

As storytellers, we hold a rare gift—the ability to reach people across borders, languages, and beliefs. My goal is to leave a footprint on this planet, one that inspires others to walk with me for a time—and eventually, to forge new paths of their own.


What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

I see the cultural industry as something powerful and deeply inspiring. For me, it’s not just about entertainment—it’s about creating spaces where art, stories, and ideas connect people across cultures and experiences. I admire its potential to spark emotion, open minds, and foster positive change.

Yes, it can sometimes be caught between creativity and commercialism—but the real magic happens when authenticity shines through, when art speaks directly to the soul.


Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

I believe independent artists today have more opportunities than ever before—even if the road remains challenging. What inspires me most is the rise of platforms that amplify voices outside the mainstream.

Wild Filmmaker is one of those pioneers—a beacon for artists who want to express their vision freely and connect with audiences that seek originality. Similarly, FilmFreeway, which connects creators with over 12,000 film festivals worldwide, continues to open new doors for global talent.

Yes, independent artists must still fight harder to be heard. But platforms like these are living proof that genuine creative freedom and deep human connection are not only possible—they’re thriving.


What new project are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m in Los Angeles, continuing my journey with LAMBADA: The Dance of Fate, presenting it at the heart of the Hollywood film industry. With more than 70 awards and selections across five continents, I feel it’s time to pause and express deep gratitude to Wild Filmmaker and FilmFreeway—platforms through which my work has gained recognition and found its audience.

I now sense that I’m entering the second phase of my creative odyssey—a journey that evolves with every step I take.

Along this path, The Hollywood Reporter listed my screenplay as Best International Biographical Script at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. At the same time, Bold Journey named me one of Los Angeles’ hidden gems. These aren’t just accolades—they are signs. Signs that a new chapter is beginning—one that rises from everything that came before, and leads toward unseen horizons, where fate and creation may once again meet.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Florence Cazebon-Taveau 

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

I wrote my first poems at the age of eight. For me, it has always been about magnifying the beautiful—capturing the transcendence of a thought that longs to be universal. It’s a whole set of correspondences—sounds, colors, emotions—that take form through the many expressions of my art: painting, writing, and mediumship. Mediumship, in fact, is the foundation of all my inspiration.


What are your goals as an artist?

To seize eternity in mid-flight—within a single breath of inspiration—so that elusive beauty can come to life through my fingers and the act of creation.


What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

Not much! For me, God is the source of all life, and even more so, of all artistic beauty. The cultural industry should serve to awaken humanity—to guide it toward self-transcendence. It is in our very nature as human beings to enter into communion with the infinite, to embrace the marvelous.


Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

Not enough—outside of social networks or platforms like Wild Filmmaker, which do offer valuable space for expression. I publish my books and exhibit my paintings, which allows me to showcase the full range of my artistic talents.
But in cinema, it’s more difficult. My international screenplay “The Priory of Sion and the Treasure of Rennes-le-Château” has won 260 awards, yet I still haven’t found a producer.


What new project are you currently working on?

I’ve just completed my eighth book—“The Book of Wonders”—a poetic, esoteric, and historical work that will be published at the end of September by Book Envol Editions.
I’m also revisiting my fiction screenplay “The New Triumph of Camille Claudel”, published by Edilivre Editions. It explores a reimagined chapter in Claudel’s life, focusing on a new passion—with a man other than Rodin.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Anton Svantesson-Helkiö

-Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

Ever since childhood I’ve always struggled with expressing myself in a cohesive way, and that’s because I don’t always know or understand what I want to express through words. Then when I started writing my own stories, whether it was screenplays or fairy tales, I noticed that it was much more natural for me to express myself through creativity. It also made me feel more at ease with expressing my feelings. I’m the kind of person who scripts what I’m going to say before I do it, but then when the time comes I can’t, because I think of a billion other things that I want to say, and that results in me getting tongue-tied. I guess that in essence my desire to express myself through art stems from not knowing how to do it in everyday situations, and because not doing it through art is terrifying for me.

-What are your goals as an artist?

My goal as an artist is to be able to get people to know me through my work, but most importantly to tell deeply personal stories that will touch a nerve in one way or another. I always hope that through creative work I can tell some kind of universal truth. Only time and an audience’s response will tell if I succeed in doing that or not. Doesn’t matter what the genre is. I want to express myself in a wide variety of genres – especially in horror, action, drama, comedy and thriller, and I truly hope that I will get to do that.

-What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

My opinion is that right now the cultural industry is too divided. I think that not nearly enough independent artists get the chance to prove themselves to a worldwide audience. There are so many out there doing amazing work, but it goes largely unnoticed, which is an enormous shame. If we want to experience something new and exciting, then we have to start being a lot more inclusive and welcoming.

-Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

While I do think that social media is a great way to connect with other artists, and Youtube is great in getting your work seen, it’s still not enough. Film festivals are good as well, but the problem is that they cost a lot, even with invitations and discounts. So all in all, I do think that independent artists have some opportunities to share their work, but not nearly enough.

-What new project are you currently working on?

I’m currently writing a feature length screenplay. It’s a romantic horror drama about a German woman who travels to Helsinki to meet a man who she has texted and FaceTimed with for some time, but never met physically. Without going into too many details, let’s just say that she gets a lot more than she bargained for. I started writing it in mid December, and the goal was to have a first draft in February, but because of a myriad of different reasons it didn’t happen. However, lately it’s been going very well, and I’m excited about it. It has been going in directions I never expected, and it keeps developing and, honestly, I don’t know how it will end, but I am very anxious to find out.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Samantha Casella

-Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

I believe that art has the power to reveal the existence of another world—something not entirely tangible. It could partly be described as “the world of ideas,” but it’s more than that. Art can give color to an emotion, a scent, a feeling. Art is word, image, music… and so much more. I believe the world of art is a parallel world—and that world can be much more interesting and truthful than the real one.

-What are your goals as an artist?

First of all, to keep evolving creatively. I’d like to find a meeting point between creating dreamlike, surreal, highly symbolic stories and, at the same time, being accessible and understandable to everyone.

-What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

I believe it’s a complex topic. What I see is growing confusion around the concept of culture. Very often, works are labeled as “art” when calling them that feels almost like a sacrilege. The same goes for certain authors. That said, I do believe that the voice of culture—the true voice—will always find a way to express itself and be recognized.

-Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

It depends. I believe the first goal should be to find a universal definition of what independent cinema really is. Many people think indie film simply means low-budget film. But to me, that’s not entirely true. For me, independent cinema is cinema “without masters”—or at least, cinema where the author can make choices that remain true to their own artistic vision. That said, I do think independent artists have more and more opportunities nowadays. But there’s still a lot of work to be done!

-What new project are you currently working on?

Production has begun on my third film. It will conclude the “Trilogy of the Subconscious,” which began with Santa Guerra and continued with Katabasis. I believe it’s my most violent and spiritual film. It also speaks about eternal love: two dome  bound by a love that is both maternal and sexual.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Gary Mazeffa

-Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

It comes from a hunger to touch what feels eternal. Since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the spaces between stories—the silences, the forgotten truths, the moments that feel older than history itself. Art, for me, is a way to bring those hidden threads into the light, to give form to what’s always been there, waiting. I create because I believe certain truths are not invented—they are remembered.

-What are your goals as an artist?

To produce something that lingers like a dream you can’t quite shake. I want to awaken wonder, stir the soul, and spark a conversation about balance—for example, what changes when the feminine is no longer hidden, but honored. My goal is not just to entertain, but to leave something eternal behind.

-What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

It moves in waves—always chasing the next flash of light. But I’m drawn to the deep currents, the truths that don’t fade with the news cycle. Trends are loud. Truth is patient. And when truth arrives, it changes everything.

Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?
We have more tools than ever—cameras in our pockets, audiences a click away. But opportunity is not the same as permission. No one will hand you the stage. You have to step onto it, even if the lights aren’t ready for you. Be bold.

-What new project are you currently working on?

Asherah: A Love Odyssey is my most ambitious work yet—a mythic romance where love isn’t just an emotion, it’s the engine of creation itself. It’sthe first on-screen telling of this ancient figure’s story — a domestically producedfeature-length pilotthe first chapter in a 6-part story — filmed in four American cities whose beauty and history rival the story itself.

At its heart is one woman who carries the world in her womb, a figure who must walk between myth and reality to restore what was lost. Her mission? To save the world.

The story moves from sacred altars to infinite horizons, blending intimate human moments with visions that feel timeless and otherworldly. It’s about origins, destiny, and the hidden threads that connect us all—and it asks the audience to consider: what if the missing piece in humanity was never missing at all?

This is more than a film. It’s an invitation to remember.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Danilo Del Tufo

-Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

Since I was a child, I’ve been passionate about cinema, drawing, and classical music. At the age of 8 years old, I watched some films by Italian director Dario Argento, I was really impressed, so I decided I wanted to be a director sooner or later. At 14 years old, I bought a “manga” magazine, and from there, I developed a passion for Japanese animated films and Japanese comics, and I began drawing in that style. At 19 years old, I began to learn by myself classical guitar, focusing on baroque music in particular. Later, I developed a passion for Asian cinema thanks to a late-night TV program called “Fuori Orario,” where I saw “TETSUO – The Body Hammer” by the director Shinya Tsukamoto, for the first time and was fascinated. After several courses, as an adult, I decided to delve into this profession on my own, convinced that by practicing a bit of all the arts, I could direct a team, which didn’t happen, and so since then, I’ve been doing everything by myself.

What are your goals as an artist?

I’d like to express both a cultural and emotional message, which is very difficult. My approach to filmmaking has always been intellectual and emotionally charged. I always try to balance these aspects. So far, I’ve made three documentaries features and two short films. It was in the year 2022 that I started making my first documentary films. I’ve also written screenplays, particularly for a film called “Cette Vie Nouvelle”, a thriller feature, which failed to find producers abroad, the reason I believe being costly. I’ve also made part of the soundtrack of a movie called “Blue Sunset”, by the director Domiziano Cristopharo which was presented at the Cannes Film Market.

-What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

The cultural industry is in decline. I believe filmmaking, in particular way, has been in crisis by long time, because it only allows a select few people to make high-budget films. Despite having come into contact with directors like Brian Yuzna and Aleksandr Sokurov, I haven’t received any outside help. So, I continue to do everything by myself.

Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

Independent artists have many more opportunities now, thanks to new technologies. The problem is that there’s no financial solution, not even a small salary to cover expenses. Making films like this is an act of courage.

-What new project are you currently working on?

I’m currently planning a new short film based on one of my comics, but it’s a very difficult and expensive project. I think I could start at the end of 2026. There’s also another project with the storyboard and script ready, like the previous one, which is even more complex.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Monte Albers de Leon

-Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

Quite by accident, truthfully.  Before I wrote my first script two years ago, the last creative writing work I finished received an A-. I began screenwriting basically on a dare; but in doing so discovered a capacity for joy and purpose I had no idea I had been starving for all my life such that I now cannot conceive of a world without it.

-What are your goals as an artist?

To move the needle, if ever so slightly, towards hope.

-What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

It can, unchecked, become too industrial; but given the right guidance, the right care, and the right purpose, it can be a beacon for a humanity longing for inspiration during times that feel choked with despair. 

Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

No.

What new project are you currently working on?

I am writing Hi: Part 2, the final installment of The Parables Anthology theparables.net . It takes the audience to 2048 New York, 20 years following an AI-triggered nuclear holocaust, and examines how humanity comes to terms with their relationship with technology, trauma, and their own sense of self. 

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Dean Morgan

-Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

My compassion with comedy, I love to make people laugh.

What are your goals as an artist?

To keep Sheldon Mashugana and The Macher in front of the audience as much as posible which includes live 90 minute shows.

-What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

I don’t feel like there is an industry like the past here today at all. Nothing is steady and consistant since they now just go to streaming evreything. I miss the time where movies in the theater are always coming out.

-Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

Yes with the streaming platforms today you can do whatever you like and create fans all over the world.

-What new project are you currently working on?

In France we are working on Sheldon Mashugana returns to the future, a major motion picture movie with a lot of fart jokes and fun. Also working on getting Sheldon and James live in the larger venues like Vegas hotels or hotels that are related to casinos anywhere in the United States. I have written a 90 minute show that brings our films to life.