Author: Dreamate Demo

–Who is Melanie Ekholdt?

I am creative psychiatrist and a filmmaker.

As a medical student at the beginning of the 90`s, I often brought a camera with me to explore both the real life and the imaginative life and edited some short  “home- made”movies.

As a young mother and a young medical doctor, the camera was left aside.

Then in 2015, just when I had finished  my specialization in child and adolescent psychiatry, I got caught up in the personal story of the young rap artist Michael Kildal. I invited him to cowrite a book about young boys based on his rap lyrics. He said yes.

By a more or less unconscious act I brought the camera with me and not a sound recorder when we started the project  “In love with craziness”.

The clips of  our  conversations about Michael`s music became a  20 minutes long film about his life. The film was created  in close cooperation with the producer Karina Astrup from House of Gary. The documentary «In love with craziness» started its festival journey in February 2020 and has received a few awards.

http://www.forelskaigalskap.no/en/index.html

–What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

The field of mental health community showed an interest in the story of Michael and invited me to screenings at conferences. Through the audience`s  emotional  reactions and my own personal experiences, I  discovered the transformative power of films. I then got the inspiration to continue my  exploration of the art of filmmaking.

When I became aware of that I could not let go the camera, I planned my next documentary “Our Sins”. This time the story was based on autobiographic content; my own separation process. In cooperation with Helene Knoop, one of Norway’s foremost figurative painters, I documented the creation of a painting called «the Flood” where I  was the model. In the workshop, during the three painting sessions, which lasted 2-3 hours each, I shared my thoughts and emotions about the separation in a free flow of association.

When Helene was going to bring me the painting, I invited a good, old friend to join me and welcome the painting into my new apartment. I asked her to share her views on the divorce.

I set up the camera in the living room. The painting was hanging on the wall. I was behind the camera while my friend was sitting in the couch talking with Helene. My friend was sharing her thoughts related to the impact of the divorce on my family.  The artist was listening.  The camera was there as a witness. As I was listening to the conversation that was unfolding before my eyes, shadow sides of the separation process got clearer. From an ethical point of view, it was no longer an option to make this project public. At least, at that time and in the way I had thought.

The solution then became making a series of artistic short films named “Dance of sins” that brought in Nora, a famous theater fiction figure, as the main character of the stories. Henrik Ibsen´s masterpiece “A Doll`s House” became a big source of inspiration, and three short movies were produced in less than one year. “Nora`s Wedding anno 1905” and a “Dollhouse 2020- Dance of sins” have already received quite a few awards at festivals. “A Dollhouse 2041” just started its festival journey and is already selected to quite a few festivals.

The plan is  to present  this serie of  experimental  shortfilms “ Dance of Sins” on a specially made digital exhibition platform named “Nora´s Ark”. I would like to bring in young people to create content of their reflections on the platform. I hope that this joint creation can be a way of preparing them to different kinds of life events they may experience in their adult life.

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

I really believe in the transformative, emotional space that movie theaters give us. We can go there with a group of friends or the family. We can go there alone and sit in the dark being dragged in film without disturbance from others  or we can bring a lot of people together and have a public talk about the movie after the screening.

 Especially the documentary genre has a big transformative power in a larger public room because it is working more directly with our collective consciousness.

Both documentaries and  fiction films can have a healing power on each one of us. The modern streaming services give us the opportunity to explore more personal and relational topics with our family, friends and/or partners at home. By watching  shorter and longer films and series in our own living room we can easily share the stories we just love with our loved ones. Personal, individual changes are very often connected with our closest relationships. Because they have a big impact on us. Therefore I think positive changes in the society are often connected to our personal transformations through our families and friends.

-What would you like to change in the world?

I think that the world, the nature and human beings are constantly changing. Often painful lifeevents are necessary to activate these transformations processes, both in each of us and in the different collective systems.  Sometimes through close relationships, sometimes by meeting a new person  in  a new universe, bigger positive  changes can happen within an individual.

My belief is that  individual  personal changes can bring in changes in larger  collective systems; such as in the field of mental health, the film industry or  education systems.

For me making movies forces me to be more  conscious about all the beautiful changes  happening in ourself and around us; in others and in society.

Through my independent production company “Joyful production”, I  wish to  explore the complexities and magic of our  own personal stories. By jointly creating shorter and longer fiction films and documentaries with a crew of artistic and creative freelancers I hope  to show how many positive changes are actually happening around me, both in Norway and abroad.

Joyfulproduction.no

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

I have noticed that people of all generations  are spending less time reading books, and more time watching films. For me watching a movie is like oral story telling. Being in a movie theater in the dark, is nearly like sitting around the fireplace listening to the storyteller coming to the  village. Myths and folk stories have been told without  written words for hundreds of years. And a natural selection of the most powerful stories  is still living in our societies, often conveyed by  artistically good films. I love reading books, but I think it is also a kind of exclusion.  Quite a few children are dyslexic and  many adults lack reading skills. With internet it is now possible that nearly everybody  can find the films with the stories they need for their situations. So for me movies are the future!  The fact that it is now possible to watch  a movie without paying too much means everybody can watch a good movie. And they will choose the good ones!  So I am quite optimistic for the future of the filmindustry.

The  State in Norway is really embracing filmmakers  as important changemakers. In each region there is a public film center  helping  independent film makers in different ways to develop themselves by  offering coaching and economical support.  I hope that also other independent film makers from other countries get support from the State they live in or from  other public or private institutions.

-Who is Angelena Bonet?

I am an Australian multi-award winning, documentary filmmaker, singer-songwriter and humanitarian. I have my own production company Crystal Heart Productions and have created five documentary films, their original soundtracks and music videos, plus two web series Heart Of The Matter and The Angelena Bonet Show. I write, direct, edit and produce my work in its entirety, including co-writing and singing the soundtracks and I would describe it “purely as a labor of love”! My projects include a documentary feature film tetralogy consisting of Angelena: Change The World, Angelena: Heart Of The Matter, Angelena: Light At The End Of The Tunnel and Angelena: Warrior Woman. I have also created a documentary short film Change The World which recently screened in Hollywood, Sweden, Italy, France, South America and Japan. I am proud to share my personal story of triumph over adversity and my songs, which have won over 300 film festival awards worldwide so far, including numerous ‘Best Inspirational Film’, ‘Best Social Justice Film’, ‘Best Original Soundtrack’ and ‘Best Music Video’ awards. It has been such an honor to be the recipient of the ‘Humanitarian Award’ at the Jane Austen International Film Festival in the U.K. and the ‘Human Spirit Award’ at the DOCS Without Borders Film Festival in The Bahamas. My films feature the Original Music Soundtrack I co-wrote and sung from my heart and soul with my late fiancé, Erick Deeby. He had written and recorded instrumental pieces of music for me between 2005 and 2007, then suddenly and unexpectedly passed away three days after we got engaged in August 2007. I then wrote the lyrics and melody to his music after his devastating death and during my time of deepest grief. I unintentionally wrote the album like chapters of a book and feature songs such as Change The World, Tragic Fairytale and On My Way and the writing process was cathartic and organic. I promised my late fiancé whilst in a coma that someday, somehow I would finish our special project and I kept my word. My documentary film Change The World is now available on YouTube as well as my online talk show Heart Of The Matter which won the Social Awareness Award (Award of Excellence) at the Vegas Movie Awards. I love interviewing inspiring women all around the world and from all walks of life and I am dedicated to having women’s voices heard. I have been a Jury member of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA) for the past four years. My journey from being named Australian Supermodel to multi-award winning singer-songwriter, documentary filmmaker and humanitarian has been a magical and challenging journey thus far. I am committed to shining a light on violence against women and my message is one of peace, love and unity.

–What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

It has been an organic journey for me and becoming a professional model was what opened doors to dancing in music videos, acting in TV and Film and putting into practice all the skills I had honed growing up. I met Erick in my twenties and we spent so much time at his recording studio where I got to watch his bands record, mix the tracks and shoot music videos. I would go with him to buy recording gear too so I was absorbing it all and learning about the music industry. We then began collaborating on our album end of 2005 when I returned from modeling in Milan and he became my mentor. I really worked on my songwriting as well as my recording technique and developed over the next couple of years as an artist. He believed in me, knew my potential and really encouraged me to find my own voice. When he passed away it was very difficult to deal with. I was in such deep grief and shock because it was so sudden and only three days after we got engaged. I was also terrified of the intensity of the pain and how I was ever going to recover. I could never have imagined I would be writing the lyrics and melody to the instrumental pieces of music he had written for me with him gone. The music was my sole focus as I had promised him while he was in a coma that I would finish our special project and having that promise to keep was what essentially saved my life. So over the next few months I just wrote every word and note from my heart and soul and then realized each song was like a chapter in a book. As each song was written I noticed I was healing and my emotions were being given an outlet and I am extremely grateful to Erick for this magical gift. As much as I don’t like admitting it, I don’t think I would be here without having a way to channel my emotions. As I was healing I then felt strong enough to return to work and began modelling again. In early 2010 I then signed with a talent agent in New York and moved to Toronto, Canada. I fell in love with the city, the people and loved working in their TV and Film industry. I hosted the FIFA World Cup Show that year and was on an episode of the TV Series ‘Ghostly Encounters’. I came home in 2012 for a visit and six days later I was a victim of a horrific violent crime in Melbourne. Once again my life was turned upside down and I had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the crime and had to also deal with the police investigation. This experience changed my life and today I can say for the better. It completely opened my eyes to the pain of this world and the cruelty that some human beings are capable of inflicting and also opened my heart with a feeling of immense compassion for all of us women who have suffered. To say I was disgusted with my perpetrators is an understatement and I’d never felt such rage. Once again I was suicidal and this time I really didn’t think I could go on. I also lost loved ones afterwards and that was when I decided enough was enough and I was going to go public with this injustice. I was told by one of my case workers at the time that sexual violence against women is a silent global epidemic and that 1 in 3 women and girls will experience some kind of abuse in their lifetime. I couldn’t bear to think of another woman going through similar suffering and I felt a very strong desire in my heart to help other people. This was before the #MeToo movement began and no-one was talking about sexual violence but I found my courage and made the commitment that I would not be silenced, nor would I own any shame for their behaviour. I then began my humanitarian work in 2013 by aligning myself with ethical non-profit organizations that support women and girls. I believe that when we come together, with united voices, we can change the world. I started my production company Crystal Heart Productions when I returned to Toronto in September 2014 and I put all my energy into this. I wanted to channel my skills in front and behind the cameras into a show for women that had purpose and meaning. And that is how my vision for my talk show Heart Of The Matter was born. It was created to allow women to not just be seen but heard and in turn inspire each other. When I won the ‘Social Awareness Award’, the category that Vegas Movie Awards created after watching my show, I was truly touched because this project means so much to me. To contribute positively to society is what is really important to me. My journey has been very challenging and painful but also really beautiful and magical. I have gone with the flow and always followed my heart and woven my life into my art and I am very proud of what I’ve been able to overcome.

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

I absolutely do believe that cinema can bring change to society. Film is the most powerful medium we have and when combined with music it can be instrumental in changing hearts and minds and inspiring millions of people to live their potential. Seeing another human being’s suffering and how they overcame it gives people hope for their own lives, as well as feeling compassion and empathy. We can learn so much by seeing ourselves in others and learning about different cultures but also seeing our similarities.

-What would you change in the world?

Creating Change The World and inspiring people around the world and touching their hearts is a wonderful gift that I am very grateful for. I have deep compassion for myself and every other woman who has suffered sexual violence and I am honored to use my voice for good and speak for those who can’t. My spirit couldn’t be silenced and to now be heard in countries around the world is something so special to me. When I look back at what I have endured and the miracle of surviving the murder attempt to now winning these special awards is something I could never have imagined would happen! I vowed to make a stand and leave this world a better place than I found it and I am committed. Women are now finding their voice and self-worth and it is fabulous to see. I feel future generations will look back at this point in time with fascination, shock, and dismay and also awe at the courage women have shown by standing up and speaking out about the injustices and violence they have suffered since time immemorial. The social fabric is changing and I’m hopeful the momentum will continue and begin to move more quickly. I see the future in a positive light. I believe change is possible and that we are at the dawn of a new day. As more women are in leadership positions, the world will naturally become a more inclusive one and love will become the focus again. Violence will no longer be a silent global epidemic, all girls will receive an education, and helping others will become our primary goal. We have set the wheels in motion to ensure future generations have a safer and more equal world. My message is one of peace, love and unity and being an example of how to turn tragic into magic is the legacy I am creating.

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

The film industry has been changing in recent times and it will continue to evolve over the next one hundred years. With films being shot on smart phones these days and the ability to be uploaded to social media and online streaming platforms the whole landscape for the industry is constantly growing and changing. Technology has given any budding filmmaker the opportunity to produce a film and be able to independently distribute it on the internet. I think the prospects for the industry are super exciting and as technology gets better and new social media platforms are developed, the options are endless. We are watching content on demand and particularly since Covid, the movie theatres are no longer the central place to view new releases. Netflix and other major streaming services are not only building their catalogues but they are creating original content. Hollywood studios no longer have the monopoly on the industry and this competition is helping to create amazing series and films. It’s a very exciting time for filmmakers and actors as there are many more productions being shot each year. In one hundred years from now the industry will be much more inclusive and I’m sure many amazing stories will be told because of it.

-Who is Maxine Gatt?

I’m a screenwriter, actor and filmmaker from Melbourne, Australia. I have worked as a Producer’s Assistant on a TV series and am currently in production for my own short film that I wrote – Broken Chrysalis, a revenge thriller. 

-What inspired you to become a screenwriter? 

I always wanted to be involved in filmmaking for as long as I can remember. I was taken by the magic of it, the way it moves you, the visual spectacle and the connection to characters. I love creating story concepts, developing arcs and get a real buzz when everything in the story links up. Since working on a TV series I’ve enjoyed the collaborative process of filmmaking and seeing how all the pieces come together. I hope to write, act, produce and direct as much as possible going forward. 

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

I do, I think cinema reflects society’s beauty and flaws that brings an awareness and understanding that can create change. As well as always pushing boundaries in technology and storytelling that can show us what is possible, for good or for bad. 

-What would you change in the world?

I feel very strongly about human rights and equality. I would like to live in a world where people are living free of fear, oppression and poverty. I would also like to see us protecting the environment and reducing our pollution. 

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

There will probably be new devices to view films and new ways to experience cinema. I think the pandemic showed us how much we need film and music in our lives. It helped us through the lockdowns, comforted us and made us feel connected. So I’m sure it’ll still be going strong.

–Who is Laura Burnett?

I am from Clearwater, Tampa Florida, then moved to Los Angeles to study acting. I have worked in post production and production for tv series for 20 years. 
I desired to create my own projects and finally in 2010 I wrote, directed and produced a music video “Queen of the Sun” for the Indie band, Windsor for the Derby.

Their label Secretly Canadian used the music video.

While working as a producer on a true crime tv series, I had a overwhelming desire to be creative and that is where the script for “Blind Truth” originated from. 

“Blind Truth” was my first scripted movie.

–What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

When I started working in television it was in post production because I had learned Avid and Protools in 2001.  My first job was an assistant editor on a feature film then my first job in television was a logger who moved up to librarian for a Dick Wolf’s documentary series. After that I was hired in different positions on a many series but not creative positions.  I started working on a documentary crime series as an associate producer and then moved up as a producer. I have always been a very creative person and that is what is natural to me; but I have not been hired for those skills. My work in television is very different, so in 2010, I decided to create. That is when I made a few music videos for an indie music artist and also for a contest for a well known artist. Even though I funded these, I was happy to be creating and being able to do what is my passion. My desire to create is what inspired me to be a filmmaker and write “Blind Truth.” For this movie, which I wrote in 2013, I was very affected by wrongful conviction stories and how the justice system can sometimes work against people of color. So what inspired me was a mix of me always being creative and desiring to create.  As a child I was a talented fine artist and wanted to pursue a career in the arts. I was told fine art wasn’t reliable, so I studied acting for over a decade, was in a few indie films, booked a commercial, but it wasn’t enough work to continue. I was told to get a reliable job, so I learned editing. That led me into production and the business, legal and technical aspects. So when cameras and software became more affordable, I was able to finally create.

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

Yes. I know I was heavily influenced by stories I saw as a child. Star Wars, IV, V, VI were a huge influence on me. I really connected with the Jedi and I feel those films had an impact on my world view.  Another film that impacted me was “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” My mother was a movie fan, so she had me watch all the classics. When I saw that movie I was 6 or 7 and I felt the same way as the main female character. Sidney Poitier’s character was a great man, and I loved the message of that film. It was entertaining but also taught wonderful lessons about our world as do documentaries and other tv shows. I remember seeing the 1977 Roots version as a child and feeling so angry at the injustice. But also, cinema for me; just lifts up the spirits and can show the best parts or humanity which is just inspiring. Spielberg Films were also a huge inspiration for me because they lifted me up, and allowed me to dream. So I would say based on my personal experience, I know how cinema has impacted me personally. I guess everyone is inherently different with different backgrounds, so each person will take away different things from the same story, but for me, I know it has affected me.  At the least, I feel it will open up discussion. In general though, I think cinema and pure entertainment with or without a message makes us happy and that is important. I know it lets me dream and opens my mind.

–What would you change in the world?

So many many things. The dark side of human nature? 

In general though, abuse in any form.

Since I live in Los Angeles, right now, having the right to housing, food and clean water is a human right.

I really wish we could find and enact a more comprehensive approach to the homeless problem. 

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

Wow, I have no idea. There are so many probabilities. 

I am sure things will change with technology advancements. 

Announced at the next edition of Rome film festival, the Oscar winner James Ivory will also be the

special guest of the first film distributed by WILD FILMMAKER, Magazine and interactive

channel in English language entirely Made in Italy.

Born thanks to the support of a Community that includes more than 2000 independent film

companies from all over the world, WILD FILMMAKER will offer an exclusive programming

from mid-October.

Already under progress the series “eleveN fiftY” that will be shot entirely in New York and

“Cinema is a drunken spider that cries” whose filming is in progress in Rome. Both projects will be

distributed by WILD FILMMAKER and produced by Michele Diomà, founder of New York

Neorealism Film Awards.

Among the artists which have participated to New York Neorealism Film Awards and contributed

to the creation of WILD FILMMAKER, the Oscar winners Susan Sarandon and Jeremy Irons,

directed by William Parker and Stuart Rideout and the director Brooke Harris Wolff author of “Eye

of the Storm” with Oscar winner Robin Williams.

-Who is Twila LaBar?

I started writing songs, singing, and playing instruments at a young age. I have always been passionate about music, art, and songwriting. I moved to Nashville in 1995 to pursue my songwriting dream. I was a staff songwriter with four music publishing companies in Nashville, TN. I’m fortunate that many of my songs have been recorded by Christian music artists and groups over the last 20 years. I bought my first DSLR camera about 13 years ago and started creating short videos. I instantly fell in love with storytelling through this medium. I freelanced, creating documentary-style videos for businesses, churches, and artists, and then was offered the opportunity to direct and edit my first feature-length documentary film, in 2015. I recently worked with a crew to shoot my fourth film.

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I was inspired to become a filmmaker when I started editing for other peoples’ projects and discovered that this medium felt similar to music – the rhythm, pace, emotion, and cadence. I loved it and wanted to create films.

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

I do believe cinema can bring change. I’ve been moved by films that have inspired me to want to do more to help people. Films have inspired me to learn more about people and ideas I didn’t know about before viewing the film. Films can share truth and lies, and people can be persuaded to believe the truth and lies portrayed in cinema. It’s a powerful tool.

-What would you change in the world?

I’d hope to share stories that would help people feel more compassion and empathy for others. 

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

Doors continuing to open for more women to be leaders in the film industry. 

–Who is Rosalee Yagihara?

I am a thrill seeker from Vancouver, BC currently working in network television as an assistant director. When I’m not working, I love to be active, ride motorcycles, and make my own movies. Spending time in nature, doing yoga, and eating good food is essential in keeping me grounded while working long hours and pursuing my dreams. I consider myself to be curious and adventurous though also deeply introspective. These days I spend a lot of time contemplating how we can all thrive as a society while living in greater harmony with the Earth. I used to live in Tokyo as well as the mountains of central Japan which greatly informed who I am today

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

My journey of becoming a filmmaker has been a long and windy one. In high school I studied acting and was a part of the drama department though later when I was in art school, I was a purist and focused on painting avoiding digital and film studies. This was all valuable training though it wasn’t until I was travelling around India with a digital camcorder that I fell in love with moving compositions. When I returned from that trip, I started focusing on video editing and incorporating corporate videos in my marketing consulting work which morphed into shooting musicians and music videos which morphed into documentary filmmaking. These explorations unearthed a dream I had as a child of making movies after being mesmerized watching The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, and Annie. I then studied Film Production at Vancouver Film School where I realized that this is what I am meant to be doing, it brought me alive in terms of work. I am fueled by creating and working on film sets.

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

I absolutely do think that cinema is an essential part of global shifts within societies and liken the modern filmmaker to the medicine man from prehistoric times. Instead of gathering around a fire we gather around a screen and important ideas and concepts are introduced to us and are re-affirmed in a three-act visual story. Film can elevate the underdog, empower the defeated, and shine light on stories otherwise left in the dark. They start conversations. Through cinema we can empathize with a diverse range of peoples from around the globe. Movies can also be a cautionary tale like the myths of ancient civilizations.

–What would you change in the world?

For me the world needs more empathy and understanding, especially of ‘the other’, we are so polarized which sets us as a society backwards. I believe that communication grounded in empathy could de-escalate the current conflicts on this planet. I wish we

would stop engaging in destructive measures and war. If I could change just one thing it would be that we all have awareness that all life is precious.

Then there is the elephant in the room; we must take radical action on climate change which would mean we would all have to change our lifestyle for the greater good of all. We need some serious leadership in this department.

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

I like to think that in 100 years we still gather to watch great films. VR is gaining traction though I caution that immersive technologies have potential to further isolate us when we have already lived through times of great isolation. Even with tech advancements I hope that cinema continues to be inspirational and community building, inspiring dialogue and change rather than purely be an escape in one’s bedroom.

I also hope to see the film industry fully embrace green technologies. Film productions in Vancouver make efforts to be sustainable though the industry can dive deeper into cleaner energy consumption. I’m hopeful that we have gender parity and sustainable production practices within the next few years.

I’m pretty sure that in the next 100 years we will be making space movies in space!

-Who is Isabella Bazoni?

I am a London-based photographer, writer, and filmmaker. I was born in Reggio Emilia, Italy; then,
I immediately moved to Riccione with my family, where I have lived most of my life. I then moved
to London three years ago for university, and I’m currently studying at UAL while freelancing for
different things. I work on anything that catches my interest and attention, privileging low-budget,
independent films and documentaries, as well as art and fashion-related projects.

-What inspired you to become a screenwriter?

I have always loved listening to and telling stories. I have always been the person in the room
asking people how they met or where they’re from. I’ve been writing things since I can remember
but growing up, I have been more and more drawn toward visual storytelling and film. So, for me,
becoming a screenwriter was the natural combination of my passion for writing stories and for
film.

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

I do believe there is a strict relationship between what we see on a screen (which can be a film, a
documentary, or even news broadcasting) and our lives. The moving image has a very specific
way of imprinting itself in our minds and influencing our everyday thoughts and actions. That’s
why filmmaking is such a complex art that involves so many people. What I believe we need right
now to bring better changes to society is a more varied and diverse film industry. This means new
stories, directors, actors, and influences. Like every kind of art, cinema has the ability to portray
the zeitgeist and shape it at the same time, so it’s essential that, as filmmakers, we understand
our surroundings to create something new and hopefully bring something valuable to society.

–What would you change in the world?

We are all living through very complicated, difficult times. Therefore, what I hope to see in the
following years, not only in the film industry but across all creative and non-creative industries, is
a more open approach to hiring and giving chances to younger generations. We are often asked
to take risks, while the people that are supposed to give us an opportunity are the ones who are
not taking them. The creative industry lives off of new, fresh ideas, so for it to thrive, new, fresh
generations must be involved.

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

Being a relatively young art form, I believe that film will change a lot in the future. This doesn’t
mean that we are going to lose what can be considered the ‘traditional’ form of cinema, but the
industry is definitely evolving and looking at many different options (such as streaming platforms,
social media series, etc.). There is still a lot that can and needs to be done, and I am definitely
very excited to see what will happen in the industry in the future.

-Who is Daniel Shehata?

Daniel Shehata is a European writer/director with a new, mind-bending, revolutionary vision. My brother and I humbly grew up as small town boys with an Austrian mother, an Egyptian father and an extremely powerful longing for a life in a big city.

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I shot my first short film for a course during my BA in English and American Studies at the University of Innsbruck where I discovered that my character traits would be a great foundation for the challenging life of an independent filmmaker. However, the moment that ultimately inspired me to become a filmmaker was the audience’s reaction to my film. I’ve got giggles, oooh’s, and a lot of questions as well as applause – that was it – I was hungry for more and it never stopped ever since.

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

The cinema is an efficient church. Anyone can enter the cinema and have their moral compass seriously challenged so that they have to overthink and reflect on their way of life. Some films are high-octane motivators and some films make you laugh until your stomach hurts and you’re reminded of the joys of life whenever you’re down. The cinema brings change to society – it is indeed for us filmmakers to navigate that change – and that’s no bs.

-What would you change in the world?

If I was in a position of high political power I would provide women in developing countries with a great education so that they can raise a generation with more hope and a better perspective on the given opportunities. Maybe, I should make a film about that…

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

At the moment, the film industry is at the brink of providing a more immersive experience than a mere screen in front of an audience. Virtual and augmented reality as well as AI make that possible and will play a defining role in the future. With these technologies, I see that it will become easy to make what we nowadays consider high-budget productions for everyone who wants to make a film. If we want to keep real places – cinemas – alive and thriving, we always need to be able to provide an experience the viewers can’t have in their living room at home. I am a strong believer in the reinvention of the classic medium film to reinvigorate the film industry which is why I will make and show my next film “Pentonville” in a way that hasn’t been seen by anyone ever before and is indeed a world-first. If we don’t reinvent the classic medium we call film, the film industry will turn into something unrecognisable and trivial to us film buffs and filmmakers.