Category: Senza categoria

Who is Mara Di Maura?

I am an actress, playwright, and theatre director. In 2012, I founded the Sala Teatro Ridotto in Catania, where I staged my own plays, including In the Mirror, The Deception of Algorithms, 2191: Beyond the Garden, and Candida Superluna, Partly by Magic, Partly by Luck, which recently received recognition at the Isolario Competition in the Theatre category. I worked with the Teatro Stabile di Catania, directed by Fabio Grossi, in La volata di Calò by Savatteri, and with Quarta Parete under Costantino Carrozza, performing in classics ranging from Molière to Pirandello. As an actress, I have appeared in several productions, including I Nostri Figli directed by Andrea Porporati, Il Capo del Mondo by Salvo Campisano on Prime Video, the thriller Killer Card by Giuseppe Di Blasi, released in cinemas last April, the short film Argento by Fabrizio Ferrara and directed by Massimiliano Russo, and, most notably, Louis Nabil Djalili’s debut feature film Spalla a Spadda, which is competing at the 72nd Taormina Film Festival.

Tell us about the film you took part in that will be presented at the 72nd Taormina Film Festival.

The film shows how, in order to truly understand the character, customs, traditions, and mindset of a people different from your own, in this case, Sicilians, you must live among them. The director is a very young British artist of Iranian origin who married a beautiful Sicilian woman and moved to Catania for love. My role, in which I was uniquely joined by my father Giuseppe—who has appeared in productions such as Inspector Montalbano, Lost Kisses, Squadra Antimafia, and *Agrodolce*—is that of a woman who stubbornly defends a specific term used for a particular type of food, taking the dispute to its most extreme consequences. It is a role I thoroughly enjoyed playing, and whose determination reflects my own personality.

What do you like and dislike about the world?

I deeply love art in all its forms and the opportunity it offers to dream and escape reality. I believe that the life one can experience on a stage or a film set is far more fulfilling than everyday life—an alternative dimension where one can live as intensely as possible. Art is also the most powerful means of conveying messages and exploring truth and the deepest meaning of life because it works through emotions, which are the strongest and most enduring channel of memory. What I absolutely dislike are dishonesty and violence in all their forms, especially when directed against the most vulnerable people.

Every artist has someone or something that inspired them. Where do you draw your creative drive from?

When I write or perform, I draw inspiration from life itself, whether directly experienced or reflected through the stories of others. Three years ago, I published my first novel, Con i tacchi nei sanpietrini (Walking in Heels on Cobblestones), released by Gaeditori and presented at the Turin International Book Fair. I am currently working on a second novel. I realize that through writing I do nothing but rework lived experiences, perhaps in an attempt to find meaning in them. A part of me is scattered throughout all my characters and every story I write. *Many believe that the acting profession risks being disrupted by revolutionary technologies such as AI. What is your opinion on this?* I firmly believe that nothing can replace the human element. Anything created by human beings possesses something unique, an element that speaks to the heart better than anything else. I do not deny that the simulation of human beings and human creativity can be concerning, especially since, in terms of technical perfection, machines can surpass human beings, who are imperfect by nature and prone to error. It is, in a way, the oldest sin of hubris repeating itself. But can anything compare to the charm of imperfection? Moreover, no technology will ever replace live performance—an experience that is unique, unrepeatable, and different every single night, every single second.

What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

I believe it is an organization undertaking a genuine challenge because any effort to shine a spotlight on independent and lesser-known artists and works is both admirable and monumental. It is easy to write about and promote already established artists and famous faces, but dedicating oneself to discovering and promoting new voices in the arts is always an act of great courage. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Long live the dreamers!

-Who is Patricia Marshall?

I’m a new screenwriter with the audacity to think I have what it takes to make it in this highly competitive field. I bring a unique background and practical skill set to the table. After teaching high school English (writing & literature) for 30 years, I recently retired and am now fully invested in pursuing my dream, to write stories that move people, stories that inspire, motivate, and connect us in our common pursuits of truth, justice, love, and joy.
My bachelor’s and master’s degrees and long professional career taught me invaluable lessons that I now bring to my writing. Selecting texts from all genres of film and print for my students to read and analyze taught me what resonated with them on a human level. There is an enormous amount of humanness that happens every day in the microcosm of a high school classroom.

I was witness to it and part of it, and I used literature and film to help students better understand themselves and the world around them. I’ve always enjoyed good writing, in both print and visual genres. I understand that the world we live in today consumes far more of the latter, so my rationale for emphasizing screenwriting, and features in particular, is to capture what I find compelling, fascinating, and inspiring in the world around me. There is no shortage of unique ideas and experiences to write about.
I’m passionate and dedicated in my work, and I don’t doubt my skills or my potential. I’m ready for what’s next.

-Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?

As a kid, it was definitely seeing my first Star Wars movie in a theater. I had never experienced anything like it. Being immersed in the sound and enormity of the images was breathtaking. I had no idea or aspirations to work in the industry until much later into adulthood. When I started writing screenplays, I developed a whole new appreciation for what makes the cinematic experience so incredibly special.

-Tell us about your project “Not Fore Long”.

Logline: When Lucy’s husband Bryan discards her for his young receptionist, her comfortable country club life comes to an abrupt end. Now facing her third divorce, she must overcome the legal restrictions she’s under in order to heal and move on. Bryan is relentless and smug in his financial power advantage. He offers to settle their divorce over a golf match. He wrote the rules, but she changes the game.
This screenplay was inspired by my own divorce circumstances, which, at the time they were happening, seemed too bizarre to be true. My original script was much more depressing, but I lightened it up considerably on subsequent iterations while maintaining my original purpose and themes.

This story is about the process of healing and self-determination after loss, with the help of friendship and through the focus/lense of sport. Golf is both a metaphor for disparity and also a potential for equity.

-Which Director inspires you the most?

If I had to choose just one, it is definitely Greta Gerwig. There is so much I admire about her work, especially her relatable characters, direct dialog, and themes of women’s self-actualization. She has been a major source of inspiration for me, and I strive to emulate her style and themes.

-What do you dislike about the world and what would you change?

Humans harming each other has to be the thing I dislike most and wish to stop. More peace, more diplomacy, compromise, and alliance, less war. I also dislike the way most industry negatively impacts the planet and how so many people are complacent about it and disconnected from nature.
I would love to help people learn to heal, connect, and improve our stewardship of our planet and each other through powerful storytelling.

-How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?

I imagine AI will take over traditional filmmaking in the coming years and challenge writers and directors to stay ahead of the curve, creating the kind of content that reflects reality and compels consumers to be more discerning about the content we consume. I believe audiences will always gravitate toward what is authentic, even if it is fantasy/fiction.

-What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

I’m impressed with Wild FilmMaker’s modern approach to inclusive, expansive cinema. As this landscape continually changes, learning how to capitalize on the increasing technical capabilities, rather than be eclipsed by them, will ensure the kinds of cinematic experiences that made us fall in love with film will continue to draw new audiences to appreciate its evolution.

Who is Alison Somilleda?

I am a filmmaker and writer driven by a desire to understand people and the stories that shape who they become. My work primarily explores trauma, resilience, identity, and the desire to belong. I am interested in the moments that define us, the experiences we carry, and the ways we rebuild ourselves after loss or hardship.

My background and upbringing taught me that every person has a story worth telling. I am drawn to stories where individual experiences reveal something larger about memory, emotion and the human condition. For me, filmmaking is both an artistic practice and an act of observation and listening.

Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?

I have been watching films for as long as I can remember, they were my best friends and teachers in many ways as a child. I do not recall a single moment, but I do distinctly remember watching Stand by Me when I was eight years old and understanding that I was watching life being lived on screen. Looking back, I can see that I was always drawn to stories that explored complicated emotions and the parts of ourselves we often struggle to express. Films showed me that images, sound, and silence could communicate things words sometimes cannot.

Over the years, I realized that film is more than a medium for entertainment—it is a way to process experiences, preserve memories, and create connections between people who might otherwise never understand one another. That realization continues to inspire me every time I seek out a new story to tell.

Tell us about your project “BREATHE”.

BREATHE is a deeply personal exploration of trauma, resilience, and the weight of memory. The project began as a way to process my own experiences and emotional aftermath of living through both the 2023 Maui and 2025 Los Angeles fires. Through that journey, I became increasingly interested in how we carry difficult experiences within us—how loss, grief, and uncertainty shape our identities, while hope and healing continue to emerge alongside them.

To tell this story as honestly as possible, I made the decision to step in front of the camera. In many ways, the film became an act of self-reflection for me and an attempt to understand what healing can look like after devastation. Returning to Maui to shoot the film was especially meaningful. I wanted to capture not only the beauty and spirit of the island, but also its inherent strength. Collaborating with Director Amia Voluntad, who has her own deeply personal connection to the Maui fire, brought an added layer of authenticity and care to the filmmaking process.

At its core, the title reflects something both simple and profound. Breathing is our most fundamental act of survival, yet it can also symbolize presence, perseverance, and renewal. The film lives in the space between struggle and acceptance—the moments when we choose to face what hurts rather than running from it.

Ultimately, BREATHE asks how we continue moving forward after a traumatic event. It is a story about vulnerability, endurance, and the quiet resilience that often goes unseen. My hope is that audiences recognize parts of their own journeys within the film and leave with a sense of connection, reflection, and a feeling of being a little less alone.

Which Director inspires you the most?

David Lynch is hands down my favorite Director. What inspires me most about his work was his willingness to embrace ambiguity and emotion rather than provide easy answers. I appreciate how he examined mental health and identity in ways that reached the deepest parts of the psyche while creating visually mind-bending art. His films provide a platform for audiences to personally engage with uncertainty and discover meaning through feeling as much as through narrative.

David reminded us that human experiences are often contradictory, fragmented, and wildly subjective. His work explores the hidden layers beneath everyday life, revealing beauty, fear, longing, and mystery in abstract and surreal ways. I admire his commitment to this artistic vision and his belief that film can communicate truths that exist beyond words.

What do you dislike about the world and what would you change?

What troubles me most about the world is how disconnected people have become from one another’s experiences. We live in a time when information is everywhere, yet genuine understanding can feel increasingly rare. People are reduced to labels, assumptions, or headlines now instead of being seen in their full humanity.

If I could change one thing, it would be our capacity for empathy. I believe many of the world’s divisions stem from an inability—or unwillingness—to listen to stories different from our own. Film has the power to bridge those divides. It invites us into someone else’s reality and reminds us that beneath our differences, many of our fears, hopes, and struggles are the same.


How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?

I imagine the technology of filmmaking will evolve in ways that we cannot yet imagine. Stories may become more immersive, interactive, and integrated into our everyday lives. Artificial intelligence, virtual production, and new forms of audience engagement will likely transform both how films are made and how they are experienced.

But I believe the essence of film will remain the same. As someone drawn to stories about trauma, resilience, and identity, I do not think technology can replace our need to see ourselves reflected in the lives of others. We will always search for stories that help us understand who we are, where we come from, and how we connect with one another.

The filmmakers who leave a lasting impact will be those who embrace new tools while remaining committed to emotional honesty and human truth. My hope is that despite ever-evolving technology, arthouse cinema will continue to thrive as a space for bold, personal storytelling—one that challenges us, inspires us, and preserves the magic of experiencing a film together.

What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

WILD FILMMAKER represents the kind of space that independent film needs. It celebrates artistic voices that are willing to take risks, challenge conventions, and explore deeply personal themes. In an industry often dominated by commercial pressures, it is refreshing to see a publication committed to championing filmmakers who view film as an art form and a vehicle for meaningful dialogue.

What I appreciate most is its commitment to building a global community of storytellers. Film has always been a way to connect people across cultures and experiences, and WILD FILMMAKER plays an important role in fostering those connections. It creates space for conversations about creativity, identity, and the evolving language of film, which is essential for the future of independent filmmakers.

-Who is Darrelle Radcliff?

I’m a writer, filmmaker, actor, model, and athlete based in California’s Central Coast. My writing credits include Shattered but Strong and Back in the Saddle on IMDb. In 2024, I created the short film Practice, a project where I served as director, writer, producer, editor, and performer. I was born with high‑functioning autism and several learning differences that shape how I move through the world. My perceptual reasoning falls in the borderline range, so visual information takes more effort for me to interpret and organize. My working memory is low‑average, which means multi‑step instructions or fast‑paced information can be draining. My processing speed is also in the borderline range, so I often need more time to take in and respond to what I see. I also have a speech impediment and a stutter. Even with all of that, I refuse to let these challenges define my limits. They’re part of my story — not the end of it. I’m committed to creating, performing, and pushing forward toward the dreams I know I’m capable of achieving. 

-Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?

I think I fell in love with cinema when I first learned that my maternal great‑grandfather had been an actor in the early Our Gang series (1922–1944). When the original shorts were sold for television syndication in 1955, the series was reintroduced to the world as The Little Rascals. Because Metro‑Goldwyn‑Mayer still owned the trademark for the name Our Gang, Hal Roach—the show’s creator—rebranded the package for TV audiences. As I grew older, I also learned how fragile that history was. Many of the early silent Our Gang films were lost forever in the catastrophic 1965 MGM vault fire. Vault 7 on Lot 3 in Culver City went up in flames, taking with it irreplaceable prints from the era when those child actors—my great‑grandfather among them—were just beginning their lives on screen. That connection to a vanished piece of film history is what first made cinema feel magical to me.

-Tell us about your project “From Shattered to Strong: A Long Way Forward”.

From Shattered to Strong: A Long Way Forward began as a silent screenplay—an assignment for my Writing for Electronic Media class at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo in the spring of 2023. I originally earned a C on that project, but I didn’t let that be the end of it. Since then, I’ve added dialogue, expanded scenes, and reshaped the story into something far more personal and meaningful to me. This screenplay is rooted in my own experiences with resilience, recovery, and the complicated journey that follows any life‑altering event. “Shattered” represents the breaking point—trauma, loss, betrayal, mental health struggles, or any moment when life feels fractured beyond repair. “Strong” reflects the rebuilding that follows—not pretending everything is fine, but becoming stronger because of what was endured. And “A Long Way Forward” captures what feels most honest to me: healing isn’t linear. It’s slow, imperfect, and full of setbacks and small victories. The themes that emerged—perseverance through pain, mental and emotional recovery, rediscovering purpose, transforming personal experience into art, and holding onto hope without sugarcoating the struggle—are all deeply tied to my own life. I wanted the title to feel universal. Even though the story follows one character, almost anyone can relate to the feeling of being broken and having to figure out how to move forward anyway. As a writer, my goal is to create human characters whose struggles feel real and relatable. I want audiences to see pieces of themselves in the moments of vulnerability, fracture, and growth. I’ve always been drawn to stories where strength and fragility coexist—where adversity shapes a person, but doesn’t define their limits. The themes I return to again and again come from lived experience: being underestimated, pushing through obstacles, and learning to find self‑worth in the aftermath of hardship. I’m especially inspired by the quiet, everyday moments where growth happens almost unnoticed. From Shattered to Strong: A Long Way Forward is my attempt to honor that journey—messy, painful, hopeful, and ongoing. 

-Which Director inspires you the most?

I can’t narrow my inspiration down to just one director, but a few stand out for very different reasons. The first is James Cameron. His work on Titanic has stayed with me ever since I saw it in the theater. Even though it wasn’t his personal life experience, the way he brought a real historical tragedy to life made me wonder whether any of my own ancestors might have been on that ship when it went down. His ability to blend epic storytelling with emotional truth is something I deeply admire. Another director on my list is Drew Kirsch, who co‑directed two Taylor Swift music videos. My admiration isn’t just because of the TSwift connection—it’s also because he attended Cuesta College from 2008 to 2011. Since I was at Cuesta from 2000 to 2025, I sometimes wonder if I ever walked past him on campus. Yes, I spent 25 years in college, but I’m proud to say I earned five degrees during that time. 

-What do you dislike about the world and what would you change?

One thing I dislike most about the world is the way people often look at and treat individuals with disabilities. There’s still a tendency to underestimate them, to make assumptions about what they can or cannot do, or to treat them as if they’re defined solely by their disability. That mindset has deep historical roots, especially in the entertainment industry. People with disabilities have been visible in entertainment since the 19th century, but not always in ways that honored their humanity. In the early days, they were displayed as spectacles in traveling circuses and dime museums—places that allowed them to earn a living, but at the cost of being treated as curiosities rather than people. Early silent films often used disabled individuals as visual gags, reducing them to punchlines instead of characters. After World War II, Hollywood began telling more stories about disability, but the roles were almost always played by able‑bodied actors. It wasn’t until the disability rights movement gained momentum that things started to shift. Organizations like the Media Access Office pushed for better representation, and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 helped open the door for more authentic portrayals. One moment that deeply moved me was Garth Brooks’ 1994 music video for “Standing Outside the Fire.” It featured a young man with Down syndrome who falls during a race but gets back up again. That image stayed with me because it showed resilience without pity—strength without stereotypes. What I want most is for people with disabilities to be treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else. I want the world to stop assuming limitations and start recognizing potential. And in the entertainment industry, I want to see real, lasting change. Authentic casting — ending the long‑standing pattern of able‑bodied actors playing disabled characters. Inclusive storytelling — creating roles where a character’s disability isn’t the entire plot, but simply part of who they are. Supporting disabled filmmakers — ensuring representation exists behind the camera, in writers’ rooms, in directing, and in executive leadership.

-How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?

I imagine cinema a century from now as a fully immersive, boundary‑breaking experience—one where storytelling surrounds, responds, and evolves with people, shaping itself in real time as we move through it. 

-What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

My impression of Wild Filmmaker is that it truly champions independent filmmakers and screenwriters who are shaping the next wave of global cinema. What stands out to me most is the industry exposure they provide—something that’s genuinely invaluable for a screenwriter. My work can be strong, but none of it matters unless producers, managers, agents, and directors actually know I exist. Sometimes all it takes is one person reading my script at the right moment to open a door. I also appreciate that they host networking events and industry co‑production opportunities. Through VIP Ignite Live, I learned just how essential networking is in entertainment. This industry runs on relationships; talent alone rarely opens every door. Personal connections get your work in front of the right producers, agents, and executives, helping you bypass crowded submission pipelines. The entertainment world operates on trust. A recommendation from a respected colleague carries enormous weight when people are hiring for cast, crew, or creative roles. Networking also keeps me plugged into industry trends, unadvertised opportunities, and what studios are looking to produce next. For me, that combination of visibility, connection, and access is exactly what makes Wild Filmmaker so compelling.

– Who is Anna Blackblum?

I’m Anna Blackblum, a Portuguese screenwriter currently based in Singapore. After years of keeping my stories to myself, I finally decided to bring them to life.

I naturally gravitated toward psychological and supernatural horror because I’ve always been fascinated by mystery, the occult, and what lies beyond what we can explain. My studies in criminology heavily influence my writing, allowing me to explore trauma, human behavior, and morality with a deeper edge. Today, I focus on creating atmospheric, emotionally driven thrillers and horror stories that connect ancient folklore with real human struggles.

– Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?

I don’t think there was one exact moment, but I vividly remember becoming completely obsessed with Carrie as a child (I must have watched it more than twenty times, usually when my parents weren’t home).

Also, my grandfather deeply loved cinema, and we used to go to the 3 p.m. matinees together whenever we could. Those moments felt magical, and I was fascinated by the entire experience, the darkness of the room, the silence before the screen lights up, and the feeling of entering another world. Around that same time, I also watched Audrey Rose starring Anthony Hopkins, who remains my favorite actor of all time. Together, those films truly shaped my imagination and deeply influenced the spiritual, emotional horror I am drawn to today.

– Tell us about your project “THE SHADOW VERSE”.

The Shadow Verse is a psychological supernatural horror screenplay inspired by the legends surrounding the Book of Saint Cyprian.

The story follows Catherine Thorne, a woman whose life is collapsing when she inherits a mysterious occult book connected to her bloodline. Desperate to change her fate, she begins performing rituals from the book until she breaks its only forbidden rule, unleashing an ancestral entity tied to her family for generations.

What makes the project unique is that it explores horror through Spiritist doctrine (Allan Kardec) and the folklore surrounding Saint Cyprian, themes that are still rarely explored in international horror cinema.

The story draws inspiration from European and Brazilian spiritual folklore rather than traditional demonology.

– Which Directors inspire you the most?

My favorite director is James Wan because his films completely capture your attention; they are filled with emotion, tension, and an atmosphere that keeps you tethered to the screen from beginning to end.

Another filmmaker who deeply inspires me is Mike Flanagan, because of the way he crafts mystery and suspense while keeping his stories profoundly emotional and human.

I am also inspired by Christopher Nolan for his psychological depth and complex storytelling structures. Films like Inception completely changed the way I look at dreams, imagination, and narrative form itself.

 – What do you dislike about the world and what would you change?

What troubles me most about the world is inequality, violence, corruption, war, and the lack of opportunities that many people face simply because of where they were born. Many of my stories explore these themes because I’m fascinated by the contrast between chaos and order, and by how different society could be if more countries genuinely invested in education, safety, and human potential. Living in Singapore also changed my perspective. Seeing how a country transformed itself into one of the safest and most developed societies in the world made me reflect on the incredible outcomes that are possible when there is long-term vision and investment in people.

– How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?

I think cinema will become far more immersive and technologically advanced, likely combining artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and interactive storytelling in ways we can barely conceive today. But despite all technological evolution, I believe the essence of cinema will remain the same: human emotion. People will always search for stories that make them feel fear, hope, grief, love, or wonder. Technology may change the way we experience cinema, but emotion will always remain its soul.

– What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

What draws me most to Wild Filmmaker is your dedication to the post-cinematographic era and your mission to champion independent, raw voices. In a landscape often dominated by mainstream commercial tropes, having a platform focused on true auteur cinema is invaluable.

Who is Lucy De Crescenzo?

I am an independent producer and distributor. I have always experienced cinema as an act of freedom, even before considering it a profession. I am drawn to stories that have the courage to move people or leave an open wound. I believe in a human kind of cinema, social in the deepest sense of the word, capable of creating genuine connections between people. My journey stems from an absolute passion for European auteur cinema and from the desire to build an independent space where films can exist without compromise.

How did the Europictures project come about?

Europictures was born from the desire to create a bridge between international auteur cinema and Italian audiences. At a time when the market was becoming increasingly homogenized, I felt the need to support films that may not have had major marketing campaigns, but possessed a strong and necessary identity. Europictures came to life this way: as an act of cultural resistance, but also as a gesture of love for independent European cinema and for discovering and supporting young talents.

What assessment can you make of your 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026?

It was a very strong Cannes, full of true cinema. I felt the return of courageous filmmakers and political films, works that were less designed to please and more necessary to make. For me, Cannes remains the place where independent cinema can still feel alive.
For us, it was also an important edition because “Butterfly Jam”, which opened the Quinzaine, was received very warmly by both critics and audiences. It is always moving to see such a powerful film manage to reach viewers on a visceral level.
“Garance”, the film we have in competition starring Adèle Exarchopoulos, also struck me deeply because it portrays a woman who is fragile yet at the same time incredibly strong, full of contradictions and truth. I believe she is one of the most beautiful female characters seen at Cannes this year.
And I was also very happy with the reception of “Roma Elastica” by Bertrand Mandico (Official Selection 79th Cannes Film Festival), which in some way recalls the very best of our cinema, the kind that is freer, melancholic, and poetic.

WILD FILMMAKER is a global community of Arthouse film producers, a movement inspired by the Nouvelle Vague but on a worldwide scale. Do you think it is still possible today for an independent movement to prevail over the distribution power of the major companies?

Yes, but only by remaining radically independent. The major companies have economic power, but independent cinema still possesses the power of vision. The Nouvelle Vague did not change cinema through money, but through artistic urgency and the desire to break the rules. I believe that today audiences are tired of homogenization and are in need of authenticity. An independent movement can still influence world cinema, but it must have courage, identity, and above all, freedom.

How do you choose a film to distribute? What qualities does it need to have?

I always choose instinctively. A film has to leave something with me, even unsettle me, if necessary. I’m not interested in perfection; I’m interested in truth, in emotion. Whenever I watch a film, I always ask myself: “Does this film truly need to be seen?” If the answer is yes, then for me it’s worth fighting to distribute it.

What don’t you like about the world, and what would you change?

I don’t like the superficiality with which people experience everything today. We live in an extremely fast-paced era, where people are afraid of depth, silence, and complexity. I would change the cynicism. And in cinema, I would change this obsession with algorithms and numbers. Art cannot be born solely from statistics. It needs risk, intuition, fragility, and freedom.

Who is María Valeria Pazos?

A human being who believes in the capacity of art to transform the way we relate to others and to our surroundings. I work through philosophy, sensory theatre, poetry, and visual universes, with the intention of creating atmospheres, dialogues, and reflections that open new imaginaries, question our forms of life, and reconnect us with tenderness, play, wonder, and
sensibility.

Tell us about your projects.

I am currently developing my doctoral research in philosophy of imagination, exploring the connections between imagination and the body — how the imaginaries we inhabit can be transformed, and how aesthetic pedagogies might allow us to imagine better futures. I am passionate about cinema and increasingly drawn to experimenting with AI as a means of storytelling. I am also about to self-publish a poetry book titled Jardín portátil (Portable Garden), developed over the past months in a workshop led by the artist and poet Rocío Cerón.

What do you like and what don’t you like about the world?

I love the circus, poetry, tenderness as a form of resistance, love, and compassion. I reject war, dictatorship, and the abuse of children.

Every artist has someone or something that inspired them. Where do you draw your creative drive from?

My deepest source of inspiration is dreams, along with the practice of categorizing atmospheres and observing the constant mixture between what I perceive, what I imagine, and what I remember. The other day, for instance, walking through my university, the way the stones were arranged in the space activated certain sensory memories of Japan, and suddenly my present
moment merged with Japan, generating a new and singular atmosphere. Everyday atmospheres inspire me in this way: what I have seen, smelled, or felt. I am also deeply inspired by artists such as the theatre director Daniele Finzi Pasca and the surrealists.

Many believe the actor’s profession risks being disrupted by new and revolutionary technologies like AI. What do you think about this?

I see AI less as a replacement for human creative practices and more as a poetic instrument capable of materializing images, atmospheres, and impossible visual relationships. Every technology throughout history has transformed artistic languages: photography transformed painting, cinema transformed storytelling, video transformed performance. AI opens another
threshold. What matters resides in intention, sensibility, symbolic depth, vision, ethics, and the human capacity to shape meaning. Presence, vulnerability, emotional resonance, embodied experience, intuition, and imagination continue to occupy a profound place within creation.

What impression do you have of WILD FILMMAKER?

I appreciate spaces that support independent voices, experimental visions, emerging cinematic languages, and personal forms of storytelling. Contemporary cinema grows through platforms like this one — spaces where experimentation, intimacy, risk, and singular perspectives continue to evolve.

-When you plan the realization of a film project, what are your objectives?

I always aim to explore social issues and convey meaningful messages without overwhelming the audience during the viewing experience. Regardless of the genre I work in — from comedy to drama — I believe classical storytelling should blend seamlessly with experimental elements.

-With Artificial Intelligence, cinema is undergoing a phase of transformation even more radical than the one that occurred in the 1920s with the transition from silent films to sound. What is your opinion on this?

Cinema has always been capable of reinventing itself, embracing technological evolution and making it part of its own language. In my view, artificial intelligence should primarily serve as a tool of support rather than replacing traditional cinema altogether. At the same time, in certain forms of storytelling, it can become an alternative to more classical techniques.

What remains essential, however, is the human element: without a deep understanding of cinematic rules and film language, it is impossible to create a meaningful AI-driven project from scratch. Human creativity, vision, and artistic sensitivity will therefore continue to be unique and fundamental in this new era of cinema.

-To which production or distribution company would you like to propose your new project? Give us a profile, including some examples.

I aim to present this project to a company that is open to innovation, one that has moved beyond outdated frameworks and does not exclude the intelligent use of AI. I don’t have a specific company in mind yet, but I am particularly interested in international production or distribution companies. In the United States and Asia, AI is rapidly gaining ground and becoming increasingly influential in the industry.

-WILD FILMMAKER can now “sit at the table with the big players” alongside The Hollywood Reporter and Variety during the Cannes Film Festival, but we have chosen to continue being a Global Cultural Movement with an ethical mission: to bring democracy into cinema, placing the Work of Art at the center of our project rather than Marketing.
Do you think we are doing a good job?

Throughout my career, I have taken part in several national and international festivals, as well as side events during the Venice Film Festival. I also participated in the Cannes 7 Art Awards 2025 section last year, with the award ceremony held at Marche Film during the Cannes Film Festival. Through these experiences, I have become familiar with various markets and international festival environments.

What Wild Filmmaker does is unique, as it offers a genuine exploration of the independent, experimental, and artistic landscape of both Italian and international cinema, presenting it in an accessible way with what is likely a distinctive style.

I’m not sure whether the right moment has come to move toward a more marketing-driven approach or to organize a physical event with marketing at its core. It is difficult to say. However, I don’t believe anything is impossible: if the same boldness used in this globally oriented, unconventional version were applied to a more traditional format, it could still make sense and remain original in its own right.

Who is Carol Dorn?

Carol Dorn is a filmmaker, writer, and director with a background in theatre and performance,
drawn to stories about identity, intimacy, memory, and transformation. My background began in
theatre and performance, which deeply shaped the way I approach cinema – deeply
actor-centered, emotionally precise, and visually expressive. I’m interested in what people hide
from the world and the quiet moments where truth slips through the cracks.
I’ve worked across many creative worlds over the years, but filmmaking became the place
where all of those disciplines finally converged into one language.

Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?

I think I fell in love with cinema long before I understood what directing was. Although I say that
and I watched my mom direct community theatre from as early as I can remember.
As a child, films didn’t simply entertain me—they transported me. I was fascinated by
atmosphere, by silence, by faces thinking. My mom was a huge influence because she would
take me to see films like “Blackboard Jungle” when I was 5 or “Barry Lyndon” when I was 13!
Later, European cinema especially affected me because it trusted the audience to feel rather
than be instructed.
At some point I realized film could function almost like music or memory. It could say things that
ordinary conversation cannot. That realization never left me. And I have to say my parents were
a big influence in that regard because we were raised with a much more European mindset.

Tell us about your project “Disclosure from a Cloakroom”.

Disclosure from a Cloakroom is a British feature film set between London and Sicily. At its heart,
it’s a story about grief, reinvention, longing, and the courage to become fully oneself later in life.
The film follows Rachel, a sophisticated restaurateur whose carefully controlled world begins to
unravel after an unexpected emotional connection forces her to confront buried truths about
identity, desire, and freedom.
Visually, I’ve often described the tone as “Helmut Newton in motion”, elegant, sensual,
restrained, but emotionally volcanic underneath the surface.
What matters most to me is that the film treats its characters with dignity and complexity. It is not
interested in clichés. It’s interested in humanity.

Which Director inspires you the most?

That’s almost impossible to answer with only one name.
Ingmar Bergman taught me emotional excavation.
Federico Fellini taught me cinematic courage and imagination.
Sally Potter taught me how to use “assumptions” and turn the story on its ear.
And directors like Jane Campion and Susanne Bier remind me that intimacy can be just as
powerful as spectacle.
I’m drawn to filmmakers who understand that cinema is not merely plot—it’s rhythm, psychology,
texture, silence, contradiction. And there are many brilliant filmmakers I know I’m unfairly leaving
out.

What do you dislike about the world and what would you change?

I think we are living in a time of increasing disconnection disguised as connection. People are
overstimulated but emotionally starving. I think that if we could get more audiences back to the
cinema for a shared experience that would be a powerful start. But that is only going to happen
if we make some big changes.
If I could change something, I would want more empathy in the world—real empathy, not
performance. More curiosity about one another. More art. More listening.
Art cannot solve everything, but it can remind people they are not alone. That matters
enormously.

How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?

Technology will change dramatically, of course. The tools will evolve in ways we can barely
imagine now.
But I believe the essential human need for storytelling will remain exactly the same. We will still
crave emotional truth, beauty, mystery, and connection.
Cinema may become more immersive, more interactive, perhaps even partially
experiential—but I suspect audiences will always return to stories that reveal something honest
about being human. I have some ideas about that and am developing them now.

What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

I think WILD FILMMAKER represents something very important in contemporary cinema culture.
It champions independent voices and arthouse filmmaking at a time when originality can
sometimes feel endangered. I’m incredibly grateful for that.
I appreciate publications that still value personal vision and cinematic identity rather than simply
chasing trends. Independent cinema survives because communities like this continue to support
artists who take creative risks.

-Who is Reyson Grumelli?

Reyson Grumelli is first and foremost a human being, with all its flaws, his insecurities, his beliefs, his ideas. And after all of that he is an actor and a singer.

-Tell us about your projects.

I am currently filming a new series, an experimental project we could call it, it’s about the life of people that live in my world, actors, producers, managers and so on. I’m really curious to see whether people will like it or not.

-What do you like and what don’t you like about the world?

I don’t like hypocrisy, I don’t like lack of values and I don’t like social media. I love nature and my dog.

-Every artist has someone or something that inspired them, where do you draw your creative drive from?

Everything has a possibility to inspire us, be it good or bad, I let music or other movies do most of the work for me. I love James Dean and I wouldn’t lie if I said that it’s been my main source of inspiration since I was a kid.

-Many believe the actor’s profession risks being disrupted by new and revolutionary technologies like AI. What do you think about this?

I am pretty scared by the thought of being replaced by an AI. But I even more at the thought that this AI might once become equal to us in the sense of how we feel emotions. I really hope art will find a way to live on in the next generations.

-What impression do you have of WILD FILMMAKER?

I love how it opened its pages to me, it gave me a way to express parts of my work that I rarely talk about and especially not in english. I think it’s a splendid magazine!