Tell us about your projects that have recently debuted on Prime Video.
Space and Materia are two documentaries now available on Prime Video Italia, and I am very happy about their release. Space is a series of portraits of architects, while Materia is a series of portraits of designers and artisans in Rome. Both projects are ways of describing the city through the creatives who live and work in it, but also an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and role of architecture and design in contemporary culture.
WILD FILMMAKER has believed in your talent since its foundation five years ago. What is your opinion about our journey so far?
For me, Wildfilmmaker is an open space without hierarchy or preconceptions, where creativity can truly flourish. I was supported from the beginning, and this helped me greatly with my motivation and energy to continue my creative journey. The community gives exposure to all genres of films and documentaries, and it deserves its success for these reasons.
Who has supported you in the distribution of your projects?
I have been very lucky to find a distributor, Saturnia Pictures with Marco Amelia, who is supporting my documentaries on platforms and channels both in Italy and abroad. I also think working on “niche” documentaries can be an advantage because screenings can take place in museums, cultural institutes, universities, and art schools. You can also organise events in art galleries and look for sponsors. This brings documentaries to new and different audiences. You really have to create your own audience because the competition is so fierce.
We know that you have recently returned behind the camera; can you reveal something about your new project?
Strati/Layers is a short documentary on the painter Ivan Mangov that will be part of his exhibition begining of September at Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence. I am also working on a docu-animation about the Polish Baroque painter Tadeusz Kuntze, who studied and worked in Rome in the tradition of the Grand Tour (when foreign artists came to Italy during the 17th–19th centuries). I am collaborating with Konik Studio, with Kasia Zimnoch and Pawel Kleszczewski, two very talented artists and animators based in Poland. Additionally, I am working on two historical biographies using interviews and archival material.
It is very important to collaborate with other creatives outside your comfort zone!
What is your opinion about the current period that Independent Cinema is going through?
Today there are so many opportunities thanks to new technologies, but what really matters is having an original point of view. You still need to nourish yourself with literature, painting, and personal experiences. Recently, I saw an excellent movie called Ciao Bambino (directed by Edgardo Pistone), and seeing films like that gives me a lot of hope. It’s important not to let negative energy get to you or lose motivation.
What are Catia Ott’s goals?
To be surprised by each project!
Prime video Italia link:
Spazio: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Spazio-Ritratti-di-Architetti/0KGHZPDEFITJI9X78R9K2HOY5K
Materia: https://www.primevideo.com/-/it/detail/0HXHCF6XTZBJSRLQZBUUO1PJZZ/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
