-Who is Catia Ott?

I am a documentary filmmaker.

I do documentaries mainly on cultural and creative subjects. I just finished a documentary called, MATERIA, portraying the work of artisans and designers in the city of Rome. I have a background in advertisement and lived in Paris and London.

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

Curiosity! I was always very curious of people’s lives. I observe people on the streets and on public transportation and I imagine what they do, how their house is decorated, who are their friends…

I chose to work with film because it uses photography, music, storytelling, animation, acting in an immersive way that catches people’s heart. I think that using film to describe the world is a powerful tool.

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

I think that cinema can create empathy on certain subjects. Talking about violence, war and chaos using film can have a certain impact on society.

But I also think that talking about ordinary things and ordinary people is very important because it shows the beauty existing in them. A filmmaker can show a point of view on things that are normally overlooked at. 

-What would you change in the world?

People should dance more and be more grateful for what they have!

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

The world will always need stories; whether they are told in film, books, photos or other medias.

Maybe in the future people will go less to the movie theater and watch more films on their computer. This does not mean that people will not go the see events such as film festivals or screenings. Maybe movie theaters must become more similar to cultural centers with events that make people meet and discuss.

Technology should add ways to enjoy films and the film industry will have to adapt especially in regards of distribution.