Were there circumstances in which you had to make difficult artistic choices or alter scenes/storylines due to factors such as accommodating individual needs/requests of actors and/or the crew, audience feedback, production limitations etc.?
In my experience, compromises are an inherent part of the creative process, regardless of the scale of the project. It’s both the beauty and the challenge of bringing an idea to life, watching it evolve as you collaborate with talented individuals and go through the rigorous process of filmmaking. While shooting In My Mother’s Skin, I made many compromises due to time constraints, particularly with our child actors. With only 16 shooting days, we had to work efficiently and make the most out of every minute. But I made it a point to ensure that every decision we made, including deleting and compromising certain scenes, was intentional and served the overall vision of the story. In the end, I believe that making the right compromises is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome.
What films and which filmmakers have been the most inspiring or influential to you and why?
Oh, this is a tough question because there are so many great films out there that have inspired me. But if I had to choose, I would say that Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and Kairo (2001) are the two films that really got me interested in this type of horror. What I love about these movies is that they don’t rely on jump scares to frighten the audience. Instead, they build tension and create an atmosphere of dread that stays with you long after the credits roll. When it comes to filmmakers, I would say that Michael Haneke and Kiyoshi Kurosawa are two directors that I really admire. I would love to pick their brains and learn more about their process for creating such consistently eerie and unsettling films.
How did film festivals, filmmaking competitions, fellowships, etc. play a role in your career?
I feel fortunate to have worked with such talented and collaborative producers who encourage me to realize my vision for each project. And I do believe that film festivals offer valuable opportunities to connect with other passionate and skilled individuals in the industry. Meeting people who share your passion and inspire you to create more films is one of the most rewarding aspects of attending festivals. And It’s exciting to think about possibly collaborating with these talented individuals in the future.
The pandemic has greatly affected the entertainment industry. How did it affect your side of things?
Fortunately, we were able to film In My Mother’s Skin last year (2022) when pandemic restrictions began to ease. However, almost all of our pre-production was conducted online, and I found that there is something missing in these virtual meetings. Perhaps it is because the rapport you build with your team is not tangible enough when you are just facing a computer screen. In-person meetings allow for the building of genuine relationships, the sharing of smiles, high-fives, and moments of celebration.
What were the monumental life lessons, mistakes, and things you’ve learned throughout your filmmaking career that you would like to share to aspiring or emerging filmmakers and/or creatives in general?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my filmmaking career is to listen to other ideas and be collaborative. While it’s essential to be open to other perspectives, it’s equally important to be strong and authoritative with your own voice and taste. I realized this when I was writing a draft for our film. It’s also crucial to be honest with yourself when you don’t know what to do and not be afraid to ask for help. Seeking input from others can help your story grow and lead to discovering even better ideas and worlds than you thought possible.
What do you think the future of filmmaking would look like? What kind of stories do you think will emerge and capture the attention of producers and executives?
We will see more personal films being released in the near future. As well as films that explore deeper societal issues. These films will be innovative and thought-provoking, yet still accessible and commercialized for audiences to enjoy. Filmmakers will continue pushing the boundaries and experimenting with different storytelling techniques, leading to more diverse and engaging content.
What’s your advice to aspiring filmmakers who want to break into the entertainment industry?
Just keep creating stories that you are passionate about and that you truly want to tell. Stay true to your artistic vision and style. And It’s important to enjoy the process and remember the purpose of why you started making films in the first place. Stay curious and open to learning, and surround yourself with a supportive community of other creatives who can offer feedback and support.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as a filmmaker?
At this moment, my focus is on the joy of storytelling and sharing the stories that I am passionate about. Legacy is something that can’t be forced, but it may come naturally as a byproduct of pursuing your passion and creating work that deeply resonates with you and your audience. But for now, my priority is to continue pursuing my passion for filmmaking and let the future take care of itself.
Do you have other upcoming projects you want to share with us?
We are currently developing a new project that delves into the theme of the generational gap between the older and newer generations. This film will be a unique blend of mystery, suspense, and ghost story, following the journey of a man who embarks on a quest to find his missing wife. The film will explore the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the challenges that arise from differing perspectives, while weaving in elements of the supernatural to create a haunting and unforgettable experience for the audience.
