Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
Marcus Mizelle
Past Present Feature is a film appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director Marcus Mizelle, showcasing today’s filmmakers, their latest release, and the past cinema that inspired them.
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Top 10 Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
E30 • Creating Controversial Characters • ERIK POPPE, dir. of ‘Quisling - The Final Days’ at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
11/12/24 • 47 min
In this conversation, Erik Poppe - the director of “Quisling - The Final Days”, which just premiered at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival, discusses his journey from photojournalism to filmmaking, emphasizing the role of art in raising questions and engaging audiences.
He reflects on his influences, including Francois Truffaut’s 1970 film ‘The Wild Child”, the importance of personal narratives, and the challenges of portraying controversial characters - how creating empathy for these characters can be challenging yet rewarding.
Erik also shares his insights on his filmmaking process, the significance of preparation for film festivals, and how art's primary role is to provoke thought and discussion - through simplicity and truthfulness.
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E8 • Keeping It Real • PAVEL G. VESNAKOV, dir. of 'Windless' at the Karlovy Vary Int. Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
07/02/24 • 48 min
Pavel speaks on the challenges of making films in Bulgaria and the impact of working in the TV industry, the importance of realism in his films, and how his perspective has evolved over the years. We discuss the influence of the Romanian New Wave on his filmmaking style, the importance of capturing the mundane and authentic aspects of human existence, and the challenges of distributing and finding an audience for art films. We also touch on the use of specific techniques in 'Windless', such as the one-to-one aspect ratio and the incorporation of home video footage.
Vesnakov shares his thoughts on the themes of memory, time, and identity, and his desire to create movies that allow viewers to reflect on their own lives and existence. He also mentions his upcoming project, 'Deconstruction', which explores the concept of going back in time.
Short Ends
- Pavel G. Vesnakov is excited about the world premiere of his film 'Windless' at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
- He discusses the challenges of making films in Bulgaria, including limited funding and a small cinema industry.
- Pavel shares his early influences, including the films 'Taste of Cherry' by Abbas Kiarostami and '3 Iron' by Kim Ki-Duk, which inspired him to pursue filmmaking.
- Working in the TV industry helped him overcome shyness and develop a better understanding of what he wants to achieve as a director.
- He emphasizes the importance of realism in his films and the impact of capturing authentic moments on screen.
- The Romanian New Wave has influenced Vesnakov's filmmaking style
- Art films face challenges in distribution and finding an audience
- Memory, time, and identity are recurring themes in Vesnakov's work
- Creating movies that allow viewers to reflect on their own lives and existence
- Vesnakov's upcoming project, 'Deconstruction', explores the concept of going back in time
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E9 • The Passage of Time • BRUNO ANKOVIĆ, dir. of ‘Celebration’ at the Karlovy Vary Int. Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
07/08/24 • 53 min
On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bruno Anković about his new film ‘Celebration’, which premiered at this years Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Crystal Globe competition. We dive into the themes and storytelling techniques used in ‘Celebration’, which explores the cyclical nature of history and the challenges of portraying the passage of time through different actors.
We also discuss Bruno’s cinema influences, including Michael Haneke’s ‘The White Ribbon’ (2009) and Jim Sheridan’s ‘The Field’ (1990). Other past inspiration includes the Croatian films ‘Handcuffs’ (Croatian title - “Lisice”), dir. Krsto Papić (1969) and ‘The Birch Tree’ (Croatian title - “Breza”), dir. Antę Babaja (1967).
The discussion also provides insights into Bruno’s creative process and the connection between personal experiences and artistic expression. It explores the challenges of making a film that tackles sensitive topics and the importance of creating dialogue and understanding. Bruno discusses the political and social context of the Balkans region and the ongoing tensions that exist. His film ‘Celebration’ aims to shed light on why young people can be drawn to extreme ideologies, and the impact of poverty and lack of education.
Short Ends
- The current cinema landscape is influenced by past films and filmmakers like Michael Haneke and Jim Sheridan, and it is important to appreciate and learn from their work.
- The passage of time can be effectively portrayed through storytelling techniques such as nonlinear narratives and the use of different actors to represent different stages of a character's life.
- Filmmaking is a powerful medium for exploring historical and social themes, and it allows for a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of history.
- Personal experiences and cultural backgrounds can shape the creative process and influence the themes and storytelling choices in a film.
- Filmmaking can be a powerful tool for addressing sensitive topics and creating dialogue and understanding.
- The Balkans region continues to face political and social tensions, and the film ‘Celebration’ aims to shed light on these issues.
- The film explores the reasons why young people can be drawn to extreme ideologies, highlighting the impact of poverty and lack of education.
- Film festivals play a crucial role in promoting and distributing independent films, and sales agents are important in navigating the industry.
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E1 • Let Your Light Shine • ROXY SHIH, dir. of 'Beacon' at the Tribeca Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
05/14/24 • 48 min
Marcus Mizelle interviews Los Angeles-based filmmaker Roxy Shih about her journey in the film industry, what past films most inspired her ("The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", "The Shining"), and her latest film "Beacon" ahead of its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
They discuss the challenges of being a filmmaker in the current Hollywood landscape, the importance of creative storytelling, and the impact of personal experiences on filmmaking. Roxy shares her passion for intimate stories and the need for more diverse representation in the industry. They also touch on the power of podcasting as a form of therapy and connection. Overall, the conversation explores themes of identity, creativity, and the human experience.
Short Ends
- The current Hollywood landscape can be discouraging for filmmakers, with a focus on IP fatigue and a lack of investment in creative and diverse stories.
- Filmmakers should prioritize making what they are passionate about, as it often pays off more than trying to cater to what they think others want to see.
- Podcasting can be a therapeutic and vulnerable space for self-expression and connection.
- Sociology and the study of human behavior can provide valuable insights and inspiration for filmmakers.
- Genre films can be a powerful way to explore and confront real-life fears and anxieties.
- Director Roxy Shih, discusses the inspiration behind the film and the process of casting and working with the actors.
- The production faced challenges such as extreme weather conditions and a tight shooting schedule.
- Being resourceful and having the right team are crucial in overcoming challenges during film production. Producing your own work gives you an understanding of the challenges and helps you appreciate the role of producers.
- Balancing creative vision with commercial appeal is important for a sustainable career in filmmaking.
- Marketing plays a crucial role in getting films seen and finding success.
- Well-made films can gain popularity over time, even with limited marketing.
- Tideline is a production company that supports innovative storytellers.
- Roxy Shih expresses her desire to remake Mulan and explores the theme of mother-daughter relationships in her work.
- Letting your light shine and de-centering yourself as an artist can lead to creative freedom and alignment with like-minded individuals.
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E10 • Sharpening a Film Into Success • NELICIA LOW, dir. of ‘Pierce’ - BEST DIRECTOR Winner at the Karlovy Vary Int. Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
07/11/24 • 74 min
The conversation highlights the value of editing and music in her film, her directing choices including casting and working with her actors, and the creative solutions used to overcome production challenges. She also speaks on the collaboration with her director of photography and the visual choices they made to create a sense of surrealism and connection between the characters.
The conversation delves into the personal inspiration behind the film and the autobiographical elements that influenced the story. Financing and distribution (Magnolia Pictures) are also discussed, highlighting the challenges and support systems necessary for today’s independent filmmakers.
Short Ends
- Filmmaking is a personal and challenging journey that requires dedication and perseverance.
- The value of editing and the role it plays in shaping a film cannot be underestimated.
- Music is an important element in film and can enhance the emotional impact of a scene.
- Love is a complex and ever-evolving concept that can be explored through storytelling.
- Cinematography and directing choices can greatly contribute to the overall impact and aesthetic of a film.
- Overcoming production challenges requires creativity and resourcefulness. Using existing locations and incorporating real-life elements can add authenticity to a film.
- Collaboration between the director and director of photography is crucial in creating the desired visual style and atmosphere.
- Personal experiences and emotions can serve as powerful inspiration for storytelling.
- Financing a film can be challenging, but seeking grants and international funding opportunities can help.
- Having a strong support system is essential for navigating the difficulties and uncertainties of the filmmaking process.
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E23 • Documentary as Profound Poetry • PETER KEREKES, dir. of ‘Wishing On A Star’ at the Venice + Toronto Int. Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
09/24/24 • 40 min
In this conversation, Peter Kerekes, Slovakian director of the Venice-bound documentary ‘Wishing On a Star’, shares valuable insights and inspirations, including Ulrich Seidl’s ‘Losses to Be Expected’ and Italian comedies from the 1970s.
Peter shares his journey into poetic documentary filmmaking, the influence of his filmmaker father's experiences, the importance of humor in his films, and the process of developing and editing documentaries.
He emphasizes the significance of character development, the impact of travel on personal transformation, the role of teaching in shaping future filmmakers, and the future of documentaries.
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E27 • Navigating Cultural Sensitivity Through Magical Realism • JASON JACOBS & DEVON DELMAR, dirs. of ‘Carissa’, Best Film Nom at the Venice Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
10/22/24 • 29 min
Today’s episode features Devon Delmar, Jason Jacobs, and their feature film, “Carissa”, which just enjoyed its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and was nominated for the Venice Horizon’s Award for Best Film. They are also joined by Producer Deidré Jantjies. Past inspirations include Benh Zeitlin’s ’Beasts of the Southern Wild’.
The conversation delves into themes of community, cultural representation, and the challenges of storytelling on a tight budget. The filmmakers discuss their collaboration and process of crafting character arcs that reflect relatable struggles, all while navigating the complexities of cultural sensitivity. They reflect on the impact of their choices and the significance of casting non-actors to enhance realism.
The discussion also touches on their unique editing process, the emotional connections that drive their storytelling, and how magical realism allows for deeper exploration of themes.
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E7 • Living The Dream • ANJA KREIS, dir. of 'The Alienated' at the Karlovy Vary Int. Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
06/25/24 • 52 min
On this week's episode, Marcus speaks with Russian filmmaker Anja Kreis, who shares her perspectives on Russia, the global allure of Hollywood, and the process of making her latest film 'The Alienated', which is World premiering at Karlovy Vary on July 2nd.
With its themes of mortality, dreams, and sisterhood, 'The Alienated' draws inspiration from David Lynch's 'Mulholland Drive'. She also shares her childhood fascination with Brazilian and Argentinian telenovelas, being drawn to the simple human relationships and dramatic themes portrayed in these series. They discuss the effectiveness of simple human stories, and Marcus compares her own dream as a filmmaker to Naomi Watts' character in 'Mulholland Drive'.
Anja also discusses her journey from studying German language and literature to pursuing a career in filmmaking. She talks about the challenges of getting a second education in Russia, and the differences between German and Russian film cultures, highlighting the emphasis on personal stories and authenticity. She talks about the Russian filmmakers who have inspired her the most and the frustration of receiving negative feedback from distributors. Anja expresses her desire to have her films seen by large audiences, and the importance of mental health while pursuing a career in filmmaking.
Short Ends
- Russia and America share similarities, and Hollywood has a global allure.
- Filmmaking can be a challenging and rewarding process, especially with limited resources.
- Film festivals provide opportunities for recognition and networking.
- Personal experiences and themes of mortality often influence filmmakers' work.
- David Lynch's films, like 'Mulholland Drive', can inspire and influence other filmmakers. Childhood fascinations can shape our dreams and aspirations.
- Simple human relationships and dramatic themes can be effective in storytelling.
- The film industry can be challenging to navigate, with corruption and limited opportunities.
- German filmmaking culture emphasizes personal stories and authenticity.
- Distribution can be a frustrating and complex process for filmmakers.
- Mental health is important in pursuing a career in filmmaking.
- Sticking to one's artistic vision is crucial, even in the face of criticism.
- Connecting with other filmmakers and sharing experiences can be inspiring and valuable.
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E12 • The Importance of Not Knowing • PAOLO TIZÓN , dir. of ‘Night Has Come’, Special Jury Award + FIPRESCI Winner at KVIFF
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
07/18/24 • 44 min
We discuss cinematic techniques used in documentaries, the importance of not knowing and being open to surprises while filming - how to listen to the material, editing and structuring a documentary, and the personal motivations behind making his film. We also touch on the connection between music and cinema, the importance of taking breaks during editing, and the value of test screenings.
Paolo discusses the stress and excitement of delivering and premiering ‘Night Has Come’, and shares his strong love for the medium of film.
Short Ends
- Getting into film festivals can exceed expectations and open doors to bigger opportunities.
- Using cinematic techniques in documentaries can create a more engaging and immersive experience for the audience.
- Not knowing and being open to surprises while filming is an important part of documentary filmmaking.
- Editing and structuring a documentary can be a challenging task, but it is crucial to listen to the material and let it guide the process.
- Personal motivations and curiosity can drive the creation of a documentary film.
- There is a strong connection between music and cinema, and pairing music with images can enhance the storytelling. Taking breaks during the editing process allows for fresh eyes and new perspectives.
- Test screenings are crucial for understanding audience reactions and making necessary changes.
- Directing and shooting the film as a cinematographer can create a unique and personal connection to the material.
- Delivering a film can be a stressful and often overlooked aspect of the filmmaking process.
- Premiering a film at a festival is a mix of excitement and pressure to make the most of the experience.
- Drawing inspiration from other films can inform and shape the creative choices in a documentary.
- The filmmaker's next project involves experimenting with fiction and challenging themselves with different formats and cameras.
- Filmmaking is a deeply engaging and fulfilling art form that allows for personal growth and connection with others.
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E5 • Trust The Silence • JEAN-COSME DELALOYE, dir. of 'Desire: The Carl Craig Story' at the Tribeca Film Festival
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
06/11/24 • 42 min
In this week’s episode, we have Swedish-born, Brooklyn-based Jean-Cosme Delaloye, who shares his early days as a reporter and his transition into documentary filmmaking, having been inspired by the 2016 film ‘Tempestad’ and most recently, Oscar-winning short doc ‘The Last Repair Shop’. He talks about how his experiences covering sad stories led him to find refuge in techno music, which inspired his latest film 'Desire: The Carl Craig Story’, which is World Premiering on June 12th with the Tribeca Film Festival, at the Indeed Theater.
Jean-Cosme breaks down his approach to storytelling, focusing on the emotional impact rather than just delivering information. He also highlights the importance of collaboration with his director of photography and editor, the role of the director in maintaining objectivity, how documentary filmmaking requires patience, generosity, and building trust with subjects, and how taking the time to listen and allowing the story to unfold naturally can lead to powerful moments.
Short Ends
- Jean-Cosme's journey as a filmmaker started from his days as a reporter, covering sad stories that inspired him to find refuge in techno music.
- His latest film 'Desire' explores the emotional impact of Detroit techno music through the story of DJ Carl Craig.
- Jean-Cosme focuses on the emotional aspects of storytelling, aiming to make the audience feel the music rather than just delivering information.
- The structure of 'Desire' follows a pre-party, party, and after-party format, reflecting the ups and downs of Carl Craig's career.
- Collaboration with a director of photography and editor is crucial in shaping the film and creating a cohesive narrative. Good editing can transform a film and give it a different meaning and pacing.
- Directors should not be too precious and should be open to feedback and guidance from editors.
- Maintaining objectivity as a director and being able to separate oneself from the film is important.
- Premiering at film festivals can be a rewarding experience and a validation of one's work.
- Distribution can be challenging for independent filmmakers, but having experienced producers can be helpful.
- Documentary filmmaking requires patience, generosity, and building trust with subjects.
- Taking the time to listen and allowing the story to unfold naturally can lead to powerful moments in filmmaking.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle have?
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle currently has 31 episodes available.
What topics does Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle cover?
The podcast is about Film, Film Interviews, Filmmaker, Podcasts, Film School and Tv & Film.
What is the most popular episode on Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle?
The episode title 'E2 • The Power of Documentary • SANTIAGO MAZA, dir. of 'State of Silence' at Tribeca + Sheffield DocFest' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle?
The average episode length on Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle is 44 minutes.
How often are episodes of Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle released?
Episodes of Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle?
The first episode of Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle was released on May 14, 2024.
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