
E1 • Let Your Light Shine • ROXY SHIH, dir. of 'Beacon' at the Tribeca Film Festival
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.
Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
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.
Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
Previous Episode

Past Present Feature, Hosted by Marcus Mizelle
Welcome to Past Present Feature, a filmmaker appreciation podcast showcasing new festival releases and the past films that inspired them.
As a filmmaker myself, I started this podcast to build community while talking shop, and to show love to past cinema that sparked a new wave of filmmakers to create the films of the future.
Let's roll it!
Marcus Mizelle
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Next Episode

E2 • The Power of Documentary • SANTIAGO MAZA, dir. of 'State of Silence' at Tribeca + Sheffield DocFest
Marcus speaks with Mexico City filmmaker Santiago Maza, who shares his insights on documentary filmmaking and his inspired appreciation for the doc "Collective". Santiago's latest film "State of Silence", Executive Produced by Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal, World Premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10th and is followed by Sheffield DocFest and Guadalajara International Film Festival June 13th.
"State of Silence" highlights the importance of independent journalism in Mexico. The film aims to raise awareness and create change by humanizing the journalists and their stories, who face violence and threats for reporting on issues such as corruption and cartel-related activities. The filmmakers discuss the challenges faced by journalists in their line of work and the power of documentaries to spark change.
Short Ends
Santiago Maza Stern discusses his love for documentary filmmaking and how he uses cinematic elements within the genre.
- 'State of Silence' is a documentary that highlights the importance of independent journalism in Mexico and is executive produced by Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal.
- Santiago emphasizes the significance of allowing stories to unfold naturally and capturing real-world moments in documentary filmmaking.
- He talks about the process of shaping an idea for a documentary and the importance of finding the right characters and story.
- Santiago shares his approach to structuring and editing documentaries, using index cards to organize scenes and create a cinematic experience.
- He discusses the power of observational filmmaking and the use of talking heads as a tool to add layers of information.
- Santiago draws inspiration from films like 'Collective' and aims to create documentaries that engage the audience and make them active participants in the story.
- The film 'State of Silence' was initially conceived as a series but was adapted into a feature documentary due to the political risks involved. The film 'State of Silence' highlights the importance of independent journalism in Mexico and the dangers faced by journalists who report on corruption and cartel-related activities.
- The filmmakers emphasize the power of documentaries to create change by humanizing the journalists and their stories, and by raising awareness about the issues they face.
- Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal‘s involvement in the project brings attention and support to the cause of independent journalism in Mexico.
- The filmmakers discuss the challenges faced by journalists, including violence, threats, and the need for greater support and protection from the government and society.
- The film aims to reach audiences in Mexico, the United States, and Europe, and the filmmakers are actively seeking distribution and partnerships to amplify its impact.
- Keeping things simple is almost always better, especially in filmmaking.
Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle - E1 • Let Your Light Shine • ROXY SHIH, dir. of 'Beacon' at the Tribeca Film Festival
Transcript
Marcus Mizelle (00:52)
In this conversation, I interview Roxy Shih about her journey in the film industry and her latest film 'Beacon'.
Marcus Mizelle (00:57)
which is world premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8th at the Village East.
Marcus Mizelle (01:02)
We discussed the challenges of being a filmmaker in the current Hollywood landscape, the importance of creative storytelling, and the impact of personal experiences on
Roxy shares her passion for intimate stori
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