Tag Archives: Film

Chasing Jupiter with April Liu

October 2, 2025 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Film is a medium which allows us to share an experience. This might take place at any point in time and with any set of circumstances but at its essence, film is about a unified sharing of an experience. There is no closer relationship in this process of filmmaking than that of director and editor. The ability of an audience to perceive the emotional intent of a story resides in this collaboration. Director Linjie Huang refers to editor April Liu, with whom she collaborated on the film Chasing Jupiter, as truly extraordinary in her abilities declaring, “April has a gift for shaping stories with heart and intention. She doesn’t just cut images together—she reveals layers of emotion and meaning that deepen the audience’s experience. She approaches editing with empathy, patience, and a strong sense of intuition, which makes every project with her feel alive and deeply resonant. April brings out the best in the films she touches, and I feel fortunate to have partnered with her.” There’s an abundance of evidence which confirms this in Chasing Jupiter. Though it might be the simple story of a woman and her dog, this film reminds us that a commitment of love can be too often taken for granted in today’s world. This story prompts us to be the better version of ourselves.

Tara (actress Flora Hwang), one of the film’s two main characters, is a proxy for the audience. She is hyper-focused on astrophotography to a point that borders on obsession. The fixation she has is communicated through tight cuts of hands adjusting knobs, the scratching of pencil on paper, and the sound of her breath. This editing tactic establishes a sense of anxious anticipation. While her drive might be admirable, Tara’s tunnel vision implies that she is perhaps more concerned with the process than the beauty of what surrounds her with a myopic perspective. The catalyst for the unravelling of Tara’s plan is found in the vehicle of her dog Cosmo who knocks over her tripod. Cosmo is eager and happy while Tara is visibly unhappy and frustrated with the situation. Comedy and tension are siblings in this moment, with jump cuts between Tara’s face and the toppling tripod establishing a sense of slapstick comedy. As this escalates, Tara breaks down into tears while the camera lingers on her. Her despondency is unvarnished as she sits amidst the destruction. In the most endearing moment of this story, Tara appears to have the revelation that life and the world are to some extent out of our control, revealing the importance of recognizing the love that is offered freely to us. As she strokes Cosmo’s fur, she lifts her camera up to begin once again, but with a more enlightened approach. The juxtaposition of the cosmic and the personal are potent in this scene. Tara’s newfound acceptance that life’s beauty lies in shared imperfection speaks profoundly.

Only in contemplating “what could have been” with Chasing Jupiter can one come to an understanding of how exceptionally skilled Ms. Liu’s editing actually is. “A woman’s photography is interrupted by her dog”, this single sentence might generalize the plot of the film but it communicates no sense of emotional depth. Through discussions with Linjie Huang and her own perception of the footage captured, April has sculpted the type of cathartic journey that borders on spiritual in its message. The skill of any great artist lies not in spectacle but in the ability to reach into different people from different walks of life and remind them of the humanity that we all share in our emotions. Chasing Jupiter may only be a story about a woman and her dog but the manner in which it is told makes it a primer for how to be a human being who lives for the present and appreciates the good things rather than focusing on impediments. What April Liu’s editing has achieved in this capacity is astounding. Audiences and filmmakers alike agree with this as Chasing Jupiter received the Grand Prize at the prestigious Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (an Oscar and BAFTA qualifying film festival) in addition to being an official selection of numerous others including Dances With Films and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival.

Uncategorized

Actress Suzanne Gullabovska talks about her upcoming films and living her dream

September 29, 2025 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Australia has long been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, producing iconic actors who have left an indelible mark on cinema worldwide. Among these remarkable individuals is Suzanne Gullabovska, a rising star set to make her mark in Hollywood with two exciting upcoming feature films. While she has already garnered acclaim in her homeland, Suzanne is quickly becoming a name to watch on the international stage.

Having shared the screen with Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and SAG Award winner Hugo Weaving in the acclaimed miniseries Bordertown, Suzanne’s impressive body of work reflects her undeniable talent. Her early experiences in lead roles in classic plays by Shakespeare and Chekhov paved the way for her transition to film, where her charisma and skill have truly shone.

Her journey into feature films began with a standout performance in Katusha, where she portrayed Maria Medun, a schoolteacher turned soldier during World War II. Suzanne brought a profound sense of vulnerability to the role, capturing the essence of a woman who joins the army to find her husband and ultimately faces the harsh realities of war. Critics and audiences alike were captivated by her magnetic and emotionally charged performance, which paid homage to the bravery of real soldiers.

In stark contrast, Suzanne showcased her versatility in the comedy film Death in the Afternoon. As Grace, the lead character who maintains her poise amid escalating tensions at a funeral, Suzanne demonstrated her ability to balance humor and grace. The film’s recognition as an Official Selection at prestigious festivals such as the South African International Film Festival and the Ireland International Film Festival helped introduce her to a broader audience.

Looking ahead, Suzanne is poised to take center stage in two highly anticipated feature films. Currently in pre-production, Hemispheres will see her in the lead role of Genevieve, a character crafted specifically for her extraordinary talent. The film is described as a romantic time travel tale about a ballet dancer who relocates from Australia to Los Angeles in search of a fresh start. Suzanne shares her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m a romantic at heart and am looking forward to bringing the role of Genevieve to life in this wonderful and original story that celebrates the beauty of love transcending time. I also love that I get to play a ballet dancer, having studied ballet for many years when I was much younger.”

In addition to Hemispheres, Suzanne will also star as Freya in Oil of Freya, a gripping drama/thriller that promises to showcase her range as an actress. Reflecting on her journey to Hollywood, Suzanne expresses her gratitude and excitement: “Moving to Hollywood to pursue acting has always been my dream. I have always known that I want to be an actress and grew up enchanted by classic films like Rear Window starring Grace Kelly, among many others. I believe movies possess a kind of magic, the ability to evoke wonder, and as an actress, I love the opportunity to create that for others.”

With her impressive talent and diverse roles, Suzanne Gullabovska is a name to watch in the world of film. As she embarks on this exciting chapter of her career.

Actress

The Star Power Behind “Flunk”: Meet Emily Mutimer

April 12, 2025 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

A truly exceptional actor is distinguished by their ability to immerse themselves completely in character arcs, turning personal experiences into layered performances that strike a chord with audiences worldwide. Australian actress Emily Mutimer is recognised for her grounded approach to character development, taking on roles that explore emotional depth and complex personal dynamics.

“I pick roles that have meaning to them and I find parts of myself in each role,” Mutimer shares. “I empathise with the characters I read, and become excited to tell the story using what I know and collaborating with all different types of creators, writers and directors.”

One standout role in particular was Mutimer’s compelling portrayal of Astrid in the groundbreaking award-winning drama “Flunk,” an Australian series that explores the lives of LGBTQ+ high school students. The critically acclaimed series, which can be streamed via global giants Amazon, Tubi and Vimeo, became a milestone in queer representation, resonating with viewers and providing an honest, heartfelt look into modern high school relationships.

Mutimer’s unwavering talent shone through during her 2019 chemistry read, leaving a lasting impression on “Flunk” writer, producer, and director Ric Forster (“Lost & Found You,” “The Summer Before Forever”). Her audition perfectly captured the essence of Astrid, a fundamental character who is both deeply emotional and strategically insightful. Forster quickly recognised Mutimer’s rare ability to portray the character’s emotional range, casting her in a pivotal role that would put her on the map as an actress.

“Astrid and myself are both similar in the way that we share empathy for other people,” explains Mutimer. “I love being able to live this out in a character, it feels very freeing to play someone who knows this about herself and isn’t caught up in things that don’t serve her.”

Mutimer’s skillful depiction brought Astrid’s intricate inner world to life, elevating her as a central figure whose journey from heartbreak to self-assurance unfolds over the course of the series.

Madeline Sunshine (left) and Emily Mutimer (right) in season 5 of “Flunk”

Emily Mutimer (left) and Holly Monks (right) on set of “Flunk” Season 5

After nailing Astrid’s introduction in season 3, Mutimer flawlessly transforms her into a key character who provides emotional support to her friends while navigating her own changing relationships. By season 5, Astrid’s personal growth is remarkable—emerging from the depths of heartbreak to a place of confident self-acceptance.

“Playing a character over three years has been more of a rewarding than a challenging experience. My own mental barrier and ideas were challenging me, but over the course of time I realised the character also grows and changes which was fun to play with,” Mutimer explains. “I found myself being able to drop into the character easier, it made me take more risks with Astrid which felt freeing and fun to explore.”

Riding on its immense popularity, the award-winning “Flunk” franchise expanded into six feature-length film spin-offs, including “Flunk: After School” (2022) and “The Sleepover” (2021), with the latter gaining significant recognition in Tubi’s top-ten LGBTQ films in 2023.

The feature films provided Mutimer the opportunity to further explore Astrid’s identity, driving her character evolution and placing her personal growth at the forefront. Through these projects, Mutimer not only shaped Astrid’s range, but also nurtured her artistic confidence and honed her professional skills as an actress—qualities that clearly distinguish her from others.

Emily Mutimer (left) and Liv Rian (right) in the Flunk film “The Sleepover”

“Playing Astrid has helped me gain confidence as an actress. I’ve been able to bring new ideas to my character and sustain the longevity of it,” shares Mutimer. “It’s taught me a lot about being on set and what it means to work hard and be prepared.. it’s given me permission to take a risk or make a choice and be confident in that choice.”

With its raw take on relationships, the fan-favourite “Flunk” franchise resonates deeply with audiences across the globe, including in the USA, Brazil, Europe, and South Africa, creating moments that feel like reflections of their own lives. Mutimer’s magnetic performance as Astrid has not only fueled this connection, but continues to draw fans in episode after episode.

The long-running series also sparked a passionate fandom, inspiring fan art, re-edited videos, and Tumblr communities centered around the show, with Astrid at the heart of this engagement highlighting the strong emotional bond viewers share with the beloved queer characters.

Since its debut in 2018, “Flunk” has become a major cultural milestone, racking up an impressive 200 million views on its official YouTube channel. With its massive reach, the series has set a new benchmark for LGBTQ+ storytelling, showcasing the creative potential of online narratives aimed at younger queer audiences.

“The story isn’t necessarily about people coming out and needing to feel accepted, it’s in a world where everybody is accepted for who they are, and being a lesbian is not a defining factor at all, which is something I love about the series,” says Mutimer. ” I think it’s important to share these stories because it allows audience members to feel comfortable and confident about who they are regardless of how they sexually identify.”

In an open conversation with Australian media platform FilmInk, “Flunk” executive producer Melanie Rowland (“Significant Others”) offered a candid glimpse into the series’ creative journey, sharing: “There’s a huge fanbase for ‘Flunk’ in the US, as well as the UK, Asia and South America. It’s been amazing to see our series, produced by a small team in Melbourne, gain so much traction across the globe. We’re thrilled that the show will now reach an even bigger audience in Europe”.

When asked about working with Mutimer on “Flunk,” Rowland adds: “Emily’s talent is evident in her strong work ethic and dedication to her craft. She effectively interprets and conveys complex emotions, consistently delivering high-quality performances.”

Mutimer’s remarkable talent as an actress lies in her ability to fully embody each character, bringing them to life with richness and authenticity. Her tremendous success as Astrid has propelled her to stardom, positioning Mutimer as a leading talent in several upcoming roles, including the series “Queens of the Desert” alongside Sonia Rockwell, best known for her role in the 2022 Emmy-Award winning series “Pam & Tommy.”

Drawing upon her own experiences, Emily Mutimer crafts performances that feel real and compelling, creating moments that linger in viewers’ minds long after the final credits roll. With her undeniable acting prowess, there’s absolutely no doubt she will continue to captivate audiences worldwide in the years to come.

Film Editors

Video Editor Camila Mejía Duque’s Powerful Representation of Queer Films in Media

July 2, 2021 Lorraine Wilder 2 Comments

In a society that maintains a cultural taboo around queer identity and expression, video editor Camila Mejía Duque has chosen to use her platform as an influential filmmaker to create purposeful stories that accurately portray and represent the LGBTQ+ community. Her main objective when working on a film is to tell stories that convey who these people are beyond their sexual orientation—a detail that filmmakers and audiences alike tend to fixate on.

When editing a film, Mejía Duque’s ability to highlight the subtle undertones of a scene helps her bring the director’s vision to life in a way that feels nuanced and true to life.

Video editor Camila Mejía Duque – Photography by Daniela Gerdes

Over the years Mejía Duque has worked on several award-winning films, such as the 2017 drama “Fragile,” which won Best Indie Film at the 2018 Los Angeles Film Awards, and “The Fat One,” which was an Official Finalist at the 2017 Los Angeles CineFest. Her outstanding work on 2018’s “’64 Koufax” won the Best Editing and Best Film Awards at the 2018 Milledgeville Film Festival and the Best Short Film Award at the Barcelona Planet Festival in 2018, among numerous other awards.

Through her current position with content distribution company Digital Media Rights, Mejía Duque was recruited in 2019 as video editor for QTTV; a digital platform offering an array of cinematic perspectives for the LGBTQ+ community. QTTV’s cutting-edge films explore sensual themes and rousing coming-of-age stories, and are available for streaming via Amazon Prime Video, Samsung TV Plus and Yuyu TV.

“Camila understands what the audience wants and what the team’s goals are very quickly,” says Deli Xu, Director of Digital Media Rights. “Her creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication are qualities hard to find combined in one person, and the value she adds to our team is tremendous.”

With an audience of close to 400,000, QTTV tapped Mejía Duque’s editing expertise to entice their subscribers to stream more of their full-length feature films with seductive previews. Mejía Duque’s tantalizing edits strike a balance between sensual and engaging, showcasing the emotional depth of the films without sacrificing the integrity of the full story.

“I prioritize message over everything, and in an industry that sometimes focuses more on aesthetics, I feel that separates me from other editors,” says Mejía Duque. “I obviously want things to look good, but I will always sacrifice an aesthetically pleasing shot for a stronger performance, or for something that has more meaning.”

QTTV’s 2020 film “Godless” uncovers the sexual tensions and layered emotions between two step brothers, but due to the filial aspect of their connection, their feelings are less than ideal. Given that Mejía Duque’s target audience is mainly homosexual men, she curated an arousing edit which explores the sensitivity of the topic, while providing a sense of appropriation for her viewers.

“I always want to make the film attractive and appealing to viewers,” Mejía Duque explains. “I really wanted to showcase the fact that there’s nothing ‘perverted’ about the relationship.”

Mejía Duque’s strength in capturing the emotional and sexual chemistry between the characters, whilst remaining authentic to the script was the foundation that led to the clip garnering over 4.2 million views on YouTube. “Godless” was also an Official Selection at the 2020 Flickes Rhode Island International Film Festival, and was awarded Festival Favorite at Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in 2020.

Behind the scenes with Camila Mejía Duque – Photography by Daniela Gerdes

The way Mejía Duque manipulates the rhythm within her videos leads viewers to form an emotional attachment with the storyline. Her diligence in filtering through endless hours of raw footage to find those magical character-defining shots helps to perfectly portray authentic personalities in queer films, which can often be misrepresented by the media.

The flirtatious Danish film “Speed Walking,” released via QTTV in 2020, explores a young teen’s conflicting impulses towards both men and women. Mejía Duque’s carefully curated edits helped to break down social stigmas against nonconformist relationships, and encouraged open conversation between young teens around the world about their right to express their desires freely.

“It was very important to me that the film show how genuinely confused these kids were, and how normal it is to explore romantic and sexual feelings in your adolescence,” explains Mejía Duque.

“Speed Walking,” which has over 3.4 million views on YouTube, reached international acclaim at the Chicago International Film Festival (2020), the Danish Film Awards (2020), and the Bodil Awards in Denmark (2020).

Camila Mejía Duque’s unwavering success in curating sensual content which blurs the lines between gender and sexuality, much like her work with QTTV, has helped people around the world to identify with their own sexual orientation. Through her comprehensive film edits, she continues to defy taboos around queer identity and draw focus to an authentic representation of LGBTQ+ culture in media.

Actress, Film, Television, Uncategorized

Charismatic Actress Scherrikar Bell Goes Viral

December 9, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

BELL-1

British actress Scherrikar Bell’s combination of natural talent, technical skill and intuitive gift for manifesting an emotional reality qualifies her as an extraordinary force. From her 2011 start on stage in London’s West End to her extensive film and television work (credits include roles on BBC’s “EastEnders,” “Famalam,” “Doctors”), Bell unfailingly radiates an engaging quality that profoundly enhances every portrayal.

Her memorable performance as a professional assassin in masked British rapper SL’s “FWA-Boss” music video is a prime example of the inescapable Bell charisma.

With over 100 million streams of his music to date, the enigmatic, teenaged SL is one of UK hip hop’s most important and fastest rising artists, and landing her role in the video (SL’s first single of 2019) was a plum assignment for Bell.

Helmed by the award winning director Myles Whittingham, the deeply cinematic film short showcases the masked rapper’s downbeat, almost nonchalant UK drill sound—a smooth, minimalist mid-tempo style—and Bell’s lead character anchors the video from it’s opening through to its final shot.

As SL’s low key rhymes roll above the track’s glimmering, almost meditative beats, we see Bell donning a nun’s habit, then cut away to an exterior where the Mother Superior calmly approaches an automobile, produces a wicked looking automatic handgun and shoots the vehicle’s occupant at point blank range.

BELL-NUN-GUN

It’s downright startling moment—made all the more so by Bell’s serene demeanor and measured pace—and she draws the viewer in close as we witness a series of similarly deadly encounters.

A subsequent sequence find her clad head to toe in black leather (an updated Emma Peel comes delightfully to mind) and wielding a high powered sniper’s rifle which she uses to coolly dispatch a trio of obvious ne’er do wells before breaking into a lethal Mona Lisa smile and slowly sauntering over to retrieve chrome-plated brief case from one of her victims.

The unforgettable instant when she cracks that malevolent grin is so subtly evil and cold-blooded that it qualifies as an absolutely masterly piece of acting, one that Bell makes look so easy but is, in truth, an example of deep stagecraft.

It’s the ideal set up for the next murderous tableau, a scene straight out of Hitchcock—Bell strolls wordlessly up to an approaching woman, suddenly produces a nasty looking shank from within her sleeve to adroitly deliver a swift shocking stab, another deadly encounter stunning in its almost mechanical precision.

Bell’s comprehensive involvement with the role allows her to inhabit this icy-hearted murderer so convincingly that it made the video a fan favorite, with almost 4.5 million views since its March 2019 release. Intriguingly, the video ends with her appearing in SL’s living room then fades to black with a lingering “To be continued” screen title and an open-ended question as to what she was doing there—reporting to her employer or preparing to dispatch him?

The mood and mystery of the video inspired multiple fan-made reaction videos and cemented SL’s reputation as one of the UK’s fastest rising stars, and there’s no question that Bell (currently featured on the BBC “Teach The Victorians”) and her blood curdling contributions to the video played a significant part in making it such a sensational, feverishly viral internet and commercial success.

Editor, Uncategorized

Editor Haansol Rim’s Remarkable Visual Eloquence

October 12, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

HAANS-By Chiao Chen_2 (2) — Photo by Chiao Chen

In the world of film and video, no other single craftsman exerts as much influence over a film as the editor. As the legendary Orson Welles said, “The notion of directing a film is the invention of critics—the whole eloquence of cinema is achieved in the editing room.” It is a very particular skill, one that demands a profound aesthetic sense, a gift for visual rhythm and a wealth of technical knowledge, a complex set of capabilities which editor/creative editor Haansol Rim possesses to the highest degree.

Whether he is doing a television commercial or music video, Rim’s visionary approach determines the tone, pace and feel of every project. With his international heritage (born to Korean parents in Germany) and the benefit of his classical training in fine arts and an extensive musical background (he is an accomplished composer, arranger and performer), Rim’s multi-faceted creativity always operates at the highest level.

The New York-based creative editor enjoys a thriving roster of jobs at well-known creative production company MATTE, and he brings in every assignment with an elegant final cut that perfectly complements the project and consistently exceeds expectations.

“His understanding and versatility of skills are priceless,” MATTE’s associate creative director Danny Yirgou said. “Because he has such a diverse background and experience in multiple fields, Haans knows how to stylize his edits and design them according to each project. For some he might edit focusing on the tempo of the film, creating a certain tone; vs on others, he might edit using more fast paced effects, and diverse frames to create a different speed and tempo, ultimately creating a completely different film altogether.”

Some prime examples of this impressive range are Rims’s work on commercials for famed luxury fashion brand Prada, athletic footwear giant Adidas and a promotional world tour announcement video for Grammy-winning EDM duo the Chainsmokers (recently named by Forbes magazine as the highest paid DJS in the world).

Taking on such a wildly disparate work load from some of the highest profile brands and clients in the world would intimidate many, but the gifted Rim —thanks to his coolly professional attitude and boundlessly creative approach—always makes it look easy

“As an editor, I choose works in which the director’s vision aligns with my editing style,” rim said. “I think synergy between the director and editor is essential to really bring to life the best version of the project.”

To achieve this end, Rim also applies a shrewd analytical approach: “Commercials are based on the client and the consumer, so I need to consider the psychology of the buyer. What would appeal to them? What shots, editing, and story would draw the consumer to purchase the product?”

That kind of comprehensive understanding and anticipatory finesse are hallmarks of Rim’s highly individuated and winning style as a creative editor. On the Chainsmokers video Rim, typically, nailed it from the start.

“I was initially assigned to work on the pitch video for this project,” he said. “The Chainsmokers loved our pitch, and chose us for the commercial. Since I had edited the initial pitch video, I got to edit the final work as well.”

“They were looking for the film to be visual effect heavy and overall, for it to look cool. I have a background in visual effects, so it was easy to collaborate with the VFX team. Based on the client’s feedback, we worked to make their vision come to life.”

“It was released earlier this year and seen everywhere. This was a world tour commercial for all of 2019, so it was posted in all video streaming sites such as YouTube.”

The Adidas job allowed Rim to mix stylish visuals with a semi documentary format: “The commercials are all heavily reliant on the client’s wishes,” Rim said. “So o celebrate the launch of James Harden Vol. 3 shoe line, MATTE brought the next chapter in James Harden’s ongoing narrative to his greatest fans, shooting over the course of two days through premium activations in Houston. Then, as creative editor, I matched the commercial to the director’s desired style and vision”

The Prada commercial was set in a particularly rich visual milieu—the Chinese New Year’s celebration, always a riot of giant lion dancers and fireworks.

“Prada wanted to pay homage to the Chinese New Year celebration with the aim to promote products developed specifically for this holiday,” Rim said. “The commercial was dedicated to modern Asian youth culture and style.”

Once again, Rim’s sensitivity and artistic skill as an editor perfectly suited the spot’s needs.

“Since the director’s goal was to make it seem like a one take film,” he said. “There weren’t a lot of shots, it was mainly a long single take shot without a lot of cuts. I tried to make the editing as seamless as possible to make it fluid.”

With his constantly growing resume of internationally known, high-prestige clients, Rim’s penetrating, holistic approach is a true recipe for success.

“I am naturally curious and analytical,” Rim said. “My brain works both ways, from beginning to the final product, and from the final product to the beginning. That’s why I am adept at handling these processes so well.”

Director, Film

John Wate brings authentic Japanese culture to ‘Samurai Headhunters’ documentary

September 27, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Whenever John Wate steps onto a film set, puts his eye to a camera lens, and starts making a movie, he is living his dream. Directing is a pleasure he can’t compare to anything else; it allows him to be in tune with what is happening in front of him, and all his senses go into overdrive. He spends every day doing what he truly loves, and this passion translates directly into his beautiful work.

For this German native, making a good movie is all about the research. He always aims to find the perfect story and the right characters, with the singular goal of leaving an impression on his audience. With his work on the Smithsonian’s Epic Warrior Women film series and movies like Samurai Warrior Queens, he does just that, showcasing why he is an industry-leading director in his country.

“I would say as a director you are a storyteller, and the way you have lived and seen the world will organically shape how you tell your stories. I found that the world is a treasure trove that has so much to offer in terms of stories and characters. Once I find that ‘one thing’ that interests me, I can start digging and I usually find gold,” said Wate.

Wate has spent many years directing masterful films and television series, including the TV movie Samurai Headhunters in 2013, that allowed him to explore a unique part of world history. It is a documentary on the dark and brutal side of the samurai warrior clans featuring the life of peasant Masa who is forced into the ruthless world of the samurai.

For over a thousand years, the samurai have been celebrated as an aristocratic warrior class. Exceptionally skilled and loyal until death, their very name has become a byword for honor and dignity. This film reveals the unknown dark side of the samurai – a fascinating tale of greed, treachery, extreme cruelty and violent death. Based on newly discovered samurai war manuals, Samurai Headhunters reconstructs the life of a young peasant farmer who is press-ganged into a warlord’s army. Driven by his love for a village girl of noble birth, young Masa quickly rises through the ranks from simple foot soldier to venerated samurai commander. But his reward is to be one of betrayal, lies and finally forced suicide by his fellow samurai. Interwoven with this dramatic story, two British historians track down remarkable new evidence from ancient war manuals that show the true, dark world of the samurai. The drama documentary also features a living samurai master and his students, as well as CG animation, stunning re-enactments, original costumes and historic locations.

“Everyone knows the samurai as loyal, courageous fighters with a strong moral code – but not many people know that this is only part of the story. During the almost 200 years of civil war in Japan the samurai got rewarded for their deeds in battle, which often meant for the number of heads they had taken. The film explores the unknown dark side of the samurai, how they cheated, lied and murdered to gain favors and advance their careers, the forbidden love between warriors, the atrocities of samurai warfare, and the danger to rise to fame in such an environment. I found all these facts about the dark side of the samurai as grizzly as they were fascinating,” said Wate.

After great success with his previous film, Ninja Shadow Warriors, Wate teamed up once again with Urban Canyons Producer Sebastian Peiter and together with researcher Anthony Cummins, they researched and built the concept for the film. Living in Japan at the time, Wate not only had extensive experience, but he also had direct links to the famous Japanese film studios in Kyoto, and through all his previous other documentaries had direct access to Japanese cultural icons, such as sword masters, swordsmiths or traditional armourers. He was the ideal director for the job.

“You need to have a feeling for Japanese manners and that what they say is not always what they mean. I think a lot of the fascination for the samurai comes from the exotic mixture of stoic readiness, their manners and proper conduct in life and in battle. But if you want to show that, you have to know HOW they did certain things and why. You can’t just use a Western blue-print to invent what the character would do. At that time I lived in Japan, I spoke the language and understood their manners and hints, like that a certain gesture can reveal the opposite of what has been said. The timing, the tempo or movement of people speaking at formal gatherings. These are all subtle things that can build an authentic exotic flavor that is fun to watch,” he said.

Samurai Headhunters has been extremely popular since its release. It has aired in over thirty countries, not only on television channels but also various exhibitions about the samurai culture. It is currently showing in the prestigious Kunsthalle Munich, a German national art museum.

Actors, Film

Actor Kevin Clayette is stuck in a dystopian future in ‘Doktor’

April 28, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Kevin Clayette, photo by Lauren Orrell

As a seasoned and celebrated actor, Kevin Clayette still tries to approach his craft, and his life, from the mindset of a child, by always being open to and excited by new experiences, and to love and believe like a kid. With this approach, every time he steps onto a film set, he is excited by the opportunity to play make believe and tell stories. He gets to be that little five-year-old that is always inside of him, not caring what others think and simply enjoying his life. For this New Caledonia native, there is no greater sense of joy.

At only 25, Clayette has already had a formidable career, becoming a recognized leader in Australia’s entertainment industry. Audiences everywhere recognize him from the long running soap opera Neighbours, in which he played fan favorite Dustin Oliver, and in the award-winning feature film Emo the Musical, in which he showed off his versatility as a triple-threat.

Another hit on Clayette’s resume came with the 2015 science fiction horror flick Doktor. Shot at the legendary Fox Studios in Australia where many popular films, including The Matrix, have been filmed, this award-winning film tells the story of an ancient man who is awake during surgery, triggering an hallucination, but also an allusion of a disturbing new reality.

“I liked that even though this story is set in a dystopian world and therefore quite far fetched from our current reality, it deals with themes such as money and power that are very real in our world. By talking about the reality of those issues, of those vices, we allow very important conversations to happen. Projects like these make you think and question our society and yourself. It’s a very interesting topic to reflect on,” said Clayette. “What does money do to you? Would you rather live a happy and fulfilled but short-lived life, or a lonely but long life thanks to money and corruption?”

In Doktor, Clayette plays the lead character of Gulham. In the dystopian world, Gulham is taken from the ones he loves after receiving a mysterious phone call. During that phone call, he made a deal with the devil and agreed to give his life in exchange for his family and loved one’s safety. He is then mistreated and drugged and dragged into a room before the film’s big reveal. Gulham is very ambiguous, but he is a good man, trying to do whatever it takes to save his family and loved ones. He is very brave.

Clayette knew that as the star of the film, he had to put everything he had into creating an authentic and captivating performance. Every morning, he would go through the entire script and storyboard before going on set, and every evening after leaving he would focus on creating the backstory for his character, imagining what he had been through, and then visualise what the next day would look like.

Clayette also had to prepare for his many emotional scenes, needing to portray a devastated character who sacrificed his life and knew he would never see his family again. In another scene, he was dragged down a corridor on a leash like a dog, and he had to show that hopelessness just with facial expressions. Such a challenge was exciting for the actor, who exceeded all expectations.

“Everyone in the crew was absolutely lovely, from the director to the producer to the makeup artists. It was very challenging emotionally on many levels to shoot some of the scenes I had in the movie. I liked having to get in the mindset and shoes of someone that lives a completely different life than the one I have,” he said.

Clayette had to portray a vastly emotional and dynamic performance despite the role being action focused with minimal dialogue. Using only his body language, he put everything he had into the role, creating many intense and dramatic moments in the film that greatly contributed to its later success.

Doktor was screened at many prestigious international festivals around the world. It took home Best Experimental Short Film at the Cutting Edge International Film Festival and was also selected to be showcased within the open competition category of AACTA’s Social Shorts (the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts). Clayette still feels honored by the film’s vast success.

“I’m really proud of this project and the hard work that everyone put in. It’s incredible to know that independent movies with smaller budgets can still have such an impact on our world,” he concluded.

Cinematographer, Film

Zichen Tang uses cinematography to show a story, not tell it

March 23, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

The importance of cinematography, says Zichen Tang, a master of his craft, does not lie with whether an image is real or not, but if one can make the audience believe it is real. With this approach, Tang continuously transports audiences to different places and times, immersing his viewers in the world he has created through his work. He likes to express himself through his art, knowing his fans enjoy his individualistic approach.

“Cinematography is sharing your story not by telling it, but showing it,” he said.

Throughout his esteemed career, Tang has proven time and time again why he is a sought-after cinematographer in his home of China and internationally. Whether creating a viral video, like the humorous and enlightening Unspoken Rules of Chinese Gift Giving or an award-winning film such as The Last Lesbian, Tang’s talents are always on display.

Yet another success story for Tang came last year with his award-winning film The Somnium. It is the story of a single mother who can’t recover from the loss of her beloved son and joins a research program to live in a dream state of her memories, while her mom fights with her to keep her in the present reality.

“The story was interesting. When I first read the story, it reminded me of an episode of my favorite show, Black Mirror. I always wanted to make a film like that. I like it because it’s not an ordinary ‘happy ending’ film, but the type of story that makes people think. On the surface, it alarms the potential harm that technology could bring to us, but deep down it was the mom’s choice that caused the tragedy. So, the core is really about humanity,” said Tang.

The Somnium premiered last year at the Los Angeles Independent Film Awards, where Tang was nominated for Best Cinematography. He was awarded Best Cinematography at the Los Angeles Film Awards, where the film also took home Best Director and Best Editing. The film made its way to several more festivals throughout the year, winning more awards and enthralling audiences all over the world with the help of Tang’s work.

“I was thrilled when the awards started to be announced one by one, while at the same time I feel we deserved it. Everyone on this project was talented and worked really hard. They believe in the story,” said Tang.

Tang was asked to come on board by Director Jingyu Liu, who had always wanted to work with the cinematographer after seeing his work. Tang was eager to form a partnership, advising her on her previous film, Shallow Grave, which was nominated for Golden Reel Award. When Liu sent Tang the script, he knew instantly this would be a great project for them to take on together.

“I was thrilled after reading the script. It was still a draft, but I could already tell its potential. The director and I have very similar tastes, so during pre-production, instead of trying to convince each other of things, we were inspiring each other. Often there would be many disagreements between cinematographers and directors, but on this project, we seldom had a disagreement. Instead, we have been focusing on finding better and more creative ways to tell the story, making the process rather delightful,” said Tang.

Making The Somnium was fun and rewarding for Tang. As a cinematographer, he was heavily involved in the script, putting his heart into the project from the very beginning to the very end, going through almost 20 drafts as it changed from the first draft to the final production.

“I was developing the story with the director all the time, and during that process, we had been talking about how we should shoot it as well. Often filmmakers have a problem when they find out something in the script is wonderful in theory but can’t be expressed visually. That was never a problem for this project. I was a visual consultant during script development and made sure this is a story that would be best told in the form of film,” he described.

The Somnium was just one of Tang’s many award-winning projects last year, and he has a lot lined up this year to continue his success and keep showing the world his outstanding talent as a cinematographer. It wasn’t always an easy path to get to where he is today, but he always persevered, and it was well worth it. He knows he will never stop learning new tricks of the trade and is eager for every new project he takes on.

“The best way to make it in cinematography is to learn from others. There’s a saying, ‘good artists copy, but great artists steal.’ It’s not encouraging plagiarism or anything, but saying that we should watch what other artists have done, think why they did it, and learn from them,” he advised.

Director, Film, Producer

Producer/Director Xueou Yu experiments with magical realism in award-winning film

February 26, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Xueou Yu was just a teenager when her mother bought her a book titled Top 250 IMDb Ranking Films. At the time, it seemed like a simple gift, but it quickly changed her life forever. She began watching some of the films in the book, and before she knew it, she had watched all 250. After immersing herself in the dynamic artform, Yu became in love with cinema. She could travel to far lands, go back in time, learn about different cultures, all while sitting on her couch.

Now, Yu is a celebrated film director and producer in China and abroad. She is known for her work on films like Vincent, Ka Ka Ka Ka, and Donna, as well as commercials such as Sirui Pocket. She is known for her expertise in her craft, with over 60 thousand followers on social media, who look for her posts providing feedback on current movies and television shows.

“I think film is a tool to expand our lives. To me film can maximize our life experiences. I want to spend my life giving others this kind of experience,” said Yu.

One of Yu’s first tastes of international success came with her dynamic drama Asa Nisi Masa. At the time, she was very drawn to magical realism in film, the mix of surreal and reality greatly attracting her artistic mind. She wondered what she could create with this in mind, and began exploring ideas that would draw people in while also challenging them. That is when Asa Nisi Masa was born.

Asa Nisi Masa follows a man who has never believed in magic, when one day he walks into a bar and finds out the bartender has found his true love by the help of a genie. The genie lives in the men’s bathroom in the bar, and is there to grant wishes. Yu also wrote the script, on top of producing and directing the film. It is a simple and funny story, and she wanted to convey that one never knows what will happen, even if it is something you never thought possible.

When Yu first started working on the film, she had difficulties finding a cast and crew as many were unsure of what they deemed a “weird” story. However, Yu had an important outlook: when making films, if the crew doesn’t believe in what they are creating, they won’t create a work of art. Commitment, she finds, is one of the most important aspects of filmmaking, as it is such a collaborative effort. With that in mind, she worked tirelessly to find the right people who not only could execute her vision, but who believed in it as well, and her hard work paid off.

By Reina Du — Xueou Yu on the set of *Asa Nisi Masa*, photo by Reina Du

Asa Nisi Masa premiered at the 2017 Blow-Up International Arthouse Film Fest, where it was an Official Selection. From there, it saw great success, and went on to win awards at the International Independent Film Awards and the NYC Indie Film Awards 2017. Such success could never have happened without Yu, who was the driving force of the film.

“I created this project to experiment with the language of film. I think I successfully created a mysteriously odd world. I was able to spread many of my weird thoughts and I had a lot of freedom to really do what I wanted, because I was also producing it. Experimenting is always fun, and even though there are some technical aspects that some would question, I created exactly what I wanted, and it really resonated with audiences. It is a reminder for myself to never stop experimenting,” she said.

At the early stages of pre-production, the most pressing question was asked: how will they show a genie? Was it going to be animated, or an actor in costume? Yu decided on the latter. She thought that by making the genie seem like a regular person, it further portrayed the idea that although the idea was magical, it could happen in the real world, with genies walking among us. To blend the magical aspect, she had two characters sitting at the bar based on a painting by René Magritte, adding that artistic touch for viewers. She truly mixes the surreal and real together to create a unique feeling.

“They call it magic realism, but to me the realism part is always more important because that’s how we live in this world. In this film you still see the realism play a big part,” she said.

Needless to say, Yu is a determined and talented filmmaker. She is a leader and an artist, and knows how to captivate an audience through her work. Asa Nisi Masa is just one example of what she is capable of, and audiences around the world can continue to expect great things from this filmmaker.

She believes her passion is why she has seen the success that she has, and encourages all those looking to follow in her footsteps to truly be in love with filmmaking.

“Don’t go into filmmaking because you think it looks cool or can bring you fame and you make what would please a crowd. Do it because it is what is in your heart and find the subjects you really love and just keep going. Don’t pretend to be the person who you are not, and don’t be ashamed of what you can’t become. Focus more on doing the things that you really love. This is an art, it takes talent and a lot of commitment,” she advised. “If you have both those things, never give up.”

Photo by Daren You