Tag Archives: Movies

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.

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

Film, Producer

Romantic Comedy at its best: Producer Ricky Cruz captivates audiences with ‘Mixed Orders’

February 20, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Love has been the inspiration of art since the dawn of time. From Shakespeare writing “I love thee with a love that shall not die, till the sun grows cold and the stars grow old” to the Beatles harmonizing “All You Need Is Love” to Jack giving Rose his share of the iconic door in Titanic, love has been one of the most captivating themes throughout art, literature, and film. Throughout his life, it has been the unsuccessful pursuit of love, intimacy and relationships that, for Ricky Cruz, have made such great stories. These stories were always something that he wanted to share with the world because they are so universally enjoyable and uncomfortable.

“I began working on an anthology of quirky romantic comedy short films centered around unsuccessful endeavors into love and relationships. These were supposed to highlight the flip side of the coin when it came to conventional love stories. I always wanted to see the growth behind the guy who is left at the altar, because there’s something so familiar with that element of tragedy,” said Cruz.

With a celebrated career as a producer, Cruz had dedicated his life to telling stories that enchant audiences, and love is an underlying theme in most of his most decorated works, from the LGBTQ coming of age story Foible to drama Honor, telling the story of a woman forced into an arranged marriage by her parents. Another of his more recent projects, Mixed Orders, dives deep into such ideas. Cruz was keen to create the film because he believes seeing love stories through this specific lens is a great way to get a sense of the sort of films he is eager to bring to life in the future.

Mixed Ordersis the first film of the anthology and introduces audiences to the main character and repeat offender of the series, an offbeat lovable innocent who hopefully most will relate with because of his terrible instincts regarding intimacy. It explores the idea of knowing who you are and the importance of patience. Embracing a light-hearted tone and quirky voice, Mixed Orders gives a glimpse into Darren’s uncomfortable and premature marriage proposal to his girlfriend Clare, who is finally coming to terms with her own homosexuality.

“Mixed Orders is a film that is pleasant and bitter sweet with a moment of incredible self-realization and personal growth and sometimes that’s what we need or want to see as an audience. I love the unconventional and going against the grain, and what I believe this film does is turn what would and should be a messy scene into a beautiful feel good exchange in a display of the unconventional being made easily palatable. The film has such an honest and charming tone that it’s hard not to just smile at the end of the whole thing. There are no bad people in this sort of situation, just two people who are trying to be honest with themselves and happen to generate some friction because they’re on different pages, which happens in life all the time,” said Cruz.

Not only did Cruz produce Mixed Orders, but he also wrote the script and directed the film. He wrote the series of films a while ago and was eager to get the first one off paper. He wanted to articulate his quirky twist on a love story. He felt he owed the material an accurate rendition of the story he saw in his head because he wanted it to be familiar with some variables that he threw the audience, which is why he also took on the role of director. Leading the team, he knew he could create just the masterpiece he envisioned.

“I think selfishly, I considered myself the expert on these sorts of situations in real life which made me feel more than qualified to bring the story to life on screen and show the audience how absurd but true this character and story may be.

Cruz wanted the film to be a short and sweet story with unconventional and off beat elements. There was a lot of footage, with the actors often going off script and improvising certain takes, and Cruz managed to keep his vision throughout while incorporating such unique twists and turns. Often, some of the lines he never expected to be memorable when writing became his favorites once the scene had been shot and edited, creating a final cut he couldn’t be more proud of.

“I recommend Ricky Cruz for any and all projects, he will not only bring them to life but make them better than you could ever imagine,” said Reinaldo Garcia, who played Darren in the film.

Mixed Orders has won Best Actor and Supporting Actor in a Short Comedy at the Actors Awards, Best Romantic Comedy at TopShorts Film Festival and Best LGBT Short Film, First Audience Award, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing and an Honorable Mention for Direction at the South Film and Arts Academy Festival. Such success could never have been possible without Cruz, as the film was his brainchild.

“Mixed Orders‘ successful reception makes me excited for the release of the remaining films comprising the anthology of unsuccessful love endeavors. It’s a huge relief to finally have a reference film to ensure the tone and approach remain consistent. While the styles of the upcoming films may differ, I feel more settled knowing that this comedy is understood and appreciated by audiences so I’m very excited at the prospect of being able to watch our repeat offender from the series in back to back short films and truly explore the uncomfortable and bittersweet romance I’m very familiar with on screen,” he said.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the remaining films in this delightful series.

Top photo by Arthur Marroquin

Film, Producer

Producer Elena Bawiec brings Flamenco dancing to the big screen with new film

February 13, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Elena As a film producer, Elena Bawiec works tirelessly each day to ensure a project comes together, and that is what she loves. Each time she steps onto a set, she is living her dream: sharing stories with a worldwide audience. She has always had a predisposition for this type of work, where it is a mixture of communication, organization, and managing people. Most importantly however, she knows that as a producer she has to understand the story, what works and doesn’t work dramatically, and what will resonate with audiences. It is this final piece of the puzzle that has allowed Bawiec to excel to the forefront of her field, as a natural born storyteller. She knows that no matter the project, film or stage or even a commercial, it comes down to people and the story that is being told.

“I enjoy watching a story begin as an idea on a blank page and then morph into a screenplay draft; then into a bustling film set with hundreds of people making one vision come to life; to visual effects, sound, and music taking over in post; and finally, when we see the first shot in a dark movie theater with an audience,” she said.

Throughout her esteemed career, Bawiec has worked on countless acclaimed films, showing the world just what she is capable of as a producer. These include award-winning hits such as The Suitcase, Blood Brothers, Megan, Only Light, and much more. She has a lot to look forward to this year as well, with many projects in the works. Her highly anticipated film, Incendium, will soon be making its way to the festival circuit.

Incendium is about the essence of creation and the correlation between life and death, visually expressed through movement. This story takes audiences on a breathtaking journey that emphasizes the equilibrium that everything with a beginning inevitable must have an ending; this is the beauty of the inescapable cycle of life. The concept behind this cinematic essay is that contrary forces cannot coexist without one another.

In conjunction with cinematic beauty, this filmic essay focuses on dance – in particular a bold reinterpretation of Flamenco. The language of dance is universally relatable, as dance is communicated via showing, not telling. Creation is further displayed through the interplay between the heroine and the four mighty forces of nature: water, fire, earth and wind. The film explores an unpredictable force of kinetic grace, centering on the personification of the cycle of life.

“When do we get to work on something so purely visual, so raw, so fascinating? Incendium is a rare visual feast. It is one of those projects that seldom comes along, and you just have to grab it. Incendium completely captivates you with its beauty and power,” said Bawiec.

The director, Greg Strasz (VFX: Independence Day: Resurgence, Stonewall It Follows) has tremendous experience in Visual Effects and Bawiec knew that he is an exceptionally visual person who could create magic with a project like this.

“There was no question as to whether I wanted to be part of this project. The dancer, Mariam Vardanyan, is so talented, passionate, driven. The sheer hours and effort she put into training for this shoot were awe-inspiring. Now I, as the producer, needed to create the support system to have this project come to life,” said Bawiec.

As producer, Bawiec handled budgeting, scheduling, hiring and managing the crew, pre-production, location scouting, logistics of the production, and post production. Elena had agreed upon keeping the footprint small. This was a very intimate experience for Mariam, and for her performance it was beneficial to have as few people as possible, and Bawiec and her team accomplished great things with a much smaller crew than they are used to.

“We went all out with this film. We shot underwater stunt sequences, we shot with fire, we shot on a dry lake bed, and in Death Valley, at night, during the day, in the heat and in the rain. This was quite an adventure. Sometimes we literally fought the wind,” said Bawiec.

The result of the crew’s efforts is a visual spectacle that is a can’t miss. Be sure to check out Incendium and to be carried away by the artistry of the dance and the film as a whole. It is exactly films like Incendium that drive Bawiec, and she plans to spend the rest of her life dedicated to bringing powerful and visually stunning stories to the big and small screens.

“My goal is to tell stories that matter, stories that come from the heart and take the audience on a journey. Entertainment will always be a business; there will always be the bottom line and the investors to get paid, but I do not think you can really be financially successful in the long term if you do not make films that mean something to people, that spark a reaction. I think finding this balance between the creative aspect of our work and the money aspect is very important. Projects that I have currently lined up, are these kinds of stories, which show complex characters trying to make sense of the world around them. Some are based on true stories, some are thrillers or action, and others may be sci-fi, but it’s always the human condition we talk about no matter the genre. Films help us make sense of this world and to understand ourselves better,” she concluded.

Film, Producer

Producer Guoqing Fu brings China and America together with award-winning film ‘Underset’

February 13, 2019 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Filmmaking allows China’s Guoqing Fu to explore the unknown psychological world and explore his endless creativity. He feels a thrill whenever he embarks on a new project, with the purpose of reflecting and exaggerating social phenomena, to arouse resonance in people’s hearts.

“As the eighth art form of humankind, film is the crystallization of the first seven art forms, which perfectly interprets the inner artistic passion of filmmakers. The artistic and creative pleasure that cannot be obtained in the real world can be infinitely expanded in the film world,” he said.

Throughout his career, Fu has shown why he is an in-demand producer in his home country and abroad. This is exemplified with his films Gum Gum, La Pieta, and Over, to name a few. He has a sincere desire to educate and entertain the masses through his work, with no plans on slowing down.

“My goal is to better disseminate Chinese and American culture, making more collaborative projects and bringing more culture and art into the film world,” said Fu. “I feel that the film and television cooperation between China and the United States has great potential. I am willing to be a pioneer and keep working hard.”

The producer became one step closer to that goal with his film Underset. Taking place in the Republic Era of China, after the main character, Qianyue Zhang, was married, he went to his hometown to find his friend, Mingtang Wang, but he accidentally finds a dead body in his hotel room. The police take the owner of the hotel, his wife, and all the hotel customers into custody. Qianyue’s wife and her father arrive to learn about the incident, but it is all too much for him to accept, eventually leading to his death.

Premiering last June in Beijing, Underset was a great success in both China and America. Not only was it an Official Selection at many prestigious festivals around the world, it took home several awards. These include Best Feature Film and the Diamond Award at the Hollywood Film Competition, Best Feature Film at the Hollywood Film Competition, Best Original Music and Best Production at Macau International Movie Festival, Best Feature Film and the Platinum Award at the NYC Indie Film Awards, and Best Feature Film at The European Independent Film Awards.

“I am very honored as one of the most vital members of the team. It’s my first time being a producer on a truly Chinese feature film. When I heard about the awards from my friends and crew members, I was excited,” he said.

Fu was a co-producer on Underset, taking on key responsibilities like script selection, hiring team members and setting up the team. He coordinated every single department, solved any and all problems on set, ensuring everything went smoothly without any delays. He always did what needed to be done to stay on top of things, making a strong team and a great film.

Most important for Fu, Underset is a Chinese domestic film. The production environment is very different from the United States, but this producer is determined to be a bridge between Chinese and American film cooperation, a large and challenging task he is more than willing to take on.

“It was hard, but I think it was worth it. It was my first time managing a whole production in China. In the beginning, I needed to care about all the parts, because it makes me learn more about the Chinese film industry. It has some advantages, but it also has disadvantages. I love those experiences, some of them are challenging, but challenges make me stronger and a pro for next time,” he said.

Keep an eye out for Fu’s future works.