Past Present Feature is a film appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director Marcus Mizelle, showcasing today’s filmmakers, their latest release, and the...
E42 • Environmental Awareness Through Impactful Cinema • DANIEL & AUSTIN STRAUB, dir. of ‘Out of Plain Sight’ at the Santa Barbara Film Festival + Slamdance
Director Daniel Straub and cinematographer (and brother) Austin Straub discuss their film “Out of Plain Sight”, which just won the Audience Award at Santa Barbara, ahead of their LA premiere with Slamdance. Past influences include Alex Garland’s “Annihilation”.The conversation explores the themes of environmental awareness and the legacy of chemical pollution, the power of documentary filmmaking and the authenticity that comes from capturing real stories, emphasizing the impact a documentary can have on public perception.Also explored is the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking, where fiction and non-fiction increasingly blend, and the ongoing need for accessible storytelling that resonates with viewers.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
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E42 • The Subtle Art of Portraiture • BRIAN CASSIDY & MELANIE SHATZKY, dirs. of ‘A Man Imagined’ at the Rotterdam Int. Film Festival
Montreal-based Directors Brian Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky delve into the making of their Rotterdam documentary “A Man Imagined”, which focuses on the life of Lloyd, a homeless man with schizophrenia surviving amidst urban detritus and decay. Past inspo includes "Dog Days" by Austrian director Ulrich Seidl.They discuss their unique approach to storytelling, challenges in finding and capturing Lloyd's essence, and their collaborative relationship with him throughout the filming process - emphasizing the importance of portraying homelessness with dignity and complexity, rather than falling into common tropes. They also speak on the art of portraiture, and the complexities of navigating trauma and memory in their narratives. What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
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E41 • Embrace The Unforeseen • AARON ROOKUS, dir. of ‘Idyllic’ at the Rotterdam Int. Film Festival
Netherlands-based director Aaron Rookus explores themes of self-acceptance, mortality, and the quest for fulfillment through the lens of filmmaking ahead of his Rotterdam Film Festival premiere of “Idyllic”. Past inspirations include Tom Tykwer’s “Run Lola Run” and the films of Charlie Kaufman.Aaron speaks on the impact of personal experiences, such as illness and loss, on creative expression and the importance of humor in addressing serious topics. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of character development in ensemble storytelling, the role of script editors in shaping narratives, and the evolution of film consumption in the digital age. The conversation also reflects on the pervasive issue of loneliness in modern society, exploring themes of urban indifference, the struggle for connection in contemporary life, and the search for meaning amidst life's challenges.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
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E40 • Dreaming Your Sub-Concious Film Into Reality • GALA DEL SOL, dir. of ‘Rains Over Babel’ at Sundance + Rotterdam Film Festival
Colombian filmmaker Gala Del Sol discusses her debut feature film, “Rains Over Babel”, which just screened at this years Sundance and Rotterdam Film Festivals. Careful not to borrow too heavily, her cinema influences include Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who directed “Black Cat, White Cat”, and her favorite film of all time - “Children of Paradise”, from French director Marcel Carné.Exploring a unique blend of magical realism, punk aesthetics, eclectic score and vibrant sound design, Gala shares her film's themes of loss, identity, and redemption, shaped by the challenges of creating art during the pandemic. She praises the support of her family during production, the role of dreams in creativity, and the collaborative nature of storytelling. Gala speaks on the importance of trusting the creative process, the impact of expectations on artistic expression, and how your film is ultimately a sub-concious reflection of who you were at the moment. Further explored is the concept that dreams, as a form of unconscious expression, can influence our waking lives and potentially manifest into real-world experiences.What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
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E39 • The Burden and Privilege of Legacy • TAD NAKAMURA, dir. of ‘Third Act’ at the Sundance Film Festival
Tad Nakamura, the director of Sundance-bound "Third Act," reflects on his latest documentary, which centers on his father Robert Nakamura, a distinguished filmmaker frequently recognized as a trailblazer in Asian American media. Tad drew inspiration from his father’s 1974 short doc “Wataridori: Birds of Passage”.Tad shares the unique experience of growing up in a filmmaking family, the pressures of legacy, and the profound emotional connections that arise from documenting family stories. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of cinema as a means of exploring time and relationships. Also explored are the challenges of living in the moment, the role of art in coping with life's difficulties, the importance of community and legacy in the creative process, and the significance of elders in providing wisdom and guidance. What Movies Are You Watching?Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
Past Present Feature is a film appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director Marcus Mizelle, showcasing today’s filmmakers, their latest release, and the past cinema that inspired them.
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