Filmmaker Interview for “Mamie”
Mamie
Director: Pedro Tamames (Spain)
Carla receives a disturbing call from her mother, Anne. Her grandmother, Mamie, wants to die. With this news they decide to travel to be together, for the last time, the three of them and say goodbye to Mamie. The meeting, initially affectionate, turns muddy as old grudges buried under a history of family abandonment come to light.
Narrative
NARRATIVE SHORT FILMS / SESSION 01 (11:00 am – 12:30pm)
What drew you to create this film?
Victoria, the actress and co-writer, had a dream in which her grandmother did what Mamie does. We both thought it was a fun and sort of magical dream, and she decided to write a first draft based on it. After that, the process went on smoothly!
What does filmmaking mean to you?
Oh man. A lot of great things, and a lot of headaches! It’s an obsession that never really lets go of you. Filmmaking is a source of endless stress, but also endless joy! And also –and luckily– it means my job.
What advice would you give students or beginners that want to make films?
Make movies! All the time! I used to do a bunch of movies as a teen and I regret not doing a whole bunch more. I think the more you shoot on your own, the freer you are to explore your own voice. And to build a community of people to work with. Make movies, and make them in good company. That’s the most important thing!
What films do you watch again and again?
The Princess Bride! And Princess Mononoke. And Wong Kar Wai’s Fallen Angels, and Zhang Yimou’s Hero. Those are my Letterboxd top 4, but only because they’re my life’s top 4 ever.
Mamie will screen during the first short narrative screening on Friday the 18th that starts at 11:00am!
