An interview with the Director of Here and Nowhere, screening at the 2024 Mosaic World Film Festival.
A young girl is trapped inside her home by her father and seeks freedom once a new neighbor moves in. (PG-13)
1. What drew you to create this film?
This being one of the first films I had ever made, what drew me to make Here and Nowhere was to make something that would allow me to grow as an writer and director but also to keep it simple. The story as it was developing is what really drew me in closer and closer. I idea of being “here” but going “nowhere”.
2. What does filmmaking mean to you?
Filmmaking means everything to me. It completely changed my life and has brought a form of meaning to my life as well. It allows you to express yourself in a creative outlet which I truly cherish but what I find the most impactful on me as a person is collaborating with other filmmakers who also love what they do and building those relationships with others is amazing. It’s a career that takes a lot to succeed but in my eyes, it gives a lot back in a lot of different ways.
3. What advice would you give students or beginners that want to make films?
Have fun with what you’re making. This does not mean your work or subject matter cannot be serious or have meaning but I think it is important to remember that filmmaking is not going to save the world. So don’t let the stress of writing and directing stray you from having fun, actually stepping back and looking at what you’re making, and truly enjoying it.
4. What films do you watch again and again?
There are comfort films I watch all the time but films that I could watch all the time from a storytelling aspect for others to check out are, City of God (2002) directed by Fernando Meirelles, Silence (2016) directed by Martin Scorsese, and The Worst Person in the World (2021) directed by Joachim Trier.
Thank you Brendan!
You can get tickets for the #2024mwff here: https://filmfreeway.com/MosaicWorldFilmFestival/tickets