An interview with the Director of The Breath of The Depth, screening at the 2024 Mosaic World Film Festival.
The documentary short film tells the story of Mehdi Allam, who discovered his new passion for free-diving after a serious climbing accident. Through hard training and a high level of self-discipline, he fights his way back. Mehdi, formerly a climbing photographer, has evolved into a free-diving instructor and underwater photographer.
1. What drew you to create this film?
Due to a sports injury, I discovered new limits within myself and faced intense emotions along with a challenging rehabilitation process. It was during this time that I came across Mehdi’s story, which seemed to arrive at just the right moment.
I noticed several parallels between our experiences and seized the opportunity to work through many of my own challenges with this project, including confronting some of my fears. Freediving has had a profoundly positive impact on both me and those around me, and I wanted to create an inspiring message with engaging visuals for everyone to enjoy.
2. What does filmmaking mean to you?
Filmmaking is my way of capturing the raw beauty of human experience, turning stories into visual art that resonates with the soul and connects us all.
3. What advice would you give students or beginners that want to make films?
Don’t be discouraged by limited resources. Start with what you have, even if it’s just a smartphone. Focus on telling a compelling story, and the rest will follow.
The best way to improve is to create as much as possible. Experiment with different styles, genres, and techniques. Every project, no matter how small, teaches you something new.
Filmmaking is a collaborative art. Surround yourself with passionate people who complement your skills. Building a network can open up opportunities and bring new perspectives to your projects.
4. What films do you watch again and again?
Interstellar, Tree of Life, Pulp Fiction and many more …
Thank you Poul!
You can get tickets for the #2024mwff here: https://filmfreeway.com/MosaicWorldFilmFestival/tickets