Judith Hoersch: Filmmaking is a journey of storytelling and discovery

What are the most formidable challenges inherent to the profession of filmmaking?

To tell a story which is compact and intense and stay true to your characters

Could you elaborate on the wellspring of your creative inspiration for this particular short film?

Claudia Engl came up with the idea to tell the story of the moving life of her grandmother Ilse. She was a nurse in a lazarett during the second world war and lost everything she had, although she was always fighting to help others and was a very brave women. Even if Ilse was a a ‘normal’ working class women, she became an idol for us when we went deep into her biographical agenda. in a dictatorship she allowed herself to stay true to herself and her ideals. Claudia and I did write the screenplay and decided to also create the movie together. it was also an honor to play Ilse myself.

Could you elucidate on the central thematic underpinning of your film?

Women heroes in times of war.

How do you navigate the task of strategizing cost-effective promotional efforts when operating within a constrained budget?

We have a great team of people who take their expertise and time to promote the film. Poison Film Production is doing a great deal of bringing the film into the world, but also we as filmmakers. but what filmmakers need are filmfestivals who see your work and consider it in their programm. We were lucky that Ilse has been chosen at your festival and many other established ones.

In today's dynamic marketplace, how pivotal do you consider the role of film distribution?

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For individuals contemplating the path of self-distribution, what counsel or insights can you offer?

I think in the first place you get experience and through festivals a great opportunity to show your work in the market. It is a faster possibility to show your work because to make a film with a higher amount of budget takes a lot of time. It’s is a great way to show that you can tell stories in a very compact way and get the trust to other business partners.

In your estimation, what level of significance do short films hold for aspiring filmmakers seeking to embark on a career in directing?

To get expperience and to meet filmmakers, to get the chance to be seen and not wait ages until a long film get financed. It’s hard to get out there and short film is a very great art form to tell a precise story in a short form.

Reflecting on your professional journey thus far, could you share an instance of the most formidable challenge you encountered and how you surmounted it?

I entered the film industry very early in the age of 17 as an actress, then i started writing my own short films and Ilse was one of my first professional work as a fire (not my last!) I learned a lot about the stages of filmmaking. but i did feel safe as a i came with so much experience and know how to talk to actors and know how they work and what they need from a director to deeply trust.

What, in your view, are the critical factors that contribute to the creation of a cinematic masterpiece?

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If you could revisit the inception of your career, are there any aspects or decisions you would choose to alter in hindsight?

Yes I would follow my instincts and do a second study in film directing after my acting studies. But know I learned it all from watching other directors, on sets and from all these years as an actress and screenwriter.