September 30, 2024

Mateo Cingu: Navigating Challenges in Filmmaking

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

The most demanding task for someone like me who works in a small and relatively independent company is to maintain creative quality while having to carry out all the tasks that an audiovisual production entails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

It all started from an inspiration that I personally had a long time ago when I saw a little girl who tried every day to help her family with the profits from the sale of almonds and also devoted herself as much as possible to school and education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playing On The Edge | Poster
Angus Gannagé

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

Bringing to the attention of the public the problems faced by children and the importance of a good and solid education for them

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest problems facing directors who come from small countries and with minimal opportunities to present their projects around the world. But anyway, through short film festivals, I try to give my work a voice and visibility to a wider public.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Distribution of the film is one of the most important stages of the film, which should be clearly defined from the beginning. In the case of my film, this process had shortcomings that I would like not to be present in future works. I would really like to have had a distribution company by my side.

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

I’m not sure how well self-distribution can work. In the times we live in, you have to find a way to present and distribute at least the first jobs. Once the right conditions are created, your name as a director can attract the attention of the public and festivals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

I would call the short film as “training” before a big match. It is very important that when the moment of the long film comes, you are ready and prepared for the various challenges that can be encountered on the set.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

One of the difficulties was convincing people who joined the project to follow me in my vision. It was a little difficult in the beginning, since many of my colleagues in the film knew me from past projects as assistant director, but with patience and calmness, I reached making them follow my vision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Personally, I would list it in four. 1. Those with sufficient life experience. 2. Working hard by trusting intuition and vision. 3. Having a personal relationship with the history that you will visualize through the film image. 4. Get the best out of every person who works with you.

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

Due to the fact that I started in this industry working in different positions in the film and climbing the ladder one by one, I would say that I don’t believe there is a better way to take steps towards success. Practically, I would not change anything from what I have done so far.

KAAFFILM is an international network of distribution, production, and promotion of short films. #Kaaffilm

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