Can you tell us about your latest film project and the process you went through in bringing it to life?

My short feature film “Through the Mouth of a Baby” is currently participating in various film festivals in 17 countries around the world. I had been nurturing the idea itself for more than a year: I studied this topic, talked with people who live by the principles touched upon in the film, selected people for roles in the film, and agreed in advance on the premises where I planned to shoot the film. Not everything went smoothly; some scenes had to be abandoned. Since so far the entire film crew is me, I slowly carried out all the stages of filming myself, as best I could.

 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker and pursue a career in the film industry?

In difficult moments of my life, I looked for inspiration, among other things, in good films. Ultimately, I wanted to make an inspiring film myself. After the success of two films: “School Stories. Story one: the elixir of politeness” and “Strengthening the spirit and body”, I realized that it was worth doing this further. In addition, a few months ago I received the blessing of a monk to create films touching on themes of self-awareness.

 

What challenges did you encounter during the filmmaking process and how did you overcome them?

One child was planned for the main role, but after talking with him, I realized that he might not pull off his plan. Since my main work is related to children in a sports club, I was able to spot another candidate in his place. Initially, I planned to make a feature-length film, but on the advice of a director friend and due to my busy day job and limited finances (I financed my film myself), I settled on the short version. There were difficulties in choosing an actor for one episodic role. In the end, we had to abandon this scene, but it allowed us to focus on the main issue in the film.

 

What was the most memorable moment for you during the production of your film?

Can you share any interesting anecdotes or behind-the-scenes stories from the making of your film?

The main idea of the film was to draw attention to the thoughtless and unjustified killing of our smaller brothers (animals). This idea began to work already during filming, when the guest actors began asking questions on this topic.

 

How do you approach storytelling in your films? What themes or messages do you try to convey?

As I've posted before, I've found inspiration through movies during some difficult times in my life. Therefore, I would really like my films to also be able to inspire someone to better emotions and actions. I take some points for the plots from my own experience. Moreover, I try to constantly learn something new, so I plan to touch on different topics in my new films.

 

What is your preferred genre of filmmaking and why? Are there any specific directors or filmmakers who have influenced your work?

The main genre in my films so far is drama, but with elements of humor. This is how I see the opportunity to convey a serious idea to the viewer through a film. One of the filmmakers whose work inspires me is Steven Spielberg.

 

How do you select your cast and crew for your film projects? What qualities do you look for in collaborators?

In my first two films, I only had an idea for a film, and I invited the children who went to my sports club to star in the film. And I already wrote out the roles and the script for those who wanted it. In this project (“Through the Mouth of a Baby”) I have already followed the classic path: first the script, and then the selection of actors. Of course, I looked for actors who, in my opinion, were most suitable in appearance for a particular role. The only thing is that I was able to decide on an actor for the main role (a boy) only the second time. In addition, vegetarians were played by vegetarians in the film. Because I know that the power of following a certain principle is transmitted in a non-verbal way.

 

How important do you think film festivals are for independent filmmakers, and what has been your experience with film festivals so far?

In my opinion, film festivals for independent filmmakers are very necessary, especially for beginners. It’s one thing to get approval from family, friends and actors who starred in the film, and another thing to get approval from independent viewers, especially specialists. After this, there is one hundred percent confidence that it is worth doing this further. This is exactly the feeling that arose after the first victories from my previous film “Strengthening the Spirit and Body” and the current victories from “Through the Mouth of a Baby.”

 

Can you tell us about any awards or recognition your films have received and how they have impacted your career?

My first film that I dared to submit to film festivals was the full-length feature film “Strengthening Spirit and Body” (2019). He was officially selected five times, reached the semi-finals four times, the final three times and won twice. Considering that I did not study to be a cinematographer and this was my first feature film, this was of great importance to me. This inspired me to continue making feature films. But I set myself the goal of improving the quality of filming (since the main and only cameraman, sound engineer and lighting designer is myself). The current project “Through the Mouth of a Baby” as of April 18, 2024 already has one final and four victories at various international film festivals and will continue to participate in other festivals until the beginning of 2025.

 

How do you handle feedback and criticism of your films? How do you use it to improve your craft?

I accept constructive criticism positively, since I have a lot to learn to make quality films. This really gives clues at specific points in the entire filmmaking process: from ideas and scripts to film promotion.

 

What do you enjoy most about the process of filmmaking? Is there anything you find particularly challenging?

At first, when I decided to start making films, I didn’t have self-confidence. Really, who am I? After all, I didn’t even study for this. For this reason and due to limited finances, I did not invite people other than actors into the filmmaking process. Therefore, I had to master all the professions necessary to create a film. But I realized that not only the screenwriter and production director are creative professions, but also the selection of actors, the lighting designer, the sound engineer, the director of photography, the decorator, the editor and, of course, the composer. And although, on the one hand, it is difficult to do everything alone, on the other hand, I enjoyed all this creative work. The only thing I don't like is putting subtitles on the video.

 

How do you approach the distribution of your films? What strategies do you employ to reach a wider audience?

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the film industry?

I am just an aspiring filmmaker and have very little experience in promoting my films. But, nevertheless, I have already managed to send two of my significant works to international film festivals, I tried to offer them for distribution to cinemas and television channels in my country, but so far to no avail. I posted some of my works on the Internet on my YouTube channel.

I would advise aspiring directors the following: if you like what you do, then believe in yourself and go to the end. Experience and results are added from work to work. And, God willing, other people will also like your projects. My example is a clear confirmation of this: without the appropriate education, without financial and professional support, I have already made three significant films and became a winner at international film festivals several times.

 

Finally, can you share with us your future plans and upcoming projects as a filmmaker?

I have ideas, but I don’t want to give up. Let my new film be a surprise.