Amerissa Basta, director of altcineAction! 2014 first prize, Jesus Stopped at Gyzi, shares her thoughts with us on her feelings about the award, her next project, reaching an international audience, altcineAction’s public vote and “how the online platform works as a vehicle taking the film to numerous people who have no other way to watch it”.
“…we shouldn’t forget that a film has a giver – the filmmaker, a medium – the film itself and a receiver – the audience. The audience presence is vital to the film’s very existence…”
The director will have the opportunity to co-produce her next film in Albania, with Albania Film Commission which offers shooting (camera & lenses), post-production, accommodation for a small group of a short film or documentary. Basta is also eligible to apply for a Scriptwriting Grand offered by Greek Film Center and enter the short-list without other evaluation. Additionaly, AMC Metropolitan College offers Full-Tuition for a three-year Bachelor’s degree in filmmaking (BA Film & TV Directing) at their campus in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece.
Dimitris Athanitis gives to Amerissa Basta the Award
Agron Domi on behalf of Albania Film Commission
Magdalini Remoundou on behalf of AMC College
How do you feel about this award?
Every award given to a short film, especially when the case is an idependent production, like Jesus stopped at Gyzi was, it comes as reward to the filmmakers, encouraging them to keep making films. AltcineAction!’s award has a special and even bigger value, because now the film goes outside the Greek walls, recognised by the Balkan audience and the professionals from these countries, making possible new perspectives for the filmmaker.
Tell us what do you plan to do with this co-production?
On the co-production with the Albanian Film Center, altcineAction!’s award promises a unique first-time experience. About that part of the award concerning the Greek Film Center, is a boost to create a feature film script, my goal and desire for quite some time now.
Do you already have a script you’d like to produce?
Yes, there are some ideas. It has to be something envolving the two countries.
Do you think this award would offer you the chance to make your film in a more proffesional manner and help you reach an international audience?
It’s a great oppurtunity to produce a full and complete film and, of course, always the goal is the international audience.
What is your opinion about voting being conducted exclusively by the public?
When an award comes exclusively from the public it has a special meaning, we shouldn’t forget that a film has a giver – the filmmaker, a medium – the film itself and a receiver – the audience. The audience presence is vital to the film’s very existence…”
Would you like reading comments throughout the year, beside the festival period?
Yes, that would be interesting.
What do these public reviews offer you and how do you think they could get improved?
Reviews are always important to the filmmaker. You’ll learn something even from a negative one.
How did you learn about the online festival and what were your expectations?
This is my second participation in the festival, I sent a film at the first edition, two years ago. I wished, of course, for the film to be able to reach Greek audience along with the rest of the Balkan countries, that’s because the online platform works as a vehicle taking the film to numerous people who have no other way to watch it. Yes, this year’s awards were of high importance, my expectations were high and I’m very happy about it!
Share your thoughts with us.
I wish for altcineAction! a lot of festivals, to keep giving the directors the opportunity to present their work and to keep supporting future short films with its awards.
