INTERVIEW with Jonatan Pinke
"The Choice" tells the story of two men who could have been the closest of friends or the most intimate of lovers— if only their desires had aligned. It’s a familiar story, but with one key difference: traditionally, one of them is a woman. And when a woman faces this dilemma, society is quick to judge her, no matter what choice she makes. But when a man stands at the same crossroads, will we condemn him simply for having to choose? Or will we finally question why we judge the choice at all?
INTERVIEW WITH JONATAN PINKE (The Choice)
How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?
As an actor, I had appeared in a couple of short films before, but The Choice is my first short film as a filmmaker, writer, and producer. I had already gained a lot of experience in dance and theater, and I had always been interested in making movies. When I moved to Los Angeles, I finally got the opportunity to learn how to make them and put that interest into practice.
I’ve traveled a lot, met many interesting people, heard incredible stories, and experienced some extreme highs and lows in life. I want to turn those moments, stories, and encounters into films so I can share them with the world.
Why did you do this project?
I received a full two-year scholarship to study at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, which allowed me to move to Los Angeles and study acting and filmmaking there. After successfully graduating from the institute, I was granted a four-month work permit. Unfortunately, this period coincided with the major Hollywood strikes in 2023, but I didn’t want that to stop me from making the most of my work permit and the years of hard work I had put in. So, I decided to make this short film before leaving the US.
I had also made a promise to myself years earlier. The story of The Choice was inspired by my own personal experiences while backpacking in Spain in 2020, when, from one day to the next, I suddenly found myself in lockdown. I ended up alone, with no money, working on the streets of Málaga as a street artist.
Every night, scared and hungry, I went to the beach and tried to cheer myself up by telling myself, “One day, this will be over, and I’ll be okay. I’ll become an actor, and I’m going to make a movie about this experience.”
And I did it. The Choice tells my story, combined with the stories of other people I met on the streets.
(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?
We made the film on a budget of just $1,500, with the help, support, and dedication of more than 100 people.
Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?
The film was self-funded, and we also ran a crowdfunding campaign to help finance it.
How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?
I first started writing the script in a screenwriting class at the Lee Strasberg Institute in October 2022. We shot the film in November 2023 and finished post-production in February 2025. It had its festival premiere in Los Angeles in August 2025.
Are you happy with the result?
Extremely happy. Given the resources we had, I believe we told the story in the bestway possible. I’ll always be proud to present The Choice as my first work as a filmmaker.
What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?
We’re about to finish the festival circuit and are thinking about the film’s legacy and what comes next for it.
How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?
I’m very happy that The Choice has been selected for 20 international film festivals across 8 countries so far. I was lucky enough to attend a couple of festivals in person.
I’ve had an amazing time at all the festivals, meeting wonderful filmmakers and celebrating independent cinema together. I’m very grateful to these festivals for making that possible for us.
Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals?
FilmFreeway.
Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc.
Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.
I haven’t been inspired by any particular director or film. Instead, I think my inspiration comes from all the movies I’ve watched over the years and from seeing wonderful actors bring stories to life. I’ve learned something from many different films and performances, rather than following one specific reference.
Your favorite movie?
I could never answer this question! I have so many favourites, but if I had to pick one, it would be either Aladdin (1992) or Titanic (1997).
Favorite series?
The same, I can’t pick just one! My favourite is always the most recent one I’ve watched. I recently watched Carrie (2026), which I thought was amazing.
Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?
I see myself travelling around the world, making movies and telling stories wherever I go.
Do you have any other project in mind?
Yes, I’m currently in pre-production on my second short film, Rózsaút (Rose Path). It deals with Alzheimer’s disease and is dedicated to my beloved grandmothers, who are no longer with me. Because the story is deeply personal to me, I’m making the film in Hungarian, in Hungary
What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)
I have a lot of ideas for my own projects, and I hope I’ll be able to bring them to life and tell my stories. At the same time, I hope to become more involved in the film industry and have the opportunity to work on bigger productions. As a Hungarian living in Spain who studied in Los Angeles, I hope to build an international career.
Your best experience in a movie theater?
It’s when I completely forget that I’m watching a movie and become so immersed in the story that I forget I’m sitting in a movie theatre surrounded by other people. And when the movie is so good that everyone applauds at the end, as if we were watching a play in a theatre.