INTERVIEW with Leslie Bodé
Leslie Bodé is a young director and actress from Luxembourg, born in 2006. Passionate about storytelling from an early age, she began creating her own projects as both a writer and performer, developing a strong interest in filmmaking and character-driven stories.
INTERVIEW WITH Leslie Bodé
How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?
I’ve been making movies since I was 16 years old. I’ve always wanted to create art through filmmaking and acting, but I never knew where or how to start on my own. Coincidentally, I became friends with people my age who also wanted to make movies. When we started talking about it, we thought, why not give it a try? The rest is history
Why did you do this project?
We created this project as part of the Lost Weekend, a 48-hour film competition that challenges filmmakers to create a film within 48 hours based on a randomly drawn theme. It was an amazing opportunity for me to direct a professional short film
(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?
None
Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?
It was entirely self-funded
How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?
It took us roughly 48 hours. The biggest challenge was definitely the limited time we had to create the short film.
Are you happy with the result?
I’m content with the result. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but I’m incredibly proud of my crew, and I think they did an amazing job. We learn from our mistakes and grow through the experience
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’m still a very young filmmaker, so I’d say I draw inspiration from a lot of recent blockbusters. One of my sources of inspiration is definitely the successful series Stranger Things, in which teenagers face monsters such as the Demogorgon. A scene that particularly inspired me was the attack on Karen, the mother, and the emotional scene she shares with her daughter. What inspired me most was the music, which Ibelieve plays a very important role in filmmaking, as well as the actors’ incredible performances.
Your favorite movie?
Interstellar is my go-to favourite movie. Hans Zimmer’s music is absolutely beautiful.
Favorite series?
An anime called Demon Slayer. Once again, both the music and the plot are superb
Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?
I definitely see myself making movies in five years. I have ADHD, and filmmaking is one of the few things I’ve never grown tired of. There is always so much to do, so many different stories to tell, so many places to discover and people to learn from that I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. What interests me most is acting and directing. I love standing in front of a camera and creating an entirely new person through my own body and mind. At the same time, I love bringing my ideas and fantasies to life. I’ve always been fascinated by the art of visually expressing ideas, thoughts, and feelings through moving images
Do you have any other project in mind?
I always have projects in mind, and I’m open to new opportunities as well! I’d love to broaden my horizon by creating projects that explore topics I haven’t tackled before. Perhaps I could tell stories about things people don’t talk about enough, or take on subjects that might be a little more challenging
What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)
I’m eager to learn much more about filmmaking in the future. I want to study acting at a film university in Germany and turn acting into my profession. Of course, I’ll do my best to make this dream a reality:)
Your best experience in a movie theater?
When I was 17, I participated in Luxembourg’s Crème fraîche film competition and submitted my script in the “Best Script” category. When they announced the third- and second-place winners, I assumed I must have placed fourth or lower. So, when they called my name as the winner, I was beyond happy and completely flabbergasted! I was also incredibly nervous about having to talk about my script in front of such a large audience. It was definitely worth it, and the following year, I even had the opportunity to see my script brought to life on screen and present the finished film to a Luxembourgish audience! :)