INTERVIEW with Fjolnir Baldursson
The director and screenwriter, Fjölnir Baldursson he made the shortfilm Rán, it was winner on many festivals all over world. He has been a part of several short films in collaboration with others, he has made a few episodes about musicians from the westfjords. In collaboration with Baldur Smári Ólafsson, he made a documentary about Óli Pétur Jakobsson.
How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?
I have bin working around films for 20 years, but just do small work for films.
Why did you do this project?
My son Roman start to make this story and ask me for help. Its was a his live story. Then we mix thinks from my live in to it .
Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?
we did get some money thru Karolina Fund and the rest I funded my self.
How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?
Roman start to make the story for 7 years ago. Its 3 year sin we finished to shoot the film. Wespend a good time to edit the fil and do sound and all what you need to do.
Are you happy with the result?
I think so? You can always see something you can do better, but I think we da have good film with strong story.
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?
Yes we are there, we was winner on the first festival we go on it was in Asti in Italia.
How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?
I run festival my self in my home town in Iceland. Yes it can always get better bur best festivals I go on it is that one all filmmakers meet and talk together.
Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals?
We use just 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 love Woody Allen, Charles Chaplin Coen brothers.
Your favorite movie?
I not have one, when you have many children you can’t selectedone.
Favorite series?
I am not so much for that. I like movies.
Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?
I still need to do 2 films more yes.
Do you have any other project in mind?
I am working on one and we start film it next autumn. That is Comedy Action film.
What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)
I hope we will do movies not just let computers take over.
Your best experience in a movie theater?
When I did see Doctor Zhivago when I was a kid. I think I was 10 years old. After that I want to make films …