INTERVIEW with Ivan Krapivin

How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?

Well, this is actually my first gig as a writer-director. First one, and hopefully not my last! It's been a childhood dream, and last year I finally realized that, uh, childhood was over (I'm 39), so I went to film school in Rome and made a movie from my own script.

Why did you do this project?

It was supposed to be just a graduation student film. But with the depth of the story and all the resources my team poured into it, it ended up being way more serious than expected. So I figured, hey, at least someone should actually watch this thing!

(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?

It was around 6,000 euros from my own savings. I work as a design director at a cybersecurity company - I'm only a filmmaker in my spare time!

Are you happy with the result?

I'm the kind of person who's never happy with anything. But after watching the film with friends, I could see it turned out pretty interesting. It's actually worth watching!

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?

I'd love to organize a proper premiere. Like, a real one in an actual movie theater, and that's what I'm working on right now. But in Belgrade these days, it's pretty tricky. The owners of all the good cozy cinemas are either on vacation at the seaside or out at street protests every night!

How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they

should improve?

I basically have zero experience with this, but I'd like at least someone to actually watch my film. I guess that's what the submission fee is supposed to be for, right? But based on how communication is set up at festivals these days, I'm not really seeing that happen.

Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals?

I use FilmFreeway, plus festival websites directly, or just good old personal connections to submit.

Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc.

Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.

You know, I'm actually pretty unsophisticated and didn't really have any references. Of course, I love what Nolan does with time. This film is kind of my own experiment with the feeling and distortion of time.

Your favorite movie?

Definitely Forrest Gump. That movie literally has all the answers to everything.

Favorite series?

I don't really have one. They all just kind of wash over me - I can appreciate great production quality or an amazing story, but nothing hits me the way a full movie does. I've never rewatched a single series, but movies? Absolutely.

Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?

Movies will still exist in 5 years, right?

Do you have any other project in mind?

I have 8 drafts and no idea which one will be my favourite for the next season. Will see.

What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)

I'd like to see movies returned to people, instead of being completely handed over to AI. The hysteria and hype needs to die down, the tools should stay, and people should just chill out.

Your best experience in a movie theater?

I don’t remember a specific movie, but my best memories are always from good comedies. When you laugh so hard you have to glance around the theater to see if others are also falling out of their seats—or if it’s just you. And then you catch the same exact look in their eyes.