In this conversation, Oscar-nominated Scandar Copti discusses his latest film 'Happy Holidays', which just won the Orizontti Award for Best Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival. His past inspiration includes Alexander Nanau’s 2014 Docu-drama ‘Toto and His Sisters’ and Brazilian doc ‘Bus 174’.
Scandar shares the creative process behind his film and the unique approach he takes in filmmaking, such as casting non-professional actors, and filming chronologically, which allows actors to experience deeper emotions as their characters would.
Scandar emphasizes the need to understand the human experience in storytelling, the value in embracing imperfections, and how the normalization of suffering is a central theme in his work.
What Movies Are You Watching?
Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
The Past Present Feature Film Festival - Nov. 20-22, 2026 in Hollywood, CA - Submit at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature
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By Marcus Mizelle
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In this conversation, Oscar-nominated Scandar Copti discusses his latest film 'Happy Holidays', which just won the Orizontti Award for Best Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival. His past inspiration includes Alexander Nanau’s 2014 Docu-drama ‘Toto and His Sisters’ and Brazilian doc ‘Bus 174’.
Scandar shares the creative process behind his film and the unique approach he takes in filmmaking, such as casting non-professional actors, and filming chronologically, which allows actors to experience deeper emotions as their characters would.
Scandar emphasizes the need to understand the human experience in storytelling, the value in embracing imperfections, and how the normalization of suffering is a central theme in his work.
What Movies Are You Watching?
Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
The Past Present Feature Film Festival - Nov. 20-22, 2026 in Hollywood, CA - Submit at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature
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