FRED Film Radio - English Channel

Tatiana Fuentes Sadowski‘s documentary “The Memory of Butterflies“, was inspired by a photograph of two Indigenous men, Omarino and Aredomi, who were taken to London around the early 20th century to be “civilized.” This image prompted her to explore their story and the broader impact of the colonial rubber trade in Latin America.

In her research, Sadowski faced challenges in uncovering this complex history, particularly in deconstructing official narratives.

Engaging with Indigenous communities in Peru, she shared the photograph and documented their reactions, which significantly influenced the documentary’s direction.

Through this film, Sadowski aims to recover lost stories from the rubber boom era, offering a counter-history to colonial narratives.

The post “The memory of the butterflies” interview with the director Tatiana Fuentes Sadowski appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

The Berlinale Talents 2025, running from February 15 to 20, 2025  has started its programme under the big family of Berlinale Prò* .

Its theme is running under the title “Listen Courageously – Cinematic Narratives in Times of Dissonance” and every activity and initiative is developing this “mantra”. 

With 200 selected Talents, exceptional emerging filmmakers from all over the world coming to Berlin, they are taking part in an exciting program of internal workshops, think tanks, panel talks, discussions and more, all of which run alongside the approximately 16 events which are open to public audiences.

Berlinale Talents management duo, Nikola Joetze and Tobias Pausinger introduce us to the Talents under their direction and comment on the creative role the Talents has in a filmmaker journey inside the Berlinale Pro* . 

The post Nikola Joetze and Tobias Pausinger, interview with the project manager and programme manager of the Berlinale Talents 2025 appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

“Fwends” by director Sophie Somerville‘s explores the transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood through the reunion of two friends.

Set against the backdrop of Melbourne in spring, the film captures the city’s influence on the narrative and aesthetic.

Somerville balances existential themes with humour, reflecting on the challenges of being in one’s 20s.

The incorporation of special effects and improvisation adds depth to the storytelling and character development.

The post Fwends, interview with director Sophie Sommerville appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

In “Home Sweet Home“, director Frelle Petersen continues his exploration of Southern Jutland’s ordinary lives, focusing on Sofie, a divorced mother who becomes a home care aide in rural Denmark.

Frelle Petersen‘s personal experience working in home healthcare deeply influenced the film’s narrative and character development, providing authentic insights into the emotional challenges faced by caregivers.

The casting of non-professional actors alongside professionals enhances the story’s realism, reflecting the genuine dynamics of small-town communities.

“Home Sweet Home” aims to resonate with international audiences by highlighting the universal themes of compassion, resilience, and the intricate balance between professional duties and personal life.

The post Home Sweet Home, interview with director Frelle Petersen appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

In “When Lightning Flashes Over the Sea“, director Eva Neymann captures the resilience of Odesa’s residents amidst war, highlighting the enduring dreams and strength of Odesa’s people.

Neymann‘s personal experiences during the war deeply influenced the documentary’s perspective, adding an incredible layer of authenticity to the narration .

The title of the film is a tribute to the hope that dreams will always come true when a lightning flashes over the sea….

The post When Lightning Flashes Over the Sea, interview with director Eva Neymann appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At the 75th Berlinale Film Festival, we had the pleasure of speaking with Brendan Canty, director of “Christy”, the opening film of the Generation section. Set in the north side of Cork City, “Christy” follows a foster kid forced to return to his half-brother while searching for a new home. Through this journey, he discovers himself, his past, and the power of community.

Originally conceived as a short film, “Christy” evolved then into Canty’s debut feature. The biggest challenge? Giving depth to the supporting characters. “They couldn’t just be side characters,” Canty explains, emphasizing how real-life inspiration shaped an ensemble film where every character has their moment.

Canty and writer Alan O’Gorman were determined to portray foster kids’ experiences authentically. With foster children among the cast and crew, the film aims to provide genuine representation. “We wanted them to feel seen,” Canty shares, noting the importance of ensuring the right stories were told.

The first day of shooting was surreal for Canty. Returning to his hometown, Ballincollig, he woke up in his childhood home and walked through familiar streets to set. This deeply personal connection added an extra layer of meaning to the filmmaking process.

The film’s concept originated from a chance encounter with a group of teens in Knocknaheeny. One boy’s words—”That’s not for us“—about filmmaking sparked the idea behind “Christy.” It became a story about opportunity, or the lack of it, and how a strong community can change lives.

Canty fostered a supportive environment for his cast, many of whom came from Kabin Studio, a creative hub in Cork. He ensured the crew understood the community’s significance, making the set a “safe space” where actors could deliver their most authentic performances.

Reflecting on his first feature, Canty acknowledges the importance of exposition in storytelling. “Sometimes, you need to let the audience in,” he admits. This experience has given him confidence and a deeper understanding of storytelling techniques for future projects.

With “Christy” marking a successful feature debut, Brendan Canty is eager to continue telling heartfelt, authentic stories. “More, please,” he says with a smile.

The post “Christy”, interview with the director Brendan Canty appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

“We Live in Time” by John Crowley with Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield is finally coming out in Italian cinemas, thanks to Lucky Red distribution. 

After premiering at the Rome International Film Fest, the film is a breath of fresh air into the romance genre and also the Sick-lit trend. 

With its nonlinear narrative, the film follows the relationship of a couple over the course of a decade. 

Distributed  by A24 in the US, right after its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival the film rapidly gained success thanks to the emotional commitment of “Brooklyn“ director John Crowley and its protagonists: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield.

The post “We Live in Time”, interview with director John Crowley appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

As the first major film market of the year, the EFM is the market that kicks off the audio-visual business year. 

Starting this year 2025, the EFM is part of Berlinale Pro* and serves as a compass, barometer and pacesetter for the new film year: new productions and developments, future-proof business models, contacts and contracts. 

Berlinale Pro* integrates the European Film Market (EFM), the Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund, creating a comprehensive merge where industry professionals can collaborate, develop, and explore new opportunities.

With Tanja Meissner as its new director, Berlinale Pro* aims to strengthen connections between these initiatives, promoting creativity, sustainability, and innovation within the film industry. This integration ensures that the EFM and its associated programmes continue to be a driving force in the global entertainment landscape. 

Among the initiatives Tanja Meissner’s team bring to the EFM 2025 there are the EFM – Innovation Hub, with its focus on cutting-edge technologies and AI-based solutions from screenwriting to distribution and the EFM – Distributor Award aiming to recognize the significance of European Arthouse distribution and its central contribution to cultural diversity. 

The post Tanja Meissner, interview with the director of Berlinale Pro* appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

“Wishing on a star” by Peter Kerekes is the special Event at the 36th Trieste Film Festival 2025. 

The film premiered at the Venice Film festival in 2024, in the Orizzonti section and at its early stage, was one of the projects presented at FIRST CUT+ at the industry section in Trieste, WEMW – When East meets West, the 2024 edition. 

The film was partly shot in the FVG region so, landing in Trieste feels like closing a circle. 

Peter Kerekes, back on FRED after being interviewed in Venice, talks about his festival journey with “Wishing on a star” and the unanimous and appreciative reaction of the audiences. 

The Hungarian director states that, even though he was convinced to shoot this film and didn’t really understand italian or Luciana’s character at first, he ended up directing a film that talks a lot about who he really is as a person, director, father, son. 

The post “Wishing on a star”, interview with director Peter Kerekes appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

After World premiering at the Toronto Film Festival and competing at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, “Meat” by Dimitris Nakos lands out of Competition at the 36th Trieste Film Festival. 

Produced by Thanos Anastopoulos, the film also participated at the CinéMed in Montpellier. 

“Meat“ ( Kreas) is set in a Greek mountain village where Takis (Akilas Karazisis) is preparing for the opening of his new butcher’s shop. The day before the opening, his son Pavlos (Pavlos Iordanopoulos) kills his neighbour who claims part of their land. The only witness is Christos (Kostas Nikouli), a young Albanian who Takis has had with him since he was a boy.

Despite being a family drama with roots in ancient Greek Tragedy, “Meat“ has a fast rhytm thanks to the use of a  handheld camera, always very present throughout the film.

 Dimitris Nakos reflects on whether familiar bonds will always be stronger than other relationships as, since Christos is the “adopted” son and then the last one to join the family, he might be the first to be sacrificed. 

Dimitris Nakos also comments: “Meat narrates a story of a cover-up of a murder in the Greek countryside, which from the moment that is revealed, brings to the surface secrets that were not hidden, but that had simply been put aside and everyone had learned to live with them. The characters in the story try to dominate each other in various ways, while at the same time betray each other”. 

The post “Meat”, interview with director Dimitris Nakos appeared first on Fred Film Radio.