Nina Knag’s debut feature, Don’t Call Me Mama, which marks her arrival as a bold new voice in cinema, just premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Crystal Globe competition. She tackles the taboo subject of relationships between older women and younger asylum seekers through the lens of complex, unapologetic female anti-heroes. Drawing from personal insight and the influence of trailblazing female filmmakers, Knag crafts a story where the setting becomes an active force in shaping narrative and theme. 

She emphasizes the importance of deep collaboration with actors, embracing improvisation and authenticity to capture the complex realities of human relationships. For Knag, filmmaking is as much about the journey as the final cut—each challenge, misstep, and success feeding into a creative process that demands vulnerability, resilience, and a refusal to compromise the heart of the story.

Past films discussed include The Hunt (2012, dir. Thomas Vinterberg), After the Wedding (2006, dir. Susanne Bier), Fish Tank (2009, dir. Andrea Arnold), and the short Wasp (2003, dir. Andrea Arnold).

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

Thom Powers, a renowned documentary programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), former artistic director of DocNYC, and host of the “Pure Nonfiction” podcast, delves into his journey from filmmaker to influential festival curator. Thom shares behind-the-scenes details about programming films like “The Bibi Files,” directed by Alexis Bloom, and Rebecca Huntt’s “Beba,” highlighting the unique power of documentaries to engage audiences. 

Thom emphasizes the importance of community within the filmmaking ecosystem, explores the nuanced selection process at major film festivals, and candidly reflects on the future challenges and opportunities facing documentary distribution today. Thom also reveals his all-time favorite documentary, the 1989 Oscar-winning “Hotel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie,” directed by Marcel Ophuls. 

This conversation is a true masterclass for filmmakers eager to understand how documentaries find their audience and why curators like Powers are pivotal in shaping the documentary landscape.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and at pastpresentfeature.com

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

In this conversation, filmmaker James DeMonaco discusses his journey from writing the comedy “Jack” and working with Francis Ford Coppola and Luc Besson, to creating the successful “Purge” franchise. Up next is his latest, a psychological horror film, “The Home” starring Pete Davidson, which is releasing theatrically July 25th via Roadside Attractions. 

DeMonaco shares insights on genre forms in screenwriting - and a 30 year career as a Hollywood screenwriter, the challenges of production, and the importance of audience engagement. He reflects on his experiences with notable actors and directors, and the creative process behind his films, emphasizing the need for authenticity and emotional connection in storytelling. 

Many past inspirations are discussed including the 1977 supernatural horror “The Sentinel” directed by Michael Winner, as well as James’ ongoing passion for Fellini films. 

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

In this first episode of Season 2, documentarian Madeline Gavin joins Past Present Feature to discuss the making of "Beyond Utopia", her gripping BAFTA and Emmy-nominated film about North Korean defectors. She reflects on the emotional intensity of telling stories under high-stakes conditions and the delicate trust required between filmmaker and subject. From the invisible hand of editing to the indivisibility of sound and image, Madeline shares insights into her creative process, drawing inspiration from powerful works like "Collectiv" and exploring how specificity in storytelling can lead to universal resonance. 

This marks the first episode of Season 2, where we’re mixing things up - continuing to speak with filmmakers about their latest work and past inspirations, while also expanding the conversation to include deep dives into older films and voices behind the scenes, like curators and festival programmers who play a crucial role in a film’s success.

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

Julia Max, director of “The Surrender”, which premiered at SXSW and is now streaming on AMC+, discusses her journey as a filmmaker, with past inspiration coming from Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”.

Julia shares insights into the horror genre, the importance of character development, and the challenges of navigating the filmmaking process. She emphasizes the significance of a supportive team, the role of women in film, and the impact of audience reception on future projects. 

Julia touches on her editing and casting process, and the importance of rehearsals, providing many valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers.

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

Co-Directors David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano share their take on the unique blend of horror and comedy in their latest film, “I Don’t Understand You”, now in theaters following SXSW. Past films discussed include Eugene Levy’s 1992 crime-comedy “Once Upon a Crime”.

They share their personal experiences working with producing partners Joel and Nash Edgerton, what it’s like to film in Rome, Italy, and the importance of collaboration with an Italian crew. The conversation also touches on nostalgia for 90s films and the evolving landscape of cinema, emphasizing the need for originality and risk-taking in storytelling. 

David and Brian also discuss the dynamics of co-directing, the importance of collaboration in editing, and the need for authenticity and joy when creating films.

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

Indian filmmaker Natesh Hegde discusses his journey in filmmaking, from his early inspirations to the challenges and triumphs of creating his latest film, “Tiger’s Pond,” which just world-premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Past inspo includes Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami's 1990 film “Close Up”.

Natesh shares insights on collaborating with family, including casting his father in the lead, the importance of sound design, and the unique experience of shooting on 16mm film. 

He emphasizes the courage to create without fear of failure and offers advice to aspiring filmmakers to simply keep making films.

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

This episode explores the journey of filmmaker Vibeke Løkkeberg, who spent 52 years creating her film, “The Long Road to the Director’s Chair,” which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Past cinema discussed includes Italian Neorealism and Andrei Tarkovsky.

Vibeke’s film highlights the struggles and achievements of women in the film industry, delving into the ongoing fight for equality in filmmaking, the challenges faced by female directors, and the impact of commercialism on artistic expression. 

The discussion also explores personal resilience, the significance of authenticity in storytelling, and the lessons learned throughout a lifetime of filmmaking.

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

In this conversation, Yiwen Cao discusses her groundbreaking AI-generated film 'What's Next?’, which premiered at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival. Although past films about AI are discussed, including “Her”, “A.I.”, “Ex Machina”, and “The Matrix”, Yiwen’s favorite movie is Billy Wilder’s 1959 comedy/musical “Some Like It Hot”.

She shares insights into the creative process, including making the film over six and a half days on no sleep, the themes of the film, and the role of AI in filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of social commentary in her work.

Yiwen reflects on the audience's reception of AI films, addresses the future of AI in the film industry, and offers advice for aspiring filmmakers.

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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

Phil Cox discusses the importance and challenges of navigating the film ecosystem and festival landscape, and the innovative storytelling techniques used in his documentary “Khartoum”, which just screened at the Berlin Film Festival following its Sundance premiere. Past filmmakers discussed include the films of Frederick Wiseman and Joshua Oppenheimer.

Phil shares insights on collaboration and community among filmmakers, the challenges of activist filmmaking, which aims to resist traditional narratives, and the significance of self-care in the industry. 

He also addresses cultural sensitivity in storytelling and the intricacies of structuring non-linear narratives, all while reflecting on his journey as a filmmaker and the future of independent filmmaking.

What Movies Are You Watching?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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