Marcus speaks with Freddy Macdonald about his debut feature film 'Sew Torn', just screened at Locarno, following a World premiere at South by Southwest. Drawing inspiration from the 1998 German film ‘Run Lola Run’ as well as ‘No Country For Old Men’ (2007), Freddy speaks on the great fortune of sitting down with one of the directors of the latter film - Joel Cohen - who encouraged him to keep going, and to turn his short into a feature.

The conversation also touches on Freddy’s experience filming in Switzerland, making a movie with his dad, unconventional shooting methods and practical effects, and the value of creating a short film first that can lead the way to becoming a feature film later.

Other topics include the importance of managing expectations, the role of champions in the industry, and the vulnerability of sharing one's work.

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

Marcus speaks with Bálint Szimler about his feature film ‘Lesson Learned’, which just premiered at the Locarno Fim Festival. The discussion also touches on the films that most inspired him - 'Play' by Ruben Östlund and 'Family Nest' by Béla Tarr.

Bálint dives in to the inspiration behind his film, and the challenges of the Hungarian educational system. He also talks about his approach to storytelling and the importance of realistic and character-driven films. He shares insights into his scriptwriting process, the use of improvisation in his films, the importance of passion and dedication, and the collective effort of the cast and crew. Bálint also speaks on the significance of honoring the craft, and the decision to shoot on 16mm film - collaborating with cinematographer Marcell Rév of Euphoria fame.

The conversation also touches on the themes of living in the moment, the value of limitations, the rewards of filmmaking, and challenging the systems in place.

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

Today I speak with my friend and exceptional filmmaker Ellie Foumbi, about her Independent Spirt Award-nominated 'Our Father The Devil,' which is now on the Criterion Channel following a premiere at last year’s Venice International Film Festival. We also discuss the influence of Andrea Arnold’s film 'Red Road' (2006) on her work.

We reminisce about our initial meeting and collaboration in 2012, mutual connections in the industry, and Ellie's process of making an effective micro-budget thriller - which involves the balance of intrigue, character development, and a clear antagonist to create tension and engage the audience. 

Ellie shares her thoughts on the future of cinema, the significance of her work being featured on Criterion, and the importance of patience and honing one's skills through short films and workshops. 

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

Today I speak with Mumbai-based director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat about his kick-ass action film ‘Kill’, which premiered at TIFF last year and is now globally distributed by Lionsgate. We discuss Nikhil’s journey into the film industry, from watching Indian action films on television as a child, and his love for James Cameron’s ‘Aliens’.

He shares his experiences with rejection and the importance of patience and persistence in filmmaking. The conversation also touches on the financing and production of his latest film ‘Kill’ and the challenges and excitement of premiering at film festivals. 

Nikhil expresses his belief in underdog stories and aims to create films that combine thrilling action with humor and emotional depth. He also shares his desire to remake Paul Verhoeven’s 'RoboCop'.

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

In this episode, I speak with Zhengfan Yang about his film 'Stranger’, which just won the Grand Prix prize in the Proxima Competition at Karlovy Vary. We also discuss his past cinema inspiration, ‘A One and a Two’, the 2000 film by Taiwanese filmmaker Edward Yang.

Zhengfan talks about the challenges of shooting his film in 7 total shots, each in a different hotel room, and the importance of the setting and space as a character. He emphasizes the importance of sticking to his original concept of shooting long takes and the pressure to find the right beginning and end for each take. 

Zhengfan shares his experience with financing and the long process of securing funding from various different countries. He reflects on the changing landscape of cinema and the challenges of having his films seen by a wide audience. He also shares filmmaking advice - to stay true to your vision and make the most honest film possible.

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

This episode features Paolo Tizón and his documentary “Night Has Come”, which just won the Special Jury Award and the FIPRESCI (Critic) Award at the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. His main inspiration for the film: ‘Beau Travail’ (1999) by Claire Denis.

We discuss cinematic techniques used in documentaries, the importance of not knowing and being open to surprises while filming - how to listen to the material, editing and structuring a documentary, and the personal motivations behind making his film. We also touch on the connection between music and cinema, the importance of taking breaks during editing, and the value of test screenings. 

Paolo discusses the stress and excitement of delivering and premiering ‘Night Has Come’, and shares his strong love for the medium of film.

Short Ends

• Getting into film festivals can exceed expectations and open doors to bigger opportunities.
• Using cinematic techniques in documentaries can create a more engaging and immersive experience for the audience.
• Not knowing and being open to surprises while filming is an important part of documentary filmmaking.
• Editing and structuring a documentary can be a challenging task, but it is crucial to listen to the material and let it guide the process.
• Personal motivations and curiosity can drive the creation of a documentary film.
• There is a strong connection between music and cinema, and pairing music with images can enhance the storytelling. Taking breaks during the editing process allows for fresh eyes and new perspectives.
• Test screenings are crucial for understanding audience reactions and making necessary changes.
• Directing and shooting the film as a cinematographer can create a unique and personal connection to the material.
• Delivering a film can be a stressful and often overlooked aspect of the filmmaking process.
• Premiering a film at a festival is a mix of excitement and

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

Ivana Gloria, the director of ‘Chlorophyll’, which World Premiered at the Rome International Film Festival, followed by a warm reception at Karlovy Vary, shares her journey and challenges as a filmmaker, having been heavily inspired by the 2018 Swedish film ‘Border’ from director Ali Abbasi.

The conversation also revolves around Ivana’s film ‘Chlorophyll’ and its theme of change - specifically the fear and beauty of change. She speaks on the importance of rehearsals, and being open to new ideas during the filmmaking process, which can lead to unexpected and magical moments. 

Ivana discusses the value of film festivals in building connections and networking with other filmmakers, and she also mentions her future projects, including a documentary and a short film. She also speaks on the Rome film scene.

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

In this episode, filmmaker Nelicia Low discusses her film 'Pierce', which she just won the Best Director award for at Karlovy Vary. She talks about her past cinema inspirations which include Ang Lee’s ‘Lust, Caution’, and her experiences studying at Columbia University.

The conversation highlights the value of editing and music in her film, her directing choices including casting and working with her actors, and the creative solutions used to overcome production challenges. She also speaks on the collaboration with her director of photography and the visual choices they made to create a sense of surrealism and connection between the characters. 

The conversation delves into the personal inspiration behind the film and the autobiographical elements that influenced the story. Financing and distribution (Magnolia Pictures) are also discussed, highlighting the challenges and support systems necessary for today’s independent filmmakers.

Short Ends

• Filmmaking is a personal and challenging journey that requires dedication and perseverance.
• The value of editing and the role it plays in shaping a film cannot be underestimated.
• Music is an important element in film and can enhance the emotional impact of a scene.
• Love is a complex and ever-evolving concept that can be explored through storytelling.
• Cinematography and directing choices can greatly contribute to the overall impact and aesthetic of a film.
• Overcoming production challenges requires creativity and resourcefulness. Using existing locations and incorporating real-life elements can add authenticity to a film.
• Collaboration between the director and director of photography is crucial in creating the desired visual style and atmosphere.
• Personal experiences and emotions can serve as powerful inspiration for storytelling.
• Financing a film can be challenging, but seeking grants and international funding opportunities can help.

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bruno Anković about his new film ‘Celebration’, which premiered at this years Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Crystal Globe competition. We dive into the themes and storytelling techniques used in ‘Celebration’, which explores the cyclical nature of history and the challenges of portraying the passage of time through different actors. 

We also discuss Bruno’s cinema influences, including Michael Haneke’s ‘The White Ribbon’ (2009) and Jim Sheridan’s ‘The Field’ (1990). Other past inspiration includes the Croatian films ‘Handcuffs’ (Croatian title - “Lisice”), dir. Krsto Papić (1969) and ‘The Birch Tree’ (Croatian title - “Breza”), dir. Antę Babaja (1967). 

The discussion also provides insights into Bruno’s creative process and the connection between personal experiences and artistic expression. It explores the challenges of making a film that tackles sensitive topics and the importance of creating dialogue and understanding. Bruno discusses the political and social context of the Balkans region and the ongoing tensions that exist. His film ‘Celebration’ aims to shed light on why young people can be drawn to extreme ideologies, and the impact of poverty and lack of education.

Short Ends

• The current cinema landscape is influenced by past films and filmmakers like Michael Haneke and Jim Sheridan, and it is important to appreciate and learn from their work.
• The passage of time can be effectively portrayed through storytelling techniques such as nonlinear narratives and the use of different actors to represent different stages of a character's life.
• Filmmaking is a powerful medium for exploring historical and social themes, and it allows for a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of history.
• Personal experiences and cultural backgrounds can shape the creative process and influence the themes and storytelling choices in a film.
• Filmmaking can be a powerful tool for addressing sensitive to

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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

Bulgarian filmmaker Pavel Vesnakov discusses his journey in the film industry and his film 'Windless'. He talks about the importance of World Premiering at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival - a significant milestone for him. He shares his early influences, including the films 'Taste of Cherry' by Abbas Kiarostami and '3 Iron' by Kim Ki-duk, which inspired him to pursue filmmaking.


Pavel speaks on the challenges of making films in Bulgaria and the impact of working in the TV industry, the importance of realism in his films, and how his perspective has evolved over the years. We discuss the influence of the Romanian New Wave on his filmmaking style, the importance of capturing the mundane and authentic aspects of human existence, and the challenges of distributing and finding an audience for art films. We also touch on the use of specific techniques in 'Windless', such as the one-to-one aspect ratio and the incorporation of home video footage. 

Vesnakov shares his thoughts on the themes of memory, time, and identity, and his desire to create movies that allow viewers to reflect on their own lives and existence. He also mentions his upcoming project, 'Deconstruction', which explores the concept of going back in time.


Short Ends

• Pavel G. Vesnakov is excited about the world premiere of his film 'Windless' at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
• He discusses the challenges of making films in Bulgaria, including limited funding and a small cinema industry.
• Pavel shares his early influences, including the films 'Taste of Cherry' by Abbas Kiarostami and '3 Iron' by Kim Ki-Duk, which inspired him to pursue filmmaking.
• Working in the TV industry helped him overcome shyness and develop a better understanding of what he wants to achieve as a director.
• He emphasizes the importance of realism in his films and the impact of capturing authentic moments on screen. 
• The Romanian New Wa

What Movies Are You Watching?

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

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

Support the show

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