In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins hosts a conversation with filmmakers Annapurna Sriram ("Fucktoys") and Alex Burunova ("Satisfaction"). Fresh from their South by Southwest premieres, they open up about the challenges and triumphs of making their first feature films independently. From the loneliness of directing to finding creative collaborators, the trio shares the real, raw experience of being “in the thick of it” during production and beyond.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss...

Why making a first feature feels like living on an island — literally and metaphorically

The emotional rollercoaster of independent filmmaking and the power of perseverance

The origins of "Fucktoys" and "Satisfaction," and how personal experiences inspired the films

Casting without “named talent” and the importance of authentic performances

How microbudget hacks, from thrift store shopping to strategic returns, kept productions alive

The importance of finding your “spiritual warriors” (aka collaborators who get it)

How to carry the lessons of your first feature into your next project

Memorable Quotes:

“If you can see all the heartbreak ahead, I don't know that anybody would climb the mountain.”

“You’re not the first person to deal with a catastrophe — every person deals with it.”

“Be a scout. Be a badass. Discover undiscovered talent.”

“The gap in the teeth leads to the heart. It’s all a map.”

Guests:

Annapurna Sriram (Director, Writer, Lead Actor of Fucktoys)

Alex Burunova (Director, Writer of Satisfaction)

Resources:

Fucktoys on Instagram: @fucktoysthemovie

Satisfaction on Instagram: @satisfactionfilm

I Really Love My Husband on Instagram: @ireallylovemyhusbandmovie

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