The Austin Film Festival has wrapped, and I have finally had an opportunity to compile the reviews and interviews from the week.
First, the Film Zaire. Set on a distant planet, two researchers gather data, run tests, and maintain an outpost to bring organic life to the remote world. Immediately, the cinematic aesthetic leaps off the screen. Macro shots of single cell organisms in various color palettes mesmerize viewers, setting Zaire apart in a unique and beautiful way. The acting in Zaire complements the art direction, selling the story of a character who struggles with failure while surrounded by breathtaking views.
I caught up with the Director, Josh Benson, and the lead actor, Jeff Worden, for just a couple minutes after the screening, here’s the transcript:
MN: What was the greatest roadblock to overcome in the making of Zaire, whether it was technical, or something else?
JB: Probably, melding the abstract images into the narrative during editing in a way that wasn’t just putting pretty images on the screen but was actually representative of the character’s progress and development.
MN: Do either of you have plans for future projects together? Do you have a dream film you’d like to produce?
JB: I think we are looking at doing a family story next.
JW: We’ve already done a few projects together and I think we will do at least one more. I really like American Stories, Manifest Destiny, like Walt Whitman inspired things.
JB: I think at this point it will revolve around son and mother relationship while on the road. I’d like to shoot out west.
JW: Colorado, Utah…
JB: And the Dakotas, definitely the Dakotas.
MN: Now that you have made the festival circuit with Zaire, what have you learned about breaking into the industry? Since this is a world of rejection, what advice do you have for others trying to get to this point?
JW: Perseverance. Do work that inspires you. I doubt that there’s ever a point you’ll reach when there isn’t another project, but you should try to do the one that you enjoy.
JB: I don’t take it [rejection] well. But I’ve learned to cut myself off. Like an athlete, you just move on to the next thing.
Zaire FaceBook Page.
Joshua Benson on IMDb.
Jeff Worden on IMDb.
I think this is among the most significant info for me.
And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really great : D.
Good job, cheers