Q&A with Colorado Springs based filmmaker, Sarah R. Lotfi
Director, Producer, Designer White Cloud Films LLC
www.sarahrlotfi.net
www.thelastbogatyr.com
How old were you when you started making movies?
I always dabled with the camera as a child, my first big attempt came about when I was about 10 years old when I was ambitious enough to try to adapt Lord of the Rings all on my own, lol. My serious work has emerged over the last six years when I formed White Cloud.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everything and anything. Usually though it begins with a novel thought or question, a specific shot and those alongside a vibrant soulful piece of music develop the vision.
What do you think about the kinds of movies being produced in Hollywood right now?
Very few mainstream American releases appeal to me. I don’t see many films in the theater as a result of it. What is released every year is marketed to be new but is just a series of remakes of past year’s successes. I find Hollywood over-the-top and cliché and prefer independent and foreign films.
What were the best films you saw last year (independent or otherwise)?
The Young Victoria, Mutaluk (Bliss, Turkey 2007), Star Trek, Public Enemies.
What do you think about the future of the film scene in Colorado Springs?
It definitely has potential. I used to underestimate it but I believe now no matter where you are with enough people dedicated to a vision great films are bound to happen. I at last see that community here in Colorado Springs now and am excited to see what happens in the next few years.
Do you feel like there is a large enough audience for independent films in Colorado Springs?
Kimball’s Twin Peak Theater has done a great job as an independent theater to showcase the independent and foreign films in recent years. Now with involvement with programs like Indie Spirit Film Festival and Short Circuit Showcase Colorado Springs has proven to be a place where the community comes out to see lesser known cinema.
What are your projects and goals for 2010?
White Cloud Films LLC is seeing our WWII short ‘The Last Bogatyr’(2009) on festival route (follow online at www.thelastbogatyr.com). At this time we have plans to attend the Los Angeles International Women’s Film Festival at the end of March. We are currently in production shooting another short ‘Conflict of Interest’ on the failed relationship between an LA screenwriter and script-reader. White Cloud Films LLC is in the process of launching its first feature film that will be announced later this year and shot in 2011.
Scene from Lotfi’s film The Last Bogatyr (2009)
How would you advise young filmmakers to get involved in the Colorado film scene?
Don’t wait for someone to come along and teach you, teach yourself. There are a plethera of books, magazines and online resources for you gleam from. Too many people wait to be discovered. Most never realize that once they do the research and go through the process of making a movie that their end product is really the only thing that is ever going to open doors for them. I think of it in terms of “poise”, you only have one opportunity to prove yourself to the people who count, so make it count – prepare yourself ahead of time. Being a “student-filmmaker” sometimes incurs a bad rep. The best student filmmakers exemplify professional and rise above the professionals’ expectations.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I persue films that deal with human suffering in a beautiful way. I think film is one of the most powerful tools out there to literally change the world. For my part I’d like every film I make to give an audience something to think about in their own lives when they walk away after the credit roll. A film is more than entertainment, or an escape, every film has something to say if you’re listening.
The people I consistently make movies with are my best friends in the world. Making movies isn’t as glamorous as it seems it’s not fun and games. It’s blood and sweat. Whatever hardship the cast and crew face on set make us a stronger team. The people who are with me now empower me to strive for even more ambitious projects and I’m grateful.
White Cloud LLC has been proud partners with Dustin Dunaway of Cool Channel Films LLC and Cooper Christian of Liquid Desert LLC.
Tags: colorado, colorado springs, filmmaking, sarah r. lotfi, the last bogatyr
