Today we propose an interview with an international, professional director, Mor Lankri
– 1) Can you tell us something about your educational background and your artistic career?
Since I began writing scripts I was drawn to the genre of magical realist tales. I adore tales, before bedtime, around the fire; fairy tales, horror tales. These stories with their symbols and metaphors are beyond specific time, yet could happen at any time, anywhere. While they are timeless and universal, at the moment of receiving them, for us they are current, touching and challenging. That is the reason I started writing and telling tales through surreal films. I did a long way until I started making these films – studying theatre and acting for many years, working in film and tv productions. On set I found myself drawn to the director’s position, wanting to sit behind the monitor, to shape the visual vision, to rewrite the script. The next natural step was to start making films independently and luckily I found talented people and good friends who helped bring my visions to life. At the age of 26 I shot the first short film which I wrote, directed and acted in. When making independent ‘guerrilla’ film productions you are involved in every step, so you gradually become proficient in all aspects of the cinematic process – script, casting, shooting, producing, editing, art and more. So far I made 8 short films as well as music-videos, web content and more. My latest films are “In One’s Shadow” that was shot in France and “Manco Per Sogno” that was shot in Italy.
– 2 ) When did you understand cinema was going to be the job you wanted to do when you grew up
After working as a film director and writer for the first time it became clear to me that I’m in the right place and that cinema is my path. It is a field that I have been exploring for the last few years, nevertheless I would love to create art that incorporates a variety of disciplines.
– 3) Have you ever worked in a theatre?
I’ve worked in theater in the past as an actress and hope to do some more work in the future as a director.
4) Do you think it’s harder Cinema or theatre?
Well, It’s difficult to compare, but I will address a specific aspect that concerns the presentation of the final work; while it isn’t easy to attract a large audience to the theater, especially nowadays, through video it’s possible to reach a wide and diverse audience. In my eyes, the encounter with the audience is an integral part of the artwork, and in cinema this encounter, although not always easy, is more plausible especially with all the digital platforms existing today.
– 5) Tell us something about your last job where you won best editing
The film “Manco per Sogno” was produced by Cinema da Mara last summer. We filmed in Canegrate, a magical town in northern Italy, as well as in Milan. The local citizens of Canegrate were happy to help and became part of the team, which made this shooting experience exceptional. Their love and support are apparent in the film, that displays local residents who are non-actors, local music, local food, and real houses in the region. All those added an authentic feel to the film which gave it its unique spark. I directed and wrote the script and had the pleasure of working with talented people including Kareem Atallah (DP), James La Motta (Actor), Edoardo Pasquini (AD) and more. Our film participated in the Halicarnassus Film Festival this year (2020) and won the award for best editing after being the first project I edited by myself. It will be screened there in the international competition in 2021.
– 6) How was working in Italy and above all directing Italian actors
-Shooting in Italy was incredible. Anywhere you turn the camera, you see divine beauty – in nature, art and architecture. The script was written in Italy too and I can’t imagine shooting this film in another country. I feel that Italian people know how to celebrate life’s pleasures – food, wine, friends, and this passion for life is what inspires the main character, Ricardo, to change his life and pursue his dreams. This character is played by James La Motta, who did a wonderful job in portraying a variety of personas that reflects the rich inner world of the main character and we were fortunate to work with him.
– What about your future projects?
These days I’m working on a script for my first feature film, in the genre I am exploring of magical realist tales. Without giving in too many details I can say that it’s a journey of a granddaughter and grandfather who find themselves drawn out of the crystal clear path dictated by family dynasty, meeting colorful figures that open their eyes to a different path and a different self.
– Greetings to our magazine –
Thank you for creating a platform that focuses on art – it’s an important source of joy and comfort, especially in these times.Such a pleasure to be featured in your magazin. Much love.
Would love to share the film credits here too:
Crew
Director & Script- Mor Lankri
Director of Photography- Kareem Atallah
Re Recording Mix- Ehud Yerushalmi
Assistant Director- Edoardo Pasquini
Sound- Alexey Protsenko
Editing- Mor Lankri
Sound Design Assistant- Rom Hecht
Translation- Riccardo Romano
Composers- Eyal Oberman & Kevin Macleod
Cast
James La Motta
Valentina Zanotti
Ugo Zuretti
Rita Sweeta
Valentina Loi
www.elasticmedianews.it
interview by Giuseppe Cossentino and Nunzio Bellino
