Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

Taiwanese filmmaker Shih-Ching Tsou traces her path from a strict upbringing in Taipei to directing Left-Handed Girl, Taiwan’s 2025 Oscar submission for Best International Film, and now streaming on Netflix. After years working alongside Sean Baker, the four-time Academy Award winner known for Anora, Tangerine, and The Florida Project, and her creative partner since they co-directed their first feature Take Out, Shih-Ching steps forward with her solo directorial debut.

Shih-Ching and Baker wrote the script for Left-Handed Girl in 2010, but financing challenges kept the project on hold for more than a decade. Principal photography finally began in Ju...

12 films. 3 nights. 1 Collective.

The Past Present Feature Film Festival is a curated, three-day showcase of cinematic storytelling across time, highlighting overlooked gems, current festival hits, and future feature films in the making. Sponsored by The Past Present Feature Podcast and Leica Camera, all screenings take place November 19 – 21 in Hollywood, CA, at the Eastwood Performing Arts Center (1089 N OXFORD AVE, 90029)

Tickets @ pastpresentfeature.eventive.org

🎟️ ALL ACCESS PASSES Now Available (use code 10OFF for a 10% early discount): go to BUY PASSES to lock yours in ...

Janicke Askevold unpacks her journey from shooting Together Alone with friends during COVID to premiering her new feature Solomamma at the Locarno Film Festival. The Norwegian actor-turned-director traces how a one-page pitch led to full Norwegian Film Institute backing and a 25-day Oslo shoot that balanced long summer daylight, short 8-hour workdays, and a five-year-old co-star.

Solomamma follows Edith, a journalist and single mother who secretly seeks out her sperm donor - an encounter that evolves into love, deceit, and a search for self. Co-produced across Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland, with sound design by a collaborator of...

Mercedes Bryce Morgan unpacks the whirlwind making of Bone Lake, an 18-day Atlanta shoot that battled storms, injuries, and lost gear before completing its night-boat climax on a Los Angeles soundstage. After a Fantastic Fest premiere and Deadline-breaking international sales, the erotic survival thriller heads to U.S. theaters with buzzy audience reactions and a proudly “fun, commercial, popcorn” spirit.

Mercedes traces her path from mini DV Star Wars shorts and USC to festival features, describing her taste as a mix of Oldboy’s devastation and Amélie’s heart. Other past influences include Barbarians, Who’s Afraid of V...

Norwegian filmmaker Audun Amundsen, director of Click the Link Below, which premiered at Doc Edge in Auckland, follows online gurus like Akbar Sheikh and Tai Lopez to show how engagement algorithms reward extremes and blur value with hype. 

Audun traces an unlikely path from renewable energy engineer and backpacker to documentarian, surviving a stroke at 23 before returning to Indonesia that resulted in his previous documentary Newtopia, a 15-year chronicle of a community’s shift from barter to money, with a focus on human nature over gloss. 

He also cites his earlier feature Help! I’ve Gone V...

Nina Knag’s debut feature, Don’t Call Me Mama, which marks her arrival as a bold new voice in cinema, just premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Crystal Globe competition. She tackles the taboo subject of relationships between older women and younger asylum seekers through the lens of complex, unapologetic female anti-heroes. Drawing from personal insight and the influence of trailblazing female filmmakers, Knag crafts a story where the setting becomes an active force in shaping narrative and theme. 

She emphasizes the importance of deep collaboration with actors, embracing improvisation and authenticity to ca...

Thom Powers, a renowned documentary programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), former artistic director of DocNYC, and host of the “Pure Nonfiction” podcast, delves into his journey from filmmaker to influential festival curator. Thom shares behind-the-scenes details about programming films like “The Bibi Files,” directed by Alexis Bloom, and Rebecca Huntt’s “Beba,” highlighting the unique power of documentaries to engage audiences. 

Thom emphasizes the importance of community within the filmmaking ecosystem, explores the nuanced selection process at major film festivals, and candidly reflects on the future challenges and opportunities facing documentary distribution today. Thom also reveals hi...

In this conversation, filmmaker James DeMonaco discusses his journey from writing the comedy “Jack” and working with Francis Ford Coppola and Luc Besson, to creating the successful “Purge” franchise. Up next is his latest, a psychological horror film, “The Home” starring Pete Davidson, which is releasing theatrically July 25th via Roadside Attractions. 

DeMonaco shares insights on genre forms in screenwriting - and a 30 year career as a Hollywood screenwriter, the challenges of production, and the importance of audience engagement. He reflects on his experiences with notable actors and directors, and the creative process behind his films, emphasizing the need for...

In this first episode of Season 2, documentarian Madeleine Gavin joins Past Present Feature to discuss the making of "Beyond Utopia", her gripping BAFTA and Emmy-nominated film about North Korean defectors. She reflects on the emotional intensity of telling stories under high-stakes conditions and the delicate trust required between filmmaker and subject. From the invisible hand of editing to the indivisibility of sound and image, Madeleine shares insights into her creative process, drawing inspiration from powerful works like "Collectiv" and exploring how specificity in storytelling can lead to universal resonance. 

This marks the first episode of Season 2, where w...

Julia Max, director of “The Surrender”, which premiered at SXSW and is now streaming on AMC+, discusses her journey as a filmmaker, with past inspiration coming from Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”.

Julia shares insights into the horror genre, the importance of character development, and the challenges of navigating the filmmaking process. She emphasizes the significance of a supportive team, the role of women in film, and the impact of audience reception on future projects. 

Julia touches on her editing and casting process, and the importance of rehearsals, providing many valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers.

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Co-Directors David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano share their take on the unique blend of horror and comedy in their latest film, “I Don’t Understand You”, now in theaters following SXSW. Past films discussed include Eugene Levy’s 1992 crime-comedy “Once Upon a Crime”.

They share their personal experiences working with producing partners Joel and Nash Edgerton, what it’s like to film in Rome, Italy, and the importance of collaboration with an Italian crew. The conversation also touches on nostalgia for 90s films and the evolving landscape of cinema, emphasizing the need for originality and risk-taking in storytellin...

Indian filmmaker Natesh Hegde discusses his journey in filmmaking, from his early inspirations to the challenges and triumphs of creating his latest film, “Tiger’s Pond,” which just world-premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Past inspo includes Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami's 1990 film “Close Up”.

Natesh shares insights on collaborating with family, including casting his father in the lead, the importance of sound design, and the unique experience of shooting on 16mm film. 

He emphasizes the courage to create without fear of failure and offers advice to aspiring filmmakers to simply keep making films.

...

This episode explores the journey of filmmaker Vibeke Løkkeberg, who spent 52 years creating her film, “The Long Road to the Director’s Chair,” which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Past cinema discussed includes Italian Neorealism and Andrei Tarkovsky.

Vibeke’s film highlights the struggles and achievements of women in the film industry, delving into the ongoing fight for equality in filmmaking, the challenges faced by female directors, and the impact of commercialism on artistic expression. 

The discussion also explores personal resilience, the significance of authenticity in storytelling, and the lessons learned throughout a lifetime o...

In this conversation, Yiwen Cao discusses her groundbreaking AI-generated film 'What's Next?’, which premiered at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival. Although past films about AI are discussed, including “Her”, “A.I.”, “Ex Machina”, and “The Matrix”, Yiwen’s favorite movie is Billy Wilder’s 1959 comedy/musical “Some Like It Hot”.

She shares insights into the creative process, including making the film over six and a half days on no sleep, the themes of the film, and the role of AI in filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of social commentary in her work.

Yiwen reflects on the audience's reception of AI films, add...

Phil Cox discusses the importance and challenges of navigating the film ecosystem and festival landscape, and the innovative storytelling techniques used in his documentary “Khartoum”, which just screened at the Berlin Film Festival following its Sundance premiere. Past filmmakers discussed include the films of Frederick Wiseman and Joshua Oppenheimer.

Phil shares insights on collaboration and community among filmmakers, the challenges of activist filmmaking, which aims to resist traditional narratives, and the significance of self-care in the industry. 

He also addresses cultural sensitivity in storytelling and the intricacies of structuring non-linear narratives, all while reflecting on his j...

Nayibe Tavares-Abel shares her journey from a political science background to becoming a documentary filmmaker. She discusses her film “Colossal”, which just premiered at Berlinale. Past films discussed include “Beyond Utopia” by Madeleine Gavin.

Nayibe’s film intertwines her family history with the political landscape of the Dominican Republic, exploring themes of political violence, activism, and the importance of storytelling. She emphasizes the challenges of documentary filmmaking, the significance of family archives, and the universal themes that can emerge from specific stories. 

Nayibe also reflects on the evolution of her film, the importance of building relationshi...

Dylan Southern talks about his film “The Thing with Feathers,” based on Max Porter's book and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, which delves into themes of loss and family relationships after a mother’s passing. The film made its debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, followed by Berlinale. He also references previous films that inspired him, including Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.”

Dylan shares his experience of transforming the book into a film, highlighting the need to grasp the emotional heart of the narrative. He discusses the complexities of portraying grief, noting that it is often non-linear and can be bot...

Sarah Miro Fischer is the director of “The Good Sister”, which just enjoyed its World premiere in the Panorama section at this year’s Berlin Film Festival. Past films discussed include Thomas Vinterburg’s “The Hunt”.

Sarah discusses her emotional journey of premiering at Berlin, sharing insights into her filmmaking process which includes a fruitful collaboration with co-writer Agnes Maagaard Petersen, and the challenges of addressing sensitive themes, which require trust and open communication. 

She emphasizes the importance of preparation and adaptability when making a film, how audience engagement is crucial to spark discussion and reflection, a...

Ben Hethcoat opens up about his decade-long journey creating the documentary "Coroner To The Stars," which focuses on Dr. Thomas Noguchi, a well-known coroner famous for his work on high-profile celebrity deaths, including those of Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood. Ben draws inspiration from documentary legend Errol Morris.

He tackles the difficulties of addressing sensitive subjects like death, the personal ties that shaped his filmmaking, and the need to handle public perception and media hype carefully. He also discusses how celebrity death investigations have changed over time and the crucial role of archival research in crafting compelling...

In this conversation, Nathaniel Lezra discusses his journey as a documentary filmmaker, focusing on his latest project, “Roads of Fire”, which just won Best Documentary at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Nathaneil’s past inspirations include Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The Act of Killing” and “The Look of Silence”.

He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of cinematically capturing the humanitarian crisis and the political climate’s impact on filmmaking. He also shares insights into the smuggling industry and the importance of capturing authentic experiences in documentary storytelling. 

Nathaniel discusses the complex, harrowing realities faced by migrants, the ne...

Gaby Dellal discusses the journey of creating her latest film “Park Avenue”, which just premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Her past inspirations include “Midnight Cowboy” and “Midnight Express”.

She reflects on her transition from acting to directing, the themes of motherhood in her work, and the impact of industry politics on her projects. Gaby also speaks on the intricacies of independent filmmaking, including her experiences working with the now infamous Harvey Weinstein.

The discussion also highlights the importance of collaboration to create emotional depth in storytelling, patience and resilience when facing gaps between proj...

Director Daniel Straub and cinematographer (and brother) Austin Straub discuss their film “Out of Plain Sight”, which just won the Audience Award at Santa Barbara, ahead of their LA premiere with Slamdance. Past influences include Alex Garland’s “Annihilation”.

The conversation explores the themes of environmental awareness and the legacy of chemical pollution, the power of documentary filmmaking and the authenticity that comes from capturing real stories, emphasizing the impact a documentary can have on public perception.

Also explored is the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking, where fiction and non-fiction increasingly blend, and the ongoing need for a...

Montreal-based Directors Brian Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky delve into the making of their Rotterdam documentary “A Man Imagined”, which focuses on the life of Lloyd, a homeless man with schizophrenia surviving amidst urban detritus and decay. Past inspo includes "Dog Days" by Austrian director Ulrich Seidl.

They discuss their unique approach to storytelling, challenges in finding and capturing Lloyd's essence, and their collaborative relationship with him throughout the filming process - emphasizing the importance of portraying homelessness with dignity and complexity, rather than falling into common tropes. 

They also speak on the art of portraiture, and t...

Netherlands-based director Aaron Rookus explores themes of self-acceptance, mortality, and the quest for fulfillment through the lens of filmmaking ahead of his Rotterdam Film Festival premiere of “Idyllic”. Past inspirations include Tom Tykwer’s “Run Lola Run” and the films of Charlie Kaufman.

Aaron speaks on the impact of personal experiences, such as illness and loss, on creative expression and the importance of humor in addressing serious topics. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of character development in ensemble storytelling, the role of script editors in shaping narratives, and the evolution of film consumption in the digital ag...

Colombian filmmaker Gala Del Sol discusses her debut feature film, “Rains Over Babel”, which just screened at this years Sundance and Rotterdam Film Festivals. Careful not to borrow too heavily, her cinema influences include Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who directed “Black Cat, White Cat”, and her favorite film of all time - “Children of Paradise”, from French director Marcel Carné.

Exploring a unique blend of magical realism, punk aesthetics, eclectic score and vibrant sound design, Gala shares her film's themes of loss, identity, and redemption, shaped by the challenges of creating art during the pandemic. She praises the support o...

Tad Nakamura, the director of Sundance-bound "Third Act," reflects on his latest documentary, which centers on his father Robert Nakamura, a distinguished filmmaker frequently recognized as a trailblazer in Asian American media. Tad drew inspiration from his father’s 1974 short doc “Wataridori: Birds of Passage”.

Tad shares the unique experience of growing up in a filmmaking family, the pressures of legacy, and the profound emotional connections that arise from documenting family stories. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of cinema as a means of exploring time and relationships. 

Also explored are the challenges of livi...

Co-directors Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction with their latest film “Serious People”, which just had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

Ben discusses his filmmaking journey from Chicago to Shanghai and Pasqual shares the inspiration behind their film, which stemmed from a vivid dream he had, as well as real life - and also from the past works of Roy Andersson (“A Pigeon Sat on a Branch”) and Ruben Östlund (“Triangle of Sadness”). The discussion delves into the challenges of blending fiction and nonfiction, the importance of casting the right talent...

Italian filmmaker Gianluca Matarrese discusses his documentary project “GEN_”, which is premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.  Past inspo includes the films of Frederick Wiseman.

Gianluca delves into the complexities of his filmmaking philosophy, exploring the therapeutic nature of his creative process, and the importance of community and validation in the industry. He reflects on his journey as a filmmaker, the influences that shaped his work, and the significance of finding humanity in diverse perspectives. 

Gianluca shares his excitement for the Sundance Film Festival, highlighting the dreams and aspirations that drive filmmakers.

What...

Delaney Buffett, recipient of the Golden Key Award at the Key West Film Festival and director of “Adult Best Friends” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, stresses that when creating comedy, the story comes first. Past films discussed include Mike Nichols’ “The Birdcage” and Paul Feig’s “Bridesmaids.

She shares insights on developing her film with friends, the significance of real-life experiences in crafting relatable narratives, and the importance of emotional depth in storytelling, including the intricate balance of blending genres. Also discussed are “two-lane directors” such as Billy Wilder and Mike Nichols, who have mastered both comedy, drama...

Wannes Destoop, director of “Holy Rosita”, which just won the Best Film award at the Torino Film Festival, shares his affinity for misfits and the unique stories they embody. Past films discussed include Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project” and Martin McDonagh’s “In Bruges”.

He reflects on his documentary roots, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the challenges of modern filmmaking. Wannes shares insights into his casting process, production choices, and the emotional rollercoaster of post-production. 

Also touched on are the impact of awards and recognition on a film's reach and the complexities of distribution i...

“Sonic The Hedgehog 3” director Jeff Fowler shares his filmmaking journey, focusing on his experiences with visual effects, animation, and storytelling, having been influenced at an early age by “Star Wars”, “T2”, and “Jurassic Park”.

Jeff emphasizes the importance of hard work and passion in achieving success, recounting his time at Ringling College of Art and Design and then being hired by Tim Miller at Blur Studios. He discusses the evolution of visual effects and the path that led him to direct the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. 

Jeff reflects on the challenges and innovations in creating compelling visual...

Pia Marais shares insights from her filmmaking journey, including the making of her atmospheric new film “Transamazonia,” which just screened at the New York Film Festival following a Locarno world premiere. Past inspirations include Werner Herzog’s “Wings of Hope” and Asif Kapadia’s “Amy”.

Pia’s latest film explores themes of faith and family dynamics, and she discusses the complexities of casting, production, the importance of film festivals, and the ongoing challenges of securing distribution for independent films. 

Other topics include the evolving landscape of cinema culture, which has shifted significantly over the years with a need for mor...

Ben Russell delves into the concept of observational cinema, sharing insights on his latest co-directing effort “Direct Action” (with Guillaume Cailleau), which portrays a radical activist community in France. It debuted at Berinale and just screened at the New York Film Festival. Past films discussed include Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson” and the observational films of Frederick Wiseman and The Maysles Brothers.

Ben shares his experience transitioning as a filmmaker from America to France, exploring the differences between American and European cinema, and the impact of public funding on film production. The discussion also touches on filmmaking techniques, audience e...

In this conversation, Egil Pedersen reflects on his experiences growing up in a small Norwegian village and how he transitioned from short films to his first feature film, “My Father's Daughter,” the first-ever Sámi-language premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. His cinema inspirations include David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” and “Show Me Love” (orig title: Fucking Amal) directed by Lukas Moodysson. 

Egil touches on the challenges and opportunities in the Norwegian film industry, the importance of cultural representation, and the evolution of his creative process. The discussion also delves into the nuances of humor in film and the int...

In this conversation, Erik Poppe - the director of “Quisling - The Final Days”, which just premiered at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival, discusses his journey from photojournalism to filmmaking, emphasizing the role of art in raising questions and engaging audiences. 

He reflects on his influences, including Francois Truffaut’s 1970 film ‘The Wild Child”, the importance of personal narratives, and the challenges of portraying controversial characters - how creating empathy for these characters can be challenging yet rewarding.

Erik also shares his insights on his filmmaking process, the significance of preparation for film festivals, and how art...

In this episode, Afolabi Olalekan discusses the vibrant Nigerian film industry, dubbed Nollywood, and his latest film, Freedom Way, which premiered at the Toronto Int. Film Festival. His past inspirations include Cary Fukunaga’s ‘Beasts of No Nation’ and ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’, directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Afolabi shares the challenges he and his crew faced during production, such as police corruption and the need to swap out his lead actors halfway through filming. He also stresses the importance of using storytelling to create social change, highlighting the power of cinema to address societal issues.

Afola...

Mumbai-based director Subhadra Mahajan discusses her debut feature film ‘Second Chance’ which just had its Hollywood premiere at AFI, following a World premiere at Karlovy Vary earlier this year. Past inspirations include her love for the Iranian New Wave and Andrea Arnold’s ‘Fish Tank’.

She speaks on her filmmaking journey, influenced by classic Hollywood films, and reflects on her storytelling process, character development, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The discussion also delves into the themes of healing, nature, and the unlikely friendships made while making films. 

Subhadra emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional filmmaking...

Today’s episode features Devon Delmar, Jason Jacobs, and their feature film, “Carissa”, which just enjoyed its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and was nominated for the Venice Horizon’s Award for Best Film. They are also joined by Producer Deidré Jantjies. Past inspirations include Benh Zeitlin’s ’Beasts of the Southern Wild’. 

The conversation delves into themes of community, cultural representation, and the challenges of storytelling on a tight budget. The filmmakers discuss their collaboration and process of crafting character arcs that reflect relatable struggles, all while navigating the complexities of cultural sensitivity. They reflect on the i...

Vojtĕch Strakatý, director of ‘After Party’, which just premiered at the Venice Film Festival, speaks on how real-life experiences can inspire unique storytelling. His past cinema inspirations include the Brazilian films ‘Neighboring Sounds’ and ‘Aquarius’, by Kleber Mendonça Filho. 

He discusses the emotional core of his film, inspired by real-life events, shares his excitement for blending genre and art house films, and how balancing technology and creativity is key to effective filmmaking. 

Vojtĕch shares insights on refinement during his editing process, and how film festival dynamics play a vital role in a filmmaker's career...

In this conversation, Valerio Mastandrea discusses his film 'Feeling Better', which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The film thematically explores love, emotional awakening, and authenticity within the creative process. Past cinema inspirations include Sofia Coppola’s ‘Lost in Translation’.

Valerio reflects on his transition from acting to directing, the need for bravery in choosing film roles, the significance of audience connection, and the communal experience of watching films. Also discussed is the importance of collaboration in cinema, and the challenges faced in the Italian film industry, which faces practical challenges but has artistic potential. 

Va...