Behind The Lens Radio Show – 08/05/2019

An interesting blend of films and guests this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we talk with athlete MILLAN LUDENA, producer JEFF BRAND, writer/director/editor ESME VON HOFFMAN, and hear some more of our exclusive with writer/director GUY NATTIV on SKIN.

After the tragic events of the weekend with two more mass shootings in the United States, we shuffled up the show in order to bring you some more of our exclusive interview with SKIN writer/director, GUY NATTIV.  With every passing day, we are reminded in some heinous fashion or other of the long-simmering violence and hatred stemming from racism and white supremacism across this country and beyond. No longer something “hidden” or not discussed, these issues are at the forefront of the conversation in today’s world. And that is what makes Guy Nattiv’s SKIN the most timely and topical film in America right now.  We’ve been talking about SKIN for several weeks and you heard our full interview with JAMIE BELL who plays former white supremacist Bryon Widner several weeks ago.   In telling Widner’s story, Nattiv takes us into the world of a tight-knit supremacist group and into the mindset of Widner, who gave full access and rights to his story to Nattiv.  What makes SKIN so powerful is not only its authenticity and truth, but that Bryon Widner saw the error of the ways of white supremacy and chose to leave.  In today’s interview excerpts, listen as Nattiv talks about writing the script and some of the challenges he faced, as well as designing the visual tone of the film and shooting some large set pieces, including staging the Neo-Nazi rally which opens the film.

Then we switch gears and take a look at a triumphant story with the documentary, FROM CORE TO SUN, as athlete MILLAN LUDENA and producer JEFF BRAND join us live from Ecuador.  (Pardon us, but because of the phone logistics, our connection is not the best during this interview.)  FROM CORE TO THE SUN chronicles Millan’s journey to become a Guinness World Record holder as he attempts to run a half marathon inside the deepest part of the world, the Mponeng Mine (3,563M below the earth’s surface) in South Africa and then traveling back to his home country of Ecuador to run a half marathon towards the the closest point to the sun on the planet, the peak of Mt.Chimborazo (6,280M).  While Millan gives some insight into his experience and thoughts, particularly interesting is the input from Jeff who talks about some of the logistic shooting challenges in the severest conditions on earth, as well as dealing and complying with the Guinness organization. Plus, find out how you can enter to win an incredible trip associated with the film!

Rounding out the show we shift gears with a cross between Ancient Rome and modern-day Detroit with writer/director/editor ESME VON HOFFMAN who is live talking about her directorial debut film, OVID AND THE ART OF LOVE.  An original and entertaining film, listen as Esme talks about the renowned Roman poet Ovid as her inspiration for the film and her journey leading to the film’s world premiere on August 10th, from ancient Roman hair and costume design to the Detroit locations and utilization of public art spaces, to a blend of oration and slam poetry, to casting talent like Corbin Bleu and John Savage, to a telling use of color, lensing and lighting.  Plus, the timeless sociopolitical similarities between 31BCE and the rule of Emperor Augustus, and the 21st century and the current state of affairs.