Hailiang Duan - Interview

What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

As I'm also a student at the University of the Arts, though not a film major. But I envy the students in the film program, they can work together in teams to make a movie, and they can get professional guidance and help from the teachers. At least I think the school for film majors is necessary, because in the school we can use limited resources to finish the movie. If one person is alone, problems such as the many technical problems and lack of manpower that I encountered during the shooting of this documentary would have been a big problem. The resources of a filmmaking school make up for this to a large extent.

Have you ever hated your ambition? 

Of course, from time to time, I doubt my own work and creative ability. It can also be confusing about the future. Questioning why you started on the art path and thinking about your ambitions. But I wouldn't be the person I am now if I hadn't been exposed to art and hadn't had these experiences.

Francois Truffaut used to think that “Film Lovers are sick people”... was he right? 

I can't comment on whether it's right or not. I can't say if it's right or not. Other people used to say that people who make art are crazy. At least it seems to me that the creator and the person who appreciates their work are in some way in sympathy. The creators are the ones who have the ability to observe and express themselves through the everyday and they are often on a path of discovery that is different from the norm, while the people who appreciate their work are naturally the ones who can feel something through it.

Close your eyes...if I say “Cinema” what do you see? 

The huge glowing screen and the dimly lit surroundings.

Who's the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?

Jonas Mekas

About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare...

As a creator of self-expression, it's my dream to have the freedom to create my own work, find my own style and earn a steady income. My worst nightmare is the opposite: not being able to continue my creativity and not being able to realize my value by doing a job I don't like.

How important is to have a good Cinematographic Culture? 

It's very important to have a good environment where good works can be seen, and to be able to appreciate good works for a long time, it's also very important to improve the aesthetic sense of all the people and to form a virtuous circle.

What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer? 

Both my storytelling ability and the way of expression and filming are areas that need to be improved.

A big producer give you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of  one of your favorite black and white Movie (if you have one)... what film do you choose?

”The Family of Man, 1955”

Film Industry it's a tough place and sometimes is normal to feel lost and discouraged... who's the person that keeps you motivated?

My motivation comes from my grandparents and my own desire to express myself and create, I wanted to document their lives as much as possible before I started my project.

 Alfred Hitchcock said: “To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script”.  Do you agree with him?

The script is important, but it doesn't seem to be so important for my subject matter and my way of working. My work is more important for me to simply document.

What's your most ambitious project for the future?

To keep making work that I am happy with and to publish it. And be able to be seen by more people.

Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let be more creative?

In a way, yes. Mood swings are good for exploring yourself and thinking, and these are often inspiring.

What do you wish to yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?

To produce work that satisfies you, that's all.

Who's your biggest fan?

I don't know if I have a BIGGEST fan but I have a small following in New York, Los Angeles, Romania and Europe.

What brings you inspiration the most?

Vibrant colors

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

John Carpenter

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

I'm a really tough critic when it comes to this but no I have never seen a movie adaptation that has beaten the original book.

What's the movie that taught you the most?

The movie that taught me the most, especially from a cinematography perspective, is The Red Shoes. There is so much drama and tragedy to it. 

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

No. Never.

On set what excites yuo the most?

Seeing the costumes come to life as they fit in with the set design and hearing all the dialogue. 

And what scares you the most ?

The idea of a project not being finished.

What's your next project?

Right now I'm brainstorming a neo-noir film, probably a short and I'll see where that goes. I am also continuing with my fashion and lifestyle photography.

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

I'm really happy with what I have going on. I'll take a pass. 

An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....

Ideas

For you Cinema is....

Thrilling

Doyou think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?

Yes. 

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

Not particularly. 

Do you think you're gonna win it?

Now that you mention it I hope so. 

For you a Film is...

Film is a mirror reflecting the human condition, philosophically speaking. Films show us who we are, who we want to be, and sometimes who we should never, ever become. Films can uplift our spirit, motivate us, and make us question ourselves. They can help us walk in another person’s shoes and help us feel empathy for people we previously did not feel empathy for. We can learn how people in other countries live. Remember Slumdog Millionaire? Or the immigrant experience in The House of Sand and Fog? They can show us other perspectives different than our own and help to breed tolerance and understanding. All of that while entertaining us at the same time!

What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?

Writing is like I’m dancing with my mind. I get to create worlds and characters, and then watch them come to life, or crash and burn, depending on what I’m trying to communicate. And whatever I’m going through in my life, I can kind of work it out through my characters and plots. In that way, it’s like free therapy.

You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you
love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're gonna whatch it?

If I could go to the movies with Clint Eastwood, you better believe we'd be watching one of his classic spaghetti westerns. I mean, come on, how could I resist the chance to see "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" with the man himself? I'd be like, "Clint, did you really eat all that dust?" Or “Clint, when you were out there in the desert filming, did you ever just want to say, 'F this, I'm going back to air conditioning and a cold kombucha'?" I actually have a million questions, and plenty of sarcastic comments as well. 

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think
about it?

Audrey was definitely on to something when it comes to the film. Throughout film history, we've seen the impossible happen time and time again. Remember when they said talkies would never replace silent films? Or when color was just a fad? Or when they thought Computer Generated Images were just a phase? The film industry thrives on turning the impossible into the possible. When it comes to people, if you say something is impossible, well, then it is. If you want to succeed in writing, you have to believe anything is possible.


Can you live just of your passion?

Absolutely, I can! Passion is the lifeblood of the film industry. I mean, look at all those indie filmmakers out there, surviving on ramen noodles and sheer determination, just to get their vision on screen. And film history? It's full of those stories like that. Without passion and determination, nothing would ever get made.

What's more important talent or luck?

Ideally, you want both. Talent is what gets you noticed. It's the reason we still talk about legends like Orson Wells, Buster Keaton and Greta Garbo. They had talent that transcended time. But then there's luck. Luck is the industry’s fairy dust that can turn an unknown into a star overnight. Luck is what gets you in the right place at the right time, like when Harrison Ford was just a carpenter and ended up as Han Solo. Or when Kelsey Grammer decided to accompany a friend to an audition and ended up the one being discovered. Talk about lucky breaks! You need talent to stay in the game, but a little luck never hurts to get your foot in the door, and your talent will keep your whole body in the door permanently.

You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...

If I'm stuck on a desert island and can only bring one movie, "Life is Beautiful" is a my choice! I mean, if you're going to be stranded, you might as well have a film that reminds you of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit, right? Plus, it’s got Roberto Benigni, and who doesn’t love a little Italian charm to keep you company? Especially someone with the energy of Roberto!
“Life is Beautiful" is like a masterclass in finding joy amidst chaos. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, laughter and love can light the way. From a film history perspective, this movie is a gem. It broke barriers, blending comedy and tragedy with grace and humor in a way that hadn’t been done before. That’s my wheelhouse, so I appreciate it. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, showing us that even in the worst possible circumstances, beauty can be found. We can watch it and remember, no matter how isolated we ever feel, there’s always hope and laughter. And for a bonus we can watch a clip of Roberto Benigni accepting his Oscar and we can feel inspired and alive again!

Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even
if you didn't like the project?

In film history, many greats have taken on projects they weren’t initially thrilled about, only to create something iconic. It’s a reminder that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to magic…or at least a decent paycheck. I was asked to pitch a horror, and I strongly dislike, okay, I HATE horrors. So, yes, I took on the script assignment, and while it wasn’t love at first sight, it was a chance to flex my creative muscles. And who knows? Maybe when I finally finish it, it will be my best script yet. It’s called “Shadows in the Park.”

What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?

A producer told me I was talented. When I got to my car, I cried. My whole life, I was told the opposite. In this industry, where rejection is common, a genuine compliment is a reminder that you’re doing something right. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be the one giving out those compliments, telling the next generation of creatives that they’re passionate and gifted. Cheers to that!

Are you satisfied about your career?

As long as I’m writing, I’m satisfied.


Do you have a good luck charm?

My brain is my good luck charm (most of the time). I rely on my intellect, not luck. It’s gotten me this far, and we’ll see how far it gets me from here.

Which is the worst moment on set?

I haven’t been on a set yet, but I would imagine the worst moment would be when everyone realizes they’ve been filming for hours, and no one remembered to hit record. But seriously, the worst would be a toxic work environment where workers are not treated very well, especially the people we are supposed to be grateful for, like the assistants, set and food crew, and the only people who are treated with respect are the A listers.


How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending?

I feel a mix of gratitude and anxiety. Gratitude for the experience and anxiety about what's next. But that's the gig, right? You just keep going, hoping the next thing is even better…or at least pays the bills.


Have you ever lied to get a part/job?

Not yet. But most people in Hollywood have enhancement going on, whether it’s on their resume or the Botox on their forehead.

If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…

If I should win an Oscar, my first thought would go to all the people who said I couldn’t do it. I'd be standing there like, 'Well, are you laughing at me now?’ It's like the ultimate 'I told you so,' so I may even break out into my “I told you so dance.” I would have to give a big, loud 'thank you' to all the doubters, and an air kiss to the haters. Because without them, I wouldn’t have had the drive to hustle harder, dream bigger, and strut up on that stage like I own the place. And that’s the real Hollywood story, isn’t it? Turning all that doubt into your own blockbuster success!

Who's your biggest fan?

Gotta be my Mom. While, at the start she may have nudged me towards a back-up plan or safety net of sorts, as soon as she realized the passion in my heart she never doubted anything for a second. From when I dropped out of a four year college after my first year (having done great!) to go to New York Film Academy for an intensive year-long screenwriting certificate course-- she shared in my feeling that it was where I belonged. Second I must note is my Brother, who understands me like few ever will. He is always open to talking about my often outlandish ideas that many aren't very interested in and thus offers some much needed confidence and validation. My Girlfriend and her Family have been monumentally important to this pursuit of my passion. Through the financial unease of such a venture they offer priceless Love and support amid every up and down. And lastly, but essential, I, myself, am, I think-- indeed-- my biggest fan. My ideas get me so friggen excited I can hardly stand it. My heart starts pounding in my chest as things come together. I love my characters so much and the journey they take-- I take with them. In this way I think it's impossible not to be my own biggest fan. Especially when I am the only one who needs to be motivated in order to bring these stories to life.

What brings you inspiration the most?

Mmm... Life, surely. As my muse, she is constantly in the process of showing me areas of curiosity to explore. Constantly hinting at the subtle workings of the human mind between relationships/billboards/and passing interactions. She's always there to show me the unfailing strength of the mountains and clouds, to remind me that things take time and that change is inevitable. The sun is always there to remind me that I'm not alone on this journey of burning passion that few may immediately acknowledge. And it's Life who inspires me to lead with Love-- to be authentic-- each breath I take is a reminder to why I am on this path, and why it is important to stay true and honest. When all else fails to inspire me. Something in my chest, in response to something from my experience of life, is always there to pull me back onto my path.

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

I would love to work with Jim Carrey and Charlie Kaufman. Jim's recent existential-religious perspective, I personally think, taps into some much larger forces at play that I would love to explore alongside him. I honor his vulnerability as well as Kaufman's. Christopher Nolan of course would have much wisdom and insight to offer in his mastery of reaching final products from such a complex start-- which my stories are rarely "simple." Of course, the same could be said of Quentin, although I feel like we are already somewhat in the same boat in terms of "if you really love movies you can't help but make a good one" although, what I really love is Life and the exploration of that through the medium of film. Of course, there's so much to learn from everyone and I would be extremely ecstatic to work with anyone with more experience than I for that reason. 

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

Not yet ;) -- I did just work on an adaptation that I think could fit that bill. A first time author wrote a book of his experiences moving his family to Ethiopia to start a sports ministry and, while it was moving in concept, the structure was a bit disorderly. I think the way I wove it all together might better communicate the deeper hard-to-explain stuff to the audience. And I would love to see Jim Carrey play that role as it directly relates to the teachings of God, Jesus, and Life-- through the lens he has been publicly expressing. Even though I know he said he retired from the industry, I see no harm in dreaming. 

What's the movie that taught you the most?

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Gondry, Spirited Away by Miyazaki or, if you would allow me to take a leap, the shows Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama, and Watanabe's Cowboy Bebop taught me some extreme lessons. For Eternal Sunshine, it was a revelation to the power of the screenplay. Spirited Away I finished liking and awoke in the middle of my sleep that night LOVING. Something happened in my dreams that connected it all-- that impassable aspect of consciousness' effect is still something that fascinates me. Attack on Titan revealed to me the infinite potential of the "form" as well as structure and character/world arcs. And Cowboy Bebop (THE ORIGINAL, ALLOW ME TO STRESS THIS-- the remake broke my heart, in my humble opinion, it entirely missed the point) but the original Cowboy Bebop took me three attempts before I finally got to the end-- which, once I got there-- I was filled with so many feelings-- it's hard to explain. Through Bebop I began to understand the 'magic' of what lies beneath the visuals and dialogue. The flow of story and impact of character is something I will always be thinking about but it is not so simple as having an interesting story and putting a character there to deal with it or to reach a goal. It serves wonders to really understand the feelings and reasons behind the piece as a whole. And what it all aims to represent, not only for the characters, but for the one who creates it-- and I think that's the stuff that translates naturally-- unconsciously, even -- which revealed itself to me through Bebop (but is loudest to me in Miyazaki's work). 

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

It went more like this-- "Wouldn't it be easier to not?" but regardless of the answer, there's a deeper sensation in me that knows, whether it be for films or books or just my journal, I will be writing and exploring for the rest of my life. So I might as well put it to good use, give my all to making a career out of it in the hopes that I may share some of what I learn along the way, honestly, humbly, and with no intention beyond that. I am always open to being proven wrong as it expands my genuine understanding. And I prove myself wrong all the time-- especially when the kernel of "quitting" enters the framework. 

On set what excites you the most?

This is a loaded question! I love being on set. I have worked on a handful of movies of all different budgets and love the families and relationships that are formed. I will say -- I see a disconnect in the intent of the production. Many aren't connected at all to the story they are bringing to life. With that in mind, I hope to one day have "start parties" as well as "wrap parties." I want us all to be on the same page about what we are working to create, which I sensed was lacking on *most* of the sets I have worked on. On set I am excited most for the opportunity to nurture this belief to hopefully create something we can all be proud of when it's wrap time. 

And what scares you the most ?

My biggest fear is also my biggest paradox. I fear that my stories will be misunderstood and therefore that I will be misunderstood. But to that same point I understand that it is the vulnerability that leads to the most connection. And I believe that that is what the people really "want," even if they don't know it. Facing this fear is the only hurdle. Luckily, I've always liked a good challenge. 

What's your next project?

I am very excited about my TV show idea that I hope to structure based on my love for Attack on Titan. Ah, I don't want to say too much. But it's going to be good, hehe. Also-- another hour-long dark action drama I think the world is ready for called "Brimstone" focuses around an ungoverned city plopped in the middle of an evolved "perfect' dystopian Earth. But that is quickly evolving and changing. Rarely do things go to plan but those are what I'm working on currently to follow up New Come Hollow. 

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

To be blunt, I'm not a fan of this question-- if I were to steal another's career, it wouldn't be mine. And it wouldn't be theirs either. I think what makes art special is everyone's UNIQUE perspectives. And every path and career are different, leading to unique perspectives WORTH sharing in their own light. So I would opt to not steal any. To take the question less seriously, I suppose Quentin Tarantino's path would be the closest thing that I would like to embody, but even that-- we have our differences-- and I think the path that I'm on will lead to a new unique perspective on things that would be more insightful for everyone, including myself, than would be to just steal his. Or anyone's.

An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....

Love and Pain.

For you Cinema is....

To me, I feel that the essence of "cinema" has been forgotten-- no this is not a unique perspective, and yes, it is due to Hollywood, but we don't have to go down that rabbit hole. That said, TO ME-- not to be a broken record-- cinema is the closest medium we have to sharing our unique human perspective. Where a painting can evoke somewhat static feelings like a song or sculpture, movies embody the movement of life. And in that way, with light, sound, and emotion in motion-- I think cinema has the best chance at communicating and sharing the way we see the world, therefore the best way to connect with others. To make others feel seen and heard in a more clear and definitive way than other forms of art can supply. Though I am biased. Books are also an extreme example of this but the full freedom of imagination that books require, inevitably turns the text into something more of a reflection of our own mind than a direct representation of the author's --  of course, that aspect is there when watching a movie-- but the creator's intention is much more clear and in your face and the interpretations made from the visuals and sound are more akin to the way common day-to-day life goes, which perhaps leads to that deeper connection of shared perspectives. I'm not certain of anything. 

Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?

Sure. It can. And it also can feel stale and forced. The intention is what matters. 

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

I have a vivid memory from when I was 17. I texted my cousin in a sort of manic state saying  "27-- I'm going to win an Oscar before I turn 27" and he replied something along the lines of "F*ck you-- you're doing this because you love it. F*ck that. Don't worry about that, just do your thing."  ... I think that sums it up. I hold that close and never won't.

Do you think you're gonna win it?

Time will tell. I have no expectations. To me-- like my cousin reminded me so long ago-- it's not worth thinking about such things. I'm just doing what I Love. And will continue. The rest will unfold however it's meant to. 

Who's your biggest fan?

Without a doubt, it’s my dad. For him, cinema is just as magical as it is for me. He’s very interested in how films are made, and he’s even curious about the mathematical algorithms that can be used in the process.

What brings you inspiration the most?

For me, inspiration comes from life itself. I deeply feel the events happening around me, and my reaction to them can be so intense that I simply have to express them. These emotions, experiences, and impressions become my fuel, and art is the language through which I can channel these feelings. It allows me to transform them into creative forms, whether through film, installations, or other artistic works.

Life, with all its changes and unexpected turns, is an endless source of inspiration. Every new experience, whether positive or negative, evokes in me the need for reflection and creative expression. I find inspiration in many things: in a random conversation, in nature, in the art of others. But what truly matters is how life pushes me toward self-discovery and makes me constantly reassess my responses to the world.

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

Without a doubt, I would love to work with Isabelle Huppert and Lars von Trier. For me, they are two incredibly profound individuals, and I believe it would be fascinating to engage with them on multiple levels — personally, creatively, philosophically, and psychologically. Isabelle Huppert is an actress with incredible strength and depth in her performances; her work always provokes thought and evokes significant emotions. Her approach to art truly inspires me, and I believe we could create something genuinely profound together. Lars von Trier, on the other hand, is a director who knows how to uncover the most complex and dark aspects of human nature. His films often evoke strong emotions and force us to rethink our perspectives on life. Working with him would be a real challenge, but also a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

Comparing films to books, in my opinion, is like comparing two different languages. Books immerse us in a world through text, where the primary tools are our imagination and ability to interpret. With each sentence we read, we create our own images, sounds, and even smells, diving into a unique world where every reader sees their own version.

Movies, on the other hand, work differently. They engage the viewer through visual and sound effects, and through editing, music, and acting, they create a cohesive, pre-designed perception of the world. It’s a form of art that captivates us with atmosphere, imagery, sound, and emotions conveyed on screen. So, it’s not about a movie being "better" than a book; they simply offer different experiences and affect our perception in different ways. And each of these forms is beautiful in its own way.

What's the movie that taught you the most?

For me, movies are a source of emotions and reflection. One of the films that had a big impact on me was King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017). There’s a moment when the main character shares his fears, and the sorceress replies: "Everyone can be afraid, but a king continues to act despite fear." This line really stuck with me because it reveals the essence that even the strongest and most successful people feel fear, but they keep moving forward. This simple realization — that fear doesn’t paralyze but rather tests your strength — has had a profound effect on me. In both life and creativity, fear is inevitable, but the key is to keep going despite it.

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

I think it’s like that joke about quitting smoking: "Quitting is easy, I’ve done it 10 times already." In reality, it’s never a complete quitting; it’s more like taking breaks, sometimes long ones. Everyone who’s deeply involved in their work, whether it’s creative or any other profession, faces moments of burnout or exhaustion. It’s an inevitable part of the journey. Taking breaks isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a chance to reassess, re-evaluate, and return with renewed energy. I believe that in any life or career crisis, it’s important to remember that a pause is not the end. It can be the beginning of something new.

On set what excites you the most?

On set, I always feel an internal conflict between my roles as both first and second director. What worries me is the balance between creative vision and managing the process. I haven’t yet found a second director whom I can fully trust and be sure that our goals and approaches align. This creates certain challenges during filming. It’s important to feel confident that we understand each other intuitively and work as a unified whole. This is not only about the process of creating a film, but also about emotional comfort — knowing that the team is moving in the same direction.

And what scares you the most ?

Fear is a feeling that always comes from within. One of my biggest fears is not allowing myself to relax during the work process, and as a result, not enjoying the journey toward the goal. Sometimes, in the pursuit of results, you can lose sight of the path itself, forgetting that this process, despite all its difficulties and stress, should bring satisfaction. I’m afraid of losing that balance and not being able to find joy in the creative process.

What's your next project?

My next project is a shift from project management to product management. In the context of cinema, this means that I’m planning to step away from the role of second director and focus on the more creative side of the process. At the moment, I’m juggling both roles, which creates an internal conflict, as each one requires full engagement but in different directions. This tension is hard to maintain because the creative and managerial approaches often contradict each other. So I’ve decided to focus on the inspiring, creative side and fully immerse myself in it, freeing myself from the need to divide attention and energy between both roles.

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

I’m deeply impressed by Isabelle Huppert. She’s an incredibly talented actress, and her roles are always profound and meaningful. Her choice of films and approach to her work earns my great respect.

An director is made of....

 For me, being a director means bringing an idea to life through a combination of imagery, sound, and emotions. It’s not just about telling a story, but about creating the feeling that the viewer is experiencing it along with the characters — that the film becomes part of their inner world. A director, like a magician, creates an illusion that makes people think, feel, and reflect on what they’ve seen. It’s an art form that balances many roles without losing the main source of inspiration — the creative process itself.

Being a director also means seeing the world through the eyes of everyone on set: the actor, the cinematographer, the sound engineer, the editor. It’s a multi-layered job where the director, as both a leader and a juggler, not only manages the process but also accumulates all the ideas, transforming them into a cohesive, organic work.

For you Cinema is....

For me, cinema is magic. Sometimes it’s entertainment, sometimes it’s deep reflection, sometimes it’s a way to express feelings that you can’t put into words in everyday life. Cinema can provide answers to important questions, help you relax, experience strong emotions, or simply gather scattered thoughts into a cohesive picture. It’s a form of self-reflection that gives me the opportunity to better understand myself and the world around me. When you create a film, you live a small life, and as they say, you "close the gestalt." Cinema can be anything — it’s diverse, and that’s what makes it so great.  

Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?

Absolutely! It’s not about color; it’s about creating an atmosphere. Films with Charlie Chaplin, for example, created cinema that touched millions of hearts, even without sound.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

 An Oscar is just a statue, a symbol of recognition in the world of cinema, but for me, awards have never been the ultimate goal. Even in school and university, when I won math competitions, I often skipped the award ceremonies. I was more interested in participating, exploring new topics, and immersing myself in the process, not in receiving medals or certificates. And now, as a director, my main focus is the work — the process of creating something new, the opportunity to express my ideas, emotions, and thoughts. An Oscar might be recognition, but what’s more important to me is the feeling that I’ve conveyed what I truly wanted to the audience and that it resonated with them.  

Do you think you're gonna win it?

Honestly, I don’t care. But my agent is confident I will! 

Who's your biggest fan?

I've never received a fan letter so far.

What brings you inspiration the most?

Movies bring me inspiration. Whenever I get a chance to watch others' films, it inspires me to tell my stories. It inspires me to bring my films on the screen as a reality into this world.

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

 It would be a dream come true to work with Woody Harrelson.

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

The Godfather (1972).

What's the movie that taught you the most?

8 1/2 (1964) by Federico Fellini is perhaps the movie that taught me the most. It taught me about compellingly telling a story so that the audience is involved with the narration without getting into the analytical aspect of the movie. The other film would be 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

Most of the time. Imposter Syndrome is a common thing these days.

On set what excites you the most?

Ankit Kadam: You write a lot of scenes in a dark room in your mind imagining millions of things at a time but it only becomes a reality on set. It excites me to see how different departments of filmmaking come together to create a unique reality out of the dry pages of the script.

 And what scares you the most?

A life without passion.

What's your next project?

Currently, I'm in the process of writing the script for my next project.

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

 I would not do that otherwise I would have nobody to admire.

An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....

A writer or a director is made of imagination & dreams.

For you Cinema is....

Cinema is a means that liberates us to go beyond human limitations.

Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?

Definitely, it makes you imagine a lot more than what is visible on the screen. It sets a different mood for the viewing experience. It is hard to imagine the tramp character of Charlie Chaplin on screen without the Black and White format. There were films in the past where directors deliberately chose to work in Black & White medium such as Raging Bull (1980), Manhattan (1979), The Elephant Man(1980), and many others.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

I'd be dishonest if I'd say no.

 Do you think you're gonna win it?

Who knows?