Spotlights
Danil Panov
A spotlight conversation with a filmmaker who makes every film on his own.
Spotlight Interview
Danil Panov
Filmmaker
Danil Panov's story starts in Kazakhstan. He finished musical college in the piano class, danced ballroom for ten years with national and international awards, and prepared for Moscow Art Theatre. Today he makes his films entirely on his own — his submitted project, in his words, tells about human beings under God's allegiance.
Hi Danil, could you please tell us a little bit more about your submitted project? How did you come up with such an original story?
Briefly, the film tells about human beings under God’s allegiance.
Tell us something about yourself and your background. Do you remember the first movie you watched? Were you enthralled?
My story is taking a start from far sky-field country. Kazakhstan. Even in my childhood I was falling love in movies and theatre and still doing doing that. Most of my time I was devoured by music (Finished Musical college by piano class), ballroom dancing (I have been dancing for ten years and taking national and international awards) and watching movie, copying the characters was my launch button. During my 17-19 years, I was preparing for studying at Moscow Art Theatre. By the way, I got an opportunity to work with master from that academy for several years polishing my acting skills. Filmmaking stuff I’m picking from old editing books, knowledges of that are so important and applicable in our days.
Who are the directors that inspire you? What would be your favourite movie?
The best director, inspiring me is life. We’re acting in that play but not knowing a script, the life’s script.
Was there a particular time when you recognized that filmmaking is your way of telling stories?
It’s definitely hard question for giving thoughts, as well, as you are living in that brunch, you don’t have special start dates. Back to my childhood, all answers are over there.
What are some of the biggest challenges you encountered in making this film?
The biggest challenge is to challenge yourself. The film took around half of week to see the sunrise. Right now, I do make films by my own, without any external help. That is a bit of complicated moment, however, enjoying the process – you can do what you want to do. Imagination is more than knowledge.
What were the production realities from casting through editing that you had to accommodate?
Plenty of crew. Only I’m. Doing each project by yourself, you have to spend more time and energy on it for getting the picture in your mind. It’s the reality and reason to find out the way. Less is more.
What are the audience reviews of your project?
No one expected and even me that it must be some sort of film. Audience is happy than whenever, especially I do an accent on religious viewers of that picture. However, it doesn’t matter. That project is applicable for all audience types. Beautiful shots, situations and sense.
Do you believe that a filmmaker should bring always something original or he/she should stick to classic but cinema styles?
Will or won’t, classic movies are prime options for superior start. As for me, I caught too many basic elements of filmmaking which are relevant right now. Filmmakers of our days concentrate on virtual and digital cellulars, but our Hollywood ancestors have been telling us about acting. Modern films are not too interesting, the way why, viewers do not see feelings.
In Their Words
“The biggest challenge is to challenge yourself.”
Danil Panov
Do you think that film festivals are playing an important role in filmmaking industry? Why are they necessary? How do you get the most out of them?
Film festivals are quite an important element for starting and showing your point of view to the world. Having concurrents, opponents you are under circumstances of developing your skills and you’re on the path of growing. Like it.
What are your future plans in your filmmaking career?
I can’t lay all my cards on the table but it’s not our the last date in the cinema world. Academy Award?
Curtain Call
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