![[Blackmael] Still_1.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a93c36_8d85239ec13f40e6b7cc59b4f6b3e610~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a93c36_8d85239ec13f40e6b7cc59b4f6b3e610~mv2.jpg)
15th BFI FUTURE FILM FESTIVAL 2022
17-20 February
Interview
Bradley Banton
Blackmael
Section: IN MY SKIN
Blackmael is a surrealist short exploring assimilation and class mobility.
Hey Bradley, thank you for talking to The New Current, how have you been holding up during these very strange times?
Dandy!
Has this time offered you any new creative inspiration or opportunities?
Opportunities more internal than external I’d say.
What does it mean to be screening Blackmael at the 15th BFI Future Film Festival?
It’s a real treat isn’t it? The BFI is iconic and to be part of this festival is amazing.
Can you tell me a little bit about how Blackmael came about, what was the inspiration behind your screenplay?
I wanted to create something that transcended not only my generation but the generations above. Something my lineage could understand as much as me.
When working on a short film like this how close where you able to keep to your script once you started shooting, did you allow yourself much flexibility?
Very close. With a piece like this you can’t really afford to be overly flexible or beats won’t land the way they have been intended to. So we’ve basically brought to life what was described on the page word for word.
Since making Blackmael what has been the most valuable lesson you have taken from making this film?
That everything takes time! And all good things come to those who stay true.
"I guess further than that I just wanted to see the stuff I wanted to watch."
![[Blackmael] Still_2.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a93c36_8a07db8804a240bdacee182c942e1456~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_793,h_446,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/%5BBlackmael%5D%20Still_2.jpg)
Where did your passion for filmmaking come from?
I want to say from watching Anime? I can’t draw for shit so I never bothered with animating but I do remember when younger making Manga volumes from folded A4 paper stapled together. I guess further than that I just wanted to see the stuff I wanted to watch.
Do you think filmmakers should continue to push the boundaries of the stories they want to tell?
For sure. Saying that though, some stories are tired from being told and should be put to bed.
For anyone out there thinking about directing their first film do you have any tips or advice you would offer them?
Stay true and do you.