FILM
L'Alternativa, 25 Festival de Cine Independiente de Barcelona
Jelena Oroz
DVA NA DVA
(Two for Two)
Croatia
SHORTS 3 (90')
Wed 14, 15:30 H & SAT 17, 20:15 H @ AUDITORI CCCB
Tickets
A moody portrayal of the moment we stop loving others and fall in love with our fantasies.
Hey Jelena, thanks for talking to TNC, how is everything going?
Hello, having one-year-old around, I'm learning to observe the world from a new perspective. It is fun and chaotic at the moment.
Your short film Dva na dva / Two for Two will be screened at L'Alternativa Fest this November, what does it mean for you to be at the festival?
It means a lot. I'm always happy when people have the opportunity to experience my films on the big screen. I'm also excited because L'Alternativa Fest is not only about animated films, which means that Two for Two could be seen by a different kind of audience.
Do nerves set in ahead of a film festival screening?
Usually, only when I'm present. As a creator, I see so many details, or it's just the fact that I've seen it a million times before, and there are always things that could be improved, forever. I find it useful to put it on hold for some time, and then experience it again with fresh eyes on the big screen, and proper sound system. In that case, it's easier to go through a screening as I can separate myself from the work.
Tell me a little bit about Dva na dva / Two for Two, how did this film come about?
The story was inspired by an illustration of a couple, girl and a guy, sitting in chairs and petting their bunnies without any interaction between each other. The more I looked at it, the more it became clear that it represented relationships that I had, and those little bunnies are a metaphor for ego. Then I just built the story around this idea.
As writer and director do you find it hard to keep both roles separate?
Yes. Especially when working on a personal story. My films are short and a bit "artistic", if one could say that, and in my case this line is blurry. Working with a small team, I really never needed a clear separation of those roles.
What were the biggest challenges you faced making Dva na dva / Two for Two?
The biggest challenge for me is to make clear decisions. I love when a story can float between ideas that often appear during production. But having a team and limited budget also limits the time for experiments. The problem is that new ideas often appear to me when I already have some finished animated and coloured materials. For me, it's not just about the story. The visual aspect of the film is very important in my work. Fortunately, I had a great team working with me. My producer Vanja Andrijević from Bonobostudio was also a big support through all stages of making this film.
Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker?
Actually no. As much as I loved to watch all different kinds of film genres, I never thought about it in my early days. Before animated film and new media, I studied fine art. And then the image itself wasn't enough any more and it needed a motion. That's how it started for me.
What inspires your work?
Thoughts. Situations. Feelings. Details. Images.
How much has your style and approach to your films changed since your debut short?
Not much. But currently, I'm working on a project as the illustrator. It's a children book written by Jasna Jasna Zmak. This project requires a bit different approach and I'm really enjoying this collaboration so far. Hopefully, it will also be made an animated short film.
"...don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."
Do you have any advice or tips for any fellow filmmaker?
Have faith in your intuition. If your intuition tells you that something needs to be done in a certain way, then it's almost always the right way. Ah yes... also, don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
And finally, what do you hope people will take away from Dva na dva / Two for Two?
I hope that people have a great time and experience interesting, surreal atmosphere. And interpret the story in their own way.