FILM
With Goldie, Dutch director Sam de Jong has delivered a real New York film: raw and glamorous, unflinchingly realistic and relentlessly optimistic, with a ton of heart and at least as much attitude.
Hi Sam thanks for talking to TNC, you all set for the festival?
Yes, I’m ready and excited for the film to reach Berlinale audience.
With a festival like Berlinale do you ever get nervous ahead of your screening?
Very, I’m dying.
This is your second time at the festival, what was your first experience of the Berlinale like?
It’s actually my fourth time, I’ve had a short there and a feature in the consecutive year and been on the jury once. My first experience was great. It was playing in the short competition and the program really inspired me back then, also enriched me for my first feature Prince.
Do you think this time around you’ll be able to enjoy the process more?
I think it’s going to be nerve wrecking again.
As this is your World Premiere is there any additional pressure on you?
Not yet no. I don’t think so. Well except for the fact that it will be the first time an audience get to see it.
What does it mean to be part of the Generations strand at Berlinale?
They know very well how to reach a young and enthusiastic audience.
Can you tell me a little bit about Goldie, how did this film come about?
I wanted to make a film that focusses on the ostensible salvation of pop
culture.
What was the inspiration behind the screenplay?
A combination of empirical research, personal experience and input from Slick.
Why is youth culture such an inspiration for your work?
A young life is still very malleable and it, therefore, a great vehicle for a bigger story.
What was the most challenging part of bringing Goldie to life?
Working in a new country with new people.
Have you always had a passion for filmmaking?
Absolutely.
"...resonates with them or poses food for thought to think..."
How important is the collaborative process on a project film this?
Very.
Has your approach to your films changed much since your debut film?
No, I think my approach has evolved but it still comes from the same ideas and source.
What are you currently working on?
On a few new screenplays.
And finally, what do you hope people will take away from Goldie?
I hope they find a story that resonates with them or poses food for thought to think and discuss and ultimately helps people reflect on the world as a whole.