Ivan Sen, a director celebrated for films like LIMBO and MYSTERY ROAD, shares insights from his filmmaking journey. He discusses how his upbringing in rural Australia influences his storytelling, capturing raw emotional moments with minimal crew. Ivan highlights the rise of Indigenous cinema and the importance of authenticity in working with young and Indigenous actors. He reflects on the evolution of filmmaking, emphasizing the role of technology and location in crafting narratives. Excited by his latest work, he offers a glimpse into the future of his cinema.
Ivan Sen's minimalist approach to filmmaking, handling multiple roles himself, allows for deeper emotional connections and authenticity in his projects.
His childhood experiences in Indigenous Australia significantly influence his storytelling, emphasizing the intricate relationship between place and identity.
Sen highlights the need for authentic storytelling in the Australian film industry while remaining conscious of market dynamics and audience expectations.
Deep dives
Ivan Sen's Humble Beginnings
Ivan Sen's journey into filmmaking began in the small town of Tamworth, New South Wales, where cinema served as a major source of entertainment. Growing up in an Indigenous family, he faced challenges due to the historical context of colonization and assimilation in Australia, but found solace in films. Despite not seeing filmmakers as role models, attending the local cinema ignited his passion for storytelling, especially after viewing works by influential directors like Peter Weir. His exposure to VHS tapes later fueled his imagination, but it wasn’t until his mother married the local newspaper editor and gifted him a camera that he began his creative journey in photography.
The Transition from Photography to Film
Sen pursued formal education in photography at university in Brisbane, where he discovered the potential of blending still images with sound. This innovative approach during his studies reignited his aspirations to become a filmmaker, pushing him to attend the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. While he appreciated the connections made in film school, he experienced a learning curve when shifting from documentary-style filmmaking to directing a full crew. Exposure to diverse international cinema during this period also played a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision.
Embracing Authenticity in Storytelling
Sen's filmmaking ethos prioritizes authenticity, as evidenced by his early works like 'Beneath Clouds' and later projects that experiment with unique storytelling techniques. He employed a minimalist approach in films like 'Tumula', often working with amateur and non-actor participants to instill raw authenticity into performances. This method resonates deeply with his belief that every location holds its own story, which influences character development and narrative direction. Such experiences have led him to create works that delve into the intricacies of identity and cultural dislocation, particularly within Indigenous contexts.
Finding Freedom in Minimalism
Sen favors minimal crew setups and shorter shooting schedules to retain creative energy during production. He values the spontaneity and authenticity that comes from having less equipment and people around, which allows for deeper connections with the actors and the environment. This approach culminated in his recent film 'Limbo', shot in just 16 days, where he felt an exhilarating freedom in the process. His technique of using natural light and small crews also emphasizes the importance of location and its intrinsic narrative power.
Navigating the Future of Filmmaking
In discussing the current landscape of the Australian film industry, Sen highlights the accessibility of tools that empower new filmmakers yet emphasizes the need for genuine storytelling amidst market-driven pressures. He urges aspiring filmmakers to hold onto their passion for storytelling while remaining aware of market considerations from the outset. As he embarks on new projects, including a horror film, he reflects on the balance between artistry and audience appeal. Sen's evolving approach illustrates a commitment to exploring diverse narratives while fostering connections with audiences, highlighting the significance of authenticity in contemporary cinema.
On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we’re speaking with director Ivan Sen (LIMBO, GOLDSTONE, MYSTERY ROAD). In addition to directing his films, Ivan is simultaneously responsible for the editing, cinematography, sound, and a myriad of departments typically delegated to others—his being a one man crew is a frequent point of discussion, and we learn how shooting on his own (or with relatively few collaborators) allows him to capture the emotional moments elusive to the circus of larger productions. We learn how Ivan’s childhood moving around inland Australia informs the subjects of his films, and we discuss the power of place and its place in Ivan’s story development process. During our discussion of his latest film, LIMBO, Ivan reflects on the increasing sense of formalism in his work and why he feels more excited for and more sensitive to the filmmaking process now than when he was just starting out. Towards the end, Ivan also shares his thoughts on the state of the Australian film industry and on being aware of the market realities of filmmaking and film exhibition when developing a project.
We deeply admire Ivan’s films, and we were thrilled to be able to speak with him about them.
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Recommended Viewing: LIMBO
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This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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