Q&A with Yorgos Angelopoulos, director of the film
Goldfish, 14’20’’ | Greece | 2017 | Fiction
***3rd Balkan Can Kino Film Symposium
Balkan Family *Guest-Curator: Balkans Beyond Borders
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What was the trigger for making this film?
Probably the realisation that even though many things have changed for the best since I was a kid, there’s still a long way to go in terms of tolerance, acceptance and inclusion. So I felt the need to talk about that in a way that my message could also reach a younger audience.
Was there a specific reason that you chose to place the story of the film in a non-urban area?
People who live in small societies are more likely to hide or cover up things in order to avoid becoming the talk of the town. Growing-up in a non-urban area is harder than usual for a kid who feels different from others. Therefore, the setting of the story gives an extra layer to the characters, their actions and their point of view.
Why did you decide to choose a child as your protagonist, as opposed to an adult and what are the particularities of working with a child?
Many reasons. For example, some things are easier to say through a child and easier for the audience to accept them. Also, children are more likely to speak their minds and not filter their thoughts. And ofcourse, since I wanted to make a film for children too, I needed a protagonist that they could relate to. It was my first time working with a child and the experience was truly unique and fun, although at times hard as well.
Are you currently working on a new project and can you tell us a bit about it?
My next short film is called Voula and it’s about the need of a middle-aged woman to be seen and feel alive again. I have found my protagonist and I’m thrilled to start shooting in 2021.
*Q&A conducted by Balkan Can Kino