For this series of interviews, I’ve chosen 8 questions as a tribute to the iconic 8mm camera, diving into the vision and passion of each filmmaker/actor.
Kevin Gabor is a filmmaker from Stockholm, Sweden. Through self-teaching and a deep passion for film, he has developed a broad understanding of acting, cinematography, and storytelling.
Is there a movie from your childhood that sparked your love for cinema, or was it something that developed gradually?
My love for movies has always been there. I started obsessing over children’s movies and cartoons from a young age. One of my first favorite movies that I really liked was Stand By Me, which my brother showed me when I was 8 or 9.
Which filmmaker inspires you the most, and why?
Stanley Kubrick is my favorite director of all time. His films give me a feeling I can’t get elsewhere; they transform me, making me forget that I’m actually watching them. What I also like about Stanley Kubrick is that he has touched every single genre in his filmmaking career.
If you could organize your own film festival, what kind of films would you show, and why?
I would focus the film festival on experimental arthouse movies to reward the most creative and innovative storytelling. This would push the boundaries of storytelling.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced as a filmmaker/actor, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge that I face as an independent filmmaker is scheduling every film when working with amateur or even non-actors. Everyone has their job, family, and other commitments. The schedule we have to actually shoot is tight and extremely intense. On top of that, we face unexpected events such as bad weather or sickness, which have also sabotaged our projects.
You need to have luck. Every film that gets completed is truly a miracle. The only thing you can do is prepare everything you possibly can and try not to leave anything to coincidence.
Can you describe a moment on set that has left a lasting impression on you?
One moment that left a lasting impression on me was when we were shooting an intense scene for my upcoming horror short, The Cannibal. The actor, Nikola Gamanova, had to portray pure terror in a horrifying scene where she discovers a cannibal room.
The atmosphere on set, mixed with her reaction of fear, made her acting feel incredibly genuine. When I called cut, she was still shaking, and the cinematographer and I were shaken up – I even had chills. The power of acting and living in the moment can be very intense.
If you had the chance to make a film about your own life, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
Comedy & Drama: Edward Norton is a guy who can deliver emotional performances while also blending them with humorous moments.
What are your top three favorite movies of all time, and what makes them so special to you?
Papillon (1973), directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, is a wonderful experience for me. I love adventures and prison escapes. I’ve also read the book.
Stanley Kubrick is my favorite director, and his most iconic film, A Clockwork Orange, is a classic with deep underlying themes. I also love Malcolm McDowell in the late ’60s and throughout the ’70s.
Spoorloos is a Dutch film directed by George Sluizer, and it is the most terrifying film I have ever seen. It has been stuck in my head ever since. For me, this film is a great example of the power that a film can have on you, for better or worse. I also think it’s one of the most underrated films of all time.
If you could share one life lesson with our readers, what would it be?
One Life Lesson — film wise – is that nothing will ever be perfect, and it’s important to learn to live with that. There will always be things you wish you could improve but at some point you have to just let it go and learn from your mistakes. There’s never, ever, going to be a perfect film. Learning to be proud of your work while staying hungry to improve is the most important thing for me.
If you want to know more about filmmaker Kevin Gabor, take a look here!
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