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.
Etienne Kubwabo is a film-maker, writer and has gone on to write, direct and produce award-winning documentaries, short/full-length feature films and over 200 music videos.
Is there a movie from your childhood that sparked your love for cinema, or was it something that developed gradually?
For me, I grew up watching a lot of cartoons, such as The Legend of Tintin, Tom and Jerry, Snow White, and movies like Home Alone, Baby’s Day Out, and more. This made me very curious because my attention was always on the TV, and I got in trouble with my mom for watching too much TV. So, every time she went to work, I would get my sibling to come to the back of our house, where we had a big 80s broken TV that didn’t have the inside screen part. I remember putting my head through the back and acting out things I had seen on TV, and my sibling thought I was crazy. We laughed, it was great times. I loved how a piece of performance could make people shift their attention to you.
Which filmmaker inspires you the most, and why?
I am inspired by Christopher Nolan at the moment because of his approach to storytelling. His films usually have layers to them, and I feel like every time you watch one, you discover something new. And that keeps me excited about the art, and of course, his love to protect the cinema experience.
If you could organize your own film festival, what kind of films would you show, and why?
I am a big sci-fi and horror fan. Sci-fi genres keep me curious about the future and how humans will evolve with time, and of course, that constant question: are we alone in the universe? Horror genres are interesting because I feel like these films will scare you, etc., but they unlock the deepest, darkest layers of ourselves as humans and help you conquer daily fears within ourselves.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced as a filmmaker/actor, and how did you overcome it?
The most difficult challenge was raising money to make my first feature. It’s extremely difficult to source funding for films these days. But for me, as a creative, I used a different approach. I created a publishing studio (Etianverse Studios) to release comic books created by myself under my film production company. When my comic books sold over 35,000 copies, I was able to invest the money into my film. I wanted to set up a structure that would help me build my studio long term.
Can you describe a moment on set that has left a lasting impression on you?
Day one of shooting my feature. I was nervous and anxious, but I went there and did it. It’s hard getting over that fear, but once the day was finished, everything ran smoothly. I always remember that day because, on day one, you are always trying to figure out things and make sure your actors deliver the best performance that will set the tone for the film.
If you had the chance to make a film about your own life, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
Idris would play me. I mean, he is a fantastic actor. It would be a crime drama.
What are your top three favorite movies of all time, and what makes them so special to you?
Avatar, Interstellar, and The Godfather. The Godfather is one of the greatest films of all time. I mean, the performances were great. Avatar touches on how your level of imagination can create the most breathtaking pieces of art, and James Cameron did this really well. He created the technology that helped make this movie, and it had a huge impact on everyone worldwide.
Interstellar is a special one because it’s not just a film about space. It’s a film about family, a relationship between father and daughter. I believe there are so many films that have told this sort of story in different genres. But the way Christopher Nolan steps out of the box and tells you that same story in a large-scale sci-fi film is incredible. I had never cried in a movie theatre for years, but this film made me cry. I think this is great filmmaking, and that’s why I am personally inspired by his work.
If you could share one life lesson with our readers, what would it be?
Find that one thing that you love doing with passion, and DO IT with your heart and soul.
If you want to know more about filmmaker Etienne Kubwabo, take a look here!
aeyenah 