Cinematic Revelations - The Luca Guadagnino Perspective

Cinematic Revelations - The Luca Guadagnino Perspective Italian filmmaker & producer Luca Guadagnino conducted a masterclass on filmmaking at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 In conversation with Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, Jio MAMI, Luca Guadagnino spoke about his extraordinary oeuvre, perspective, relationships and inspirations Mumbai (India), 29 October 2023

Cinephiles packed the theater as Jio MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving Images) Mumbai Film Festival 2023 hosted a masterclass with the deeply empathetic and technically brilliant Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino in conversation with Festival Director Anupama Chopra. Luca Guadagnino was also awarded the Jio MAMI Excellence in Cinema Award (International) for his outstanding contribution to the world of cinema during the opening ceremony at the festival. The masterclasses at Jio MAMI are powered by Film AlUla. Film AlUla is the Royal Commission for AlUla’s film agency, established to promote and support international film and TV production in the County of AlUla, located in northwest Saudi Arabia. Its aim is to position AlUla as an international filming destination and develop the services, facilities, and infrastructure in the region to create a film-friendly ecosystem. During his career spanning over two decades, Luca has studied and reflected on the human psyche and conditioning through his work. His films are mediated responses to the world, and his well-thought-out cinema is only complemented by his technical brilliance. At Jio MAMI Masterclass, Luca spoke about how he has long discussions with actors to gauge whether they can be true to his characters and how he’s willing to offer support as the actors embark on a journey of unearthing themselves through the characters. He spoke about the importance of editing and how that’s one of his favourite parts of the filmmaking process, since it allows him to envision the film in a solitary, peaceful space and put that together with the shots he has in front of him. He discussed the importance of delivering as a director—not only to financiers, audiences, and actors—but also to oneself by finding

something in it that makes him feel profoundly moved. He spoke about the power of underdogs and how they’re his favorites. Luca also emphasised that authentic storytelling comes from being a humanist and loving and connecting with the people around you. Above all, he stressed the importance of building deep connections with people and being open to experimentation while being courageous and strategic. Among Luca Guadagnino’s standout films are I Am Love (2009), A Bigger Splash (2015), and the universally loved Call Me By Your Name (2017), Suspiria (2018), and Bones and All (2022), among others. About Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival: Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), has brought the best of contemporary world cinema and talent to the city of Mumbai since 1997. With its new expanded vision to spotlight South Asian and South Asian diaspora filmmakers, Jio MAMI becomes the Hub for South Asia, discovering and connecting emerging talent to the worldwide festival ecosystem. Along with celebrating cinematic excellence and bringing joy to our audiences, we aim to facilitate the exchange of ideas and provide easy access to information related to filmmaking, funding, film distribution, business opportunities, and strategic marketing support for films and filmmakers. The festival also conducts a robust Year-Round Programme that acts as a hub for creators and cinephiles through screenings, networking opportunities, access to labs and workshops for skill development, masterclasses, and, very importantly, creating a community of cinema lovers. More on Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival: Website: www.mumbaifilmfestival.com IG, FB & YT: @mumbaifilmfestival I Twitter: @MumbaiFilmFest