Interpreting the Unfamiliar, with 'Familiar Touch' director Sarah Friedland
Writer-director Sarah Friedland joins us to discuss 'Familiar Touch,' her debut feature that follows Ruth, an octogenarian woman navigating memory and desire as she transitions into assisted living.We explore how the film reclaims the coming-of-age genre for older characters, with Sarah describing it as a "coming-of-old-age" story that emphasizes how Ruth remains herself even as her world transforms. From the lengthy development process to working with Kathleen Chalfant in the lead role, Sarah offers insights into bringing this Venice Film Festival award-winner to life while challenging both cinematic conventions and societal attitudes toward aging.(Photo credit: Anna Ritsch)
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19:25
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19:25
Back in the Driver’s Seat with Sarah Adler, star of ‘Dead Language’
Sarah Adler joins us to discuss her return to the character of Aya in ‘Dead Language’, the feature-length adaptation of the Oscar-nominated short film ‘Aya’.In our conversation, Sarah reflects on revisiting a role after more than a decade, exploring how both she and the character have evolved since the original 2012 short. She shares insights into working again with directors Mihal Brezis and Oded Binnun, who made the decision to have her reprise the role despite the time gap—a choice that ultimately served the story’s exploration of how relationships and priorities shift as we age.We dig into the creative process of expanding a short into a feature, including the dynamics of working with returning cast members like Ulrich Thomsen alongside new additions to the story. Sarah discusses the challenges and rewards of rekindling past on-screen chemistry while building new character connections.
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20:18
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20:18
Flying High: The Journey of 'Kites' and its director Walter Thompson-Hernández
Walter Thompson-Hernández joins us to discuss his film ‘Kites’, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. In our conversation, Walter reflects on the five and a half year journey that brought ‘Kites’ to life, describing how the project evolved organically rather than following a traditional scripted approach. Working without a strict script, Walter embraced a fluid storytelling method that allowed characters to shape their own narratives—a technique that mirrored the dynamic nature of the Rio favelas where the film is set.We dig into Walter’s collaborative process with cinematographer (and previous guest in the show) Michael ‘Cambio’ Fernandez. Together, they navigated the challenges of shooting in an unpredictable yet inspiring environment, working closely with local talent to ensure authentic representation.Walter also shares his philosophy on depicting the complexities of favela life without glorifying violence, instead focusing on hope and innocence—beautifully symbolized by the kites that dance throughout the film.(Photo credit: Kemal Cilengir)
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19:06
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19:06
Cabin Fever: Nora Kirkpatrick on exploring relationships in 'A Tree Fell in the Woods'
Nora Kirkpatrick has burst onto the scene with her debut feature 'A Tree Fell in the Woods', and she joins us for a delightful deep dive into her creative process. With a cast that reads like a who's who of talent—Alexandra Daddario, Daveed Diggs, Josh Gad, and Ashley Park—Kirkpatrick explores her desire to present multiple perspectives on a singular event, ensuring no character becomes the "bad guy".Nora reflects on the painstaking yet exhilarating journey of bringing her vision to life, comparing it to rock climbing—setting seemingly unreachable goals and figuring out how to scale those heights. Our conversation reveals the myriad challenges of indie filmmaking, from securing financing to assembling a dream cast, while exploring the film's thematic core: how a single event—a tree falling on New Year's Eve—unleashes a cascade of changes in everyone's lives.
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19:02
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19:02
Scented memories, with 'Fior Di Latte' director Charlotte Ercoli
Charlotte Ercoli joins us to discuss her debut feature 'Fior Di Latte,' a film as rich and layered as its title suggests. Her journey of transforming a personal obsession with perfume into a meditation on memory and identity reveals an artist unafraid to mine her own fascinations for cinematic gold.Charlotte opens up about the intimate process of translating scent into cinema, revealing how she captured the essence of Italy within a demanding filming schedule. We dive into the meticulous production design choices that bring her vision to life, and explore the complex character of Mark—played by Tim Heidecker—as he navigates nostalgia's double-edged sword.Our conversation weaves between the film's thematic depths and Charlotte's sharp wit, creating a dynamic that mirrors the movie itself: sometimes a delightful journey, other times a hazardous plunge into uncomfortable truths. A candid discussion about the art of storytelling and the treacherous power of remembering.(Photo credit: Thimios Bakatakis)
We Need to Talk About Oscar offers in-depth interviews with filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals. Although inspired by 'Oscar-worthy' titles, our conversations extend to buzzy projects and TV shows, exploring both the technical aspects of filmmaking and the personal stories behind them.
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