Thanks for speaking with us today Nashen, we’re all very excited about the festival, particularly after the recently announced line up including 22 Australian premieres, 15 features and 10 documentaries! Impressive stuff. How difficult was the selection process for this year’s entries?

It is always difficult to an extent because you have a limited number of available slots, and see so many wonderful films. It is important for us to create a balanced and diverse programme, and this principle helps us come up with the final selection.

 

You have quite a remarkable CV, having just come from Managing the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa, directing the Asian and African programs for the Dubai International film festival AND curating Tehran’s first ever South African Film Festival – what differences do you see with the Sydney audiences compared to the others your catered for?

Well, as this is my first programme for the Sydney Film Festival I am looking forward to learning more about the audience.

 

You obviously have a passion for film; what is it about it that encourages you to organise and establish Film Festivals around the world?

I really believe that films can change the way people consider the world, can open people up to other cultures and ways of thinking. I know the impact that films and film festivals have had on me, and I think it’s very possible for films to have a positive impact on people around the world. So, it is a pleasure to present important and entertaining films to show the great diversity of cinema that exists.

 

Do you think your studies in philosophy and journalism have enhanced your understanding and appreciation for film and cinema?

I studied Philosophy and English Literature, not journalism, and though I don’t consciously refer to this background when watching films, of course this grounding in literature and philosophy broadens understanding and appreciation.

 

For more info go to http://www.sff.org.au/

 

The Sydney Film Festival’s full program will be announced 9th May 2012. This year’s Sydney Film Festival runs from 6-17 June 2012.

 

Emily Eskell

emilyeskell@gmail.com