Athina Rachel Tsangari: “There is always a way to make a movie”

«Chevalier» was one of the movies that impressed us at International Film Festival Rotterdam. The new film by Athina Rachel Tsangari shows the game of six friends who have gone on vacation with a yacht, trying to find out who is the ‘best in general “.

The creator stayed only for two nights in the Netherlands, and since she had a very busy schedule, an interview with her was one of those with the most requests at the Press Office.

Finally, a group interview-panel was set at the «de Doelen» building.

About if her previous film, «The Capsule» (a film only with women), and the «Chevalier» (a film only with men), closed a circle, showing the best (or worst) of the two sexes.

Do you think it is contrary? It depends on how you see the sexes. I do not see them as opposites, but as complementary to each other. Nevertheless, if there was even a female cat in the film, it would give a completely different dynamic. If I put women, the film would become a romantic comedy. I chose men because I was interested to find out the whole age range in each character: the young boy, the adolescent, the adult.

About how it was to be a woman leader in an environment full of men.

It was a challenge! But it was a fantastic experience for us all. I was scared and shaking when I first entered the yacht. I asked myself if I am ready. But they were all respecting the process, and I made clear that I am the director and I know what I want from each one of them.
One of the reasons I did it, was to demystify all the clichés, especially in Greece. I identify more as “human” than as a “woman”.

About the casting

It was a very difficult casting, it took about a year. I was looking for tough and arrogant personalities. It was a social experiment on how to conduct all of these together.
In the end, there was camaraderie and teamwork. When I would not feel well, someone would do something to cheer me up.

And about the casting of Sakis Rouvas .

Sakis was an amazing partner. I felt it from the beginning. He is too honest and dedicated at what he does.

About shooting.

It was like “hell” in the sea. Then, it was like a kindergarten. It may even take us half an hour to start shooting as they had all become friends, and they made plates together, as in «Chevalier».
I felt that the movie will be laxative for me, although I did not know why. Now I know. We went all very strong in the process. There was compassion and sense of community. Everything was the result of teamwork.

About using the yacht as the environment, rather than a more conventional space.

I wanted to do the space as more inconvenient for everyone as possible. I saw it as a challenge. I liked the idea of ​​men in this small “boat” of civilization, in the middle of nowhere.

About the title «Greek Weird Wave», which was given to the new wave of Greek films.

I do not accept it. I find it offensive and derogatory. What does «weird» mean? It started being used after an interview I gave about «Attenberg». For such a thing to exist, however, there must be similarities among the movies. The new Greek films are different from each other, and that’s nice.

About if she sees the future of Greek cinema still bright, as she had previously stated.

Now, I see it brighter! Although there is little funding in relation to the size of the country, it’s okay. It could certainly be better. There is some infrastructure, but it has to work right. In the Sttes, 95% of the films coming out, are made on a low budget. Many films are made with help between friends or with borrowed equipment. I love this feeling of independence. There is always a way to make a movie.

About the situation in Greece and whether  a great idea can save the country.

I no longer believe in governments. In fact, I hate them. The economy now is the new goverment. When I was younger, I was a lot into politics, but later, and culminating with the riots in Seattle in 1999 against the IMF, I realized that you can change things individually, with mobilizations in the street and in the neighborhood through activism. Even the most simple act can bring about change.

Chevalier (2015, Comedy, Color, 99 ‘)
Director: Athina Rachel Tsangari
Script: Efthymis Philippou, Athina Rachel Tsangari
Starring: Yorgos Kentros, Panos Koronis, Sakis Rouvas, Vangelis Mourikis, Makis Papadimitriou, Yiorgos Pyrpassopoulos, Yiannis Drakopoulos

Source: beater.gr