BBFF2022 Meet the Filmmaker: Cassie De Colling
Momento
Cassie De Colling with a backbone in documentary storytelling has created a short surf film inspired by reflection, womanhood and Mother Nature.
We had a chat to Cassie De Colling about the making of ‘Momento’ and her process of creating a short surf film that reflects honest and poignant moments.
Screening at Byron Theatre
Saturday 22 October at 7:30pm with The Birth of the Endless Summer
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How did you come to discover the story in your film?
I am a surfer and always found the ocean a place of healing. I wanted to experiment with the idea of age and surfing having no boundaries.
Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker?
I wanted to be a wildlife filmmaker and work in conservation when I was a kid but then as my career progressed I became inspired by challenging the paradigm of artistic visual storytelling which come with more creative aggravation than typical documentary storytelling. I’m writing this answer from LA where I am working with a small team to tell the story of a cougar who lives in LA and has inadvertently become a household name and is changing the face of urban wildlife conservation in the US.
As a filmmaker what is your favourite memory you had in the process of creating this film?
I totally underestimated how difficult it would be to film in the surf. Initially I wanted to film in a wave pool for consistency but the pool was shut down due to Covid. So when we filmed initially we didn’t get everything we needed. I had yo go back to Canada but I also needed pick up shots. So I went out on my skateboard and had my friend film me skating on my belly down the road and rolling around so I could send the shots to the team to emulate. It was quite funny pretending to paddle on a skateboard.
Why do you think short films are an important medium to explore creativity through?
Short film is a way to express a thought or explore and idea. It’s an opportunity to get hands on with the process. In my experience my shorts have had very little funding so I’ve done a lot of the production work - it’s an opportunity to learn a new skill and a reminder that filmmaking takes time and things don’t always turn out as though type visualized them.
Part of the filmmaking process is you will face challenges, how did you overcome these?
It was challenging communicating with everyone from Vancouver and arranging a reshoot and getting all the footage back to Canada to edit. We used a lot of FaceTime to get intouch and make plans for additional filming.
What is next for you in the future?
I’m making a feature documentary in Canada on the Canadian Women’s Soccer Goalkeeper and her journey with her mental health and the advocacy for women in sport.
What is your biggest creative influence on your filmmaking style?
Unplugging from my devices and being in nature is where is her my most visual ideas. When I am free from stress and distractions I can think through and execute an idea in my mind. I also like to do a lot of journal writing and talking to strangers about the world brings me lots of new ideas. I’m a big fan of documentary filmmakers such as Lucy Walker ‘how to change your mind, chr ash reel’ and Jen Peedom ‘River, Mountain, Sherpa’
What is a piece of advice you can give to all aspiring filmmakers?
Work hard and keep at it.
BBFF is one of the best festivals I’ve been to. The team has built a fabric of community between filmmakers of all experience levels and brings everyone together in a way that makes everyone feel welcome and supported.
