[Interview] Amir El Masry and Naqqash Khalid "In Camera"
0In an interview with journalist Suhaila from Temple of Geek, filmmakers Amir El Masry and Naqqash Khalid discuss their film "In Camera."
0:00:00 Introduction
Brief introduction of the interviewees and the film "In Camera".
0:00:26 The Genesis of "In Camera"
The origin of the film's concept stems from his desire to create a "fairy tale about identity" and the "horror of identity politics".
The conversation delves into the challenges faced by young actors in today's industry, particularly those with diverse backgrounds.
0:01:37 Film or Short Film?
"In Camera" was always intended as a feature film, drawing a connection to his earlier short film "Parts".
He emphasizes the long gestation period of the idea and the opportunity to finally bring it to fruition as a feature film.
0:02:29 Industry Changes and Creative Freedom
The discussion touches on the impact of industry changes, such as the pandemic and strikes, on the film's narrative.
Reflection on unique perspective as an outsider to the traditional film industry, emphasizing his focus on representing the characters' feelings rather than literal reality.
0:03:38 Actors in Everyday Life
The concept of acting as a universal human experience is explored, drawing parallels between actors and individuals navigating everyday situations like job interviews.
0:04:10 The "Concept Album" Structure
The unconventional approach to structuring the film's narrative, likening it to a concept album with distinct "sides" and a "beat switch" in the middle.
He discusses his fascination with structure and the cyclical nature of the film's narrative.
0:05:10 Interrogating Cinematic Tools
The importance of critically examining the tools of cinema, highlighting their historical origins and potential for misuse.
He draws inspiration from abolitionist literature and its influence on the film's structure and workflow.
0:06:18 Navigating the Structure
The conversation shifts to the challenges and rewards of working with the film's unique structure.
Amir El Masry shares his experience collaborating with Naqqash and navigating the cyclical nature of the rehearsal process.
0:08:30 The Right Take
The discussion explores the process of selecting the right take amid numerous variations and improvisations.
The importance of trust and collaboration among the cast and crew is emphasized.
0:11:48 Directing and Improvising
The balance between Naqqash's clear vision and the actors' improvisations is discussed.
Amir reflects on specific scenes and the dynamic between his character and Conrad, highlighting the power dynamics and vulnerability portrayed.
0:13:38 The "Nobody" Character
The conversation delves into the character played by "nobody" and the impact of that casting choice on the film's narrative.
Amir discusses his preparation for the role and the complexities of portraying a character who is both "real" and imagined.
0:15:06 The Conrad-Aiden Dynamic
The complex relationship between Conrad and Aiden is analyzed, exploring the idea that Conrad may be a manifestation of Aiden's imagination.
The discussion touches on themes of success, ambition, and the cyclical nature of power dynamics.
0:18:04 The Complexity of "Conrad"
Naqqash discusses the challenges of portraying Conrad as both a fully realized character and a figment of Aiden's imagination.
The use of sound design to create unease and accentuate the uncanny nature of Conrad's presence is explored.
0:20:46 The "Vacuum" Effect
The concept of the "vacuum" as a site of horror and its manifestation in Conrad's character is discussed.
Amir reflects on specific scenes and the subtle nuances in Conrad's behavior that contribute to the overall sense of unease.
0:22:05 Playing with Time and Discomfort
Deliberate use of long takes and pauses to create discomfort and make the audience aware of time passing.
He references a quote by Chantal Akerman about the audience's perception of time in cinema.
0:23:27 Patterns and Inheritance
The significance of patterns and repetition in the film draws inspiration from Muslim artists and the cyclical nature of Middle Eastern and South Asian art. He discusses the concept of inheritance and the cyclical nature of violence.
0:25:29 Colonizer and Colonized
The conversation explores the theme of the colonized subject becoming the colonizer, using Aiden's journey as an example.
0:27:02 Blurring Reality and Imagination
The film's blurring of boundaries between reality and imagination invites the audience to question their perceptions.
0:30:16 Creating "Conrad"
0:33:04 "In Camera" in Cairo
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