For several of the last few months, I was based out of Berlin. Came for the yearly Berlinale (Berlin Film Festival) and stayed to begin a documentary that will be filmed in Paris and the country of Georgia.
This annual trek to one of the world’s most prestigious festivals is an adventure I choose never to miss.
The streets of an already creative city are filled with attention-seeking stars, political officials, fans and journalists. But the high-profile attendees are not as compelling for me as the fans, like this sweet couple waiting for a glimpse at the glitter.
I am certain I now know why I make films. I make them because they bring love and joy to others.
Frederich lifts Ida so she can see the stars arriving on the red carpet at the 2014 Berlinale.
Watching 30 films in competition over the course of ten days is physically daunting, emotionally and creatively rewarding so I do it every year. And those films and the inspiration they bring to my life provide the batteries to keep me going for the next year, until it all starts again.
Why do you make films?