E16 • Challenging The System • BÁLINT SZIMLER, dir. of ‘Lesson Learned’ at the Locarno Film Festival

Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

Marcus speaks with Bálint Szimler about his feature film ‘Lesson Learned’, which just premiered at the Locarno Fim Festival. The discussion also touches on the films that most inspired him - 'Play' by Ruben Östlund and 'Family Nest' by Béla Tarr.

Bálint dives in to the inspiration behind his film, and the challenges of the Hungarian educational system. He also talks about his approach to storytelling and the importance of realistic and character-driven films. He shares insights into his scriptwriting process, the use of improvisation in his films, the importance of passion and dedication, and the collective effort of the cast and crew. Bálint also speaks on the significance of honoring the craft, and the decision to shoot on 16mm film - collaborating with cinematographer Marcell Rév of Euphoria fame.

The conversation also touches on the themes of living in the moment, the value of limitations, the rewards of filmmaking, and challenging the systems in place.

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1. E16 • Challenging The System • BÁLINT SZIMLER, dir. of ‘Lesson Learned’ at the Locarno Film Festival (00:00:00)

2. Past Present Feature, Hosted by Marcus Mizelle (00:00:01)

3. Introducing Filmmaker Bálint Szimler, dir. of 'Lesson Learned' (00:00:19)

4. Black Marks: The Hungarian School System (00:02:06)

5. Filmmaker Origin Story (00:03:20)

6. Early Memories of Filmmaking (00:06:00)

7. Rage Against The Machine + Drive to Make Films (00:08:10)

8. Lessons Learned From Struggles & Frustrations (00:12:20)

9. Filmography & Commercial Work (00:13:43)

10. ‘Lesson Learned’ at Locarno Film Festival (00:16:22)

11. Realistic & Character-Driven Filmmaking (00:19:02)

12. Scriptwriting Process (00:21:54)

13. Collaborative Financing + Honoring the Craft (00:23:55)

14. Highlights & Challenges From Production (00:26:07)

15. Shooting on 16mm Film & Collab with 'Euphoria' DP Marcell Rev (00:30:53)

16. Living in the Moment & Embracing Limitations (00:34:06)

17. "Editing is 50% of Making a Movie" - Godard + Getting Into Locarno (00:36:45)

18. 'Play' by Ruben Östlund (00:43:02)

19. 'Family Nest' by Béla Tarr (00:45:54)

20. "Focus More on the Topic than Yourself" - Filmmaker Insight / Advice (00:47:41)