From Concept to Edit, Four Sundance Festival Filmmakers Discuss the Process of Making Their First Feature
©sundance institute
For any filmmaker, there is nothing quite like the moment when the lights dim, and their creation comes to life on the big screen for the first time. This defining moment, often filled with a mix of excitement, anxiety, and pride, is one that most filmmakers never forget. At the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, four debut filmmakers—Sean Wang (Dìdi (弟弟)), Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie (Sugarcane), and Josh Margolin (mThelma)—experienced this transformative moment. These directors came together at the Canon Creative Studio for Sundance Collab's "Making Your First Feature Film" discussion, where they shared insights into their creative processes, from the initial concept to the final edit.
The Layered Process of Filmmaking
Creating a film is an intricate process that demands a blend of creativity, determination, and resilience. For Josh Margolin, whose comedy *Thelma* centers on a 93-year-old woman determined to recoup $10,000 lost to a phone scammer, the filmmaking journey was a whirlwind of emotions. "In the best-case scenario, it’s exhausting and rewarding, but tiring and hard and stressful," Margolin explained, emphasizing that the payoff is always worth it. His smile during the discussion highlighted the satisfaction that comes from navigating the roller coaster of challenges inherent in bringing a film to life.
Finding the Right Story
For Sean Wang, discovering the right story to tell was about filling a personal void in the coming-of-age genre. Wang, who grew up in Fremont, California, in the early 2000s, drew inspiration from films like *Stand By Me*, *Ratcatcher*, and *The Sandlot*—movies that resonated with him because they mirrored his own childhood experiences. However, Wang realized that none of these films truly represented his story or that of his friends. This realization fueled the creation of *Dìdi (弟弟)*, which follows the life of a 13-year-old Taiwanese boy in Fremont. Despite acknowledging the oversaturation of the coming-of-age genre, Wang pushed forward, believing that the specificity of his narrative would set it apart. "Every little specific thing you add to that story, that character is what then gets it to a tipping point of like, Oh, this now all of a sudden feels like a story we’ve never seen before because it’s so specific," Wang remarked. His determination paid off as *Dìdi (弟弟)* went on to win the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award: Ensemble at the 2024 Festival.
The Art of Perseverance
For Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, the journey to creating *Sugarcane* was not just about storytelling but also about perseverance. Their documentary delves into the deep-rooted issues surrounding the exploitation of Indigenous communities, revealing hard truths that many prefer to ignore. The filmmakers' commitment to shedding light on these injustices speaks to the power of cinema as a tool for social change. They faced numerous obstacles along the way, but their unwavering resolve ensured that the story they wanted to tell was not just heard but felt deeply by audiences.The Rewards of Filmmaking
While the path to making a feature film is fraught with challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. Each filmmaker at the panel echoed the sentiment that the struggle is part of the journey. From the countless hours of planning and shooting to the often grueling process of editing, every step brings the filmmaker closer to realizing their vision. For these debut directors, seeing their films premiere at Sundance was the culmination of years of hard work, passion, and dedication.A Bright Future Ahead
The success of these first-time filmmakers at Sundance is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the courage to tell personal and impactful stories. As these filmmakers continue to grow and evolve, their experiences will undoubtedly shape the future of cinema, inspiring a new generation of storytellers to bring their unique visions to life.
In the end, filmmaking is not just about the finished product; it’s about the journey—one that is as rewarding as it is challenging. For Sean Wang, Julian Brave NoiseCat, Emily Kassie, and Josh Margolin, their Sundance experience marks the beginning of a promising journey in the world of film.