E30 • Creating Controversial Characters • ERIK POPPE, dir. of ‘Quisling - The Final Days’ at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival

Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

In this conversation, Erik Poppe - the director of “Quisling - The Final Days”, which just premiered at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival, discusses his journey from photojournalism to filmmaking, emphasizing the role of art in raising questions and engaging audiences.

He reflects on his influences, including Francois Truffaut’s 1970 film ‘The Wild Child”, the importance of personal narratives, and the challenges of portraying controversial characters - how creating empathy for these characters can be challenging yet rewarding.

Erik also shares his insights on his filmmaking process, the significance of preparation for film festivals, and how art's primary role is to provoke thought and discussion - through simplicity and truthfulness.
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Chapter

1. E30 • Creating Controversial Characters • ERIK POPPE, dir. of ‘Quisling - The Final Days’ at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival (00:00:00)

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

3. Introducing Filmmaker Erik Poppe, dir. of "Quisling: The Final Days" at TIFF (00:00:19)

4. From Photojournalism to Filmmaking (00:03:51)

5. The Journey into Cinematography and Directing (00:06:46)

6. Influences and Inspirations in Film (00:09:42)

7. Francois Truffaut's "The Wild Child" (00:11:42)

8. Exploring Personal Narratives in Film (00:12:31)

9. The Making of Quisling: A Historical Perspective (00:15:52)

10. Radicalization and Ideology in Film (00:18:42)

11. The Art of Storytelling: Documentaries vs. Features (00:21:32)

12. Navigating Controversial Characters in Film (00:24:47)

13. Audience Engagement and Emotional Connection (00:27:38)

14. Preparing for Film Festivals and Distribution (00:30:30)

15. Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers (00:33:50)