MAAIKE GOUWENBERG: THE CURATOR FROM ROTTERDAM
Are there any criteria for the people who want to participate in the film festival?
Maaike: There aren't any fixed criteria but we select the movies in a way so that it isn't just a documentary or a narrative film. We get films that are mostly experimental in story-telling, structure and concept. Most of the movies are artistic in nature and are similar to older films. Many of them are made from film materials and not digital in production. However, I am involved in only the mid-length and experimental film section.
Do you have any section that focuses on South East Asia?
Maaike: No. We have five programs based on regions. And then we bring all the movies together and select the best movies.
Can you give us any suggestions for Bangladeshi filmmakers?
Maaike: The most important part is not making long straight-cut narratives. We are interested in experimental story-telling and artistic endeavors. As a filmmaker, you have to be very critical of your work. You will have to go through our website to see what has been screened before. And from there they will get the idea. There really aren't any fixed criteria. It also depends on the jury. The selection is always very diverse, though emphasis is somewhat given to documentaries and unique concepts. So, it is very difficult to say exactly what we look for.
What else would you like to share with us?
Maaike: I think it is interesting that we have the mid-length program. It gives more space to the filmmakers, because it is very difficult to judge films based on length. This is quite a unique addition that you will see in Rotterdam.
Interviewed by Rafi Hossain
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