Unlocking Creativity: Insights from SBIFF Women’s Panel on Art and Inspiration | Arts & Entertainment | Noozhawk

At this year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival, six talented women filmmakers took the stage to share insights into their Oscar-nominated works. The Women’s Panel was a highlight of the festival’s closing day.

The featured filmmakers included:

• Emily Kassie, director of “Sugarcane”
• Paula DuPré Pesmen, producer of “Porcelain War”
• Smriti Mundhra, director of “I am Ready, Warden”
• Diane Warren, songwriter for “The Six Triple Eight”
• Suchitra Mattai, producer of “Anuja”
• Victoria Warmerdam, director of “I’m Not a Robot”

Madelyn Hammond moderated the panel for the 23rd consecutive year.

Suchitra Mattai spoke about her short film “Anuja,” which addresses child labor in India while focusing on the bond between sisters. Thanks to support from notable actresses Priyanka Chopra and Mindy Kaling, the film secured a Netflix deal. Mattai emphasized her motivation by stating, “I center my work on women and am interested in sharing the stories that haven’t been told.” This project is personal to her, linking back to her family’s history with indentured labor.

Paula DuPré Pesmen shared insights into producing “Porcelain War,” a film about three Ukrainian artists living near the frontlines of the Russian invasion. By day, they train civilians in survival skills and by night, they create delicate porcelain art. “It shows the human side of what we fight for,” she explained, highlighting the beauty and culture that persist amid chaos.

Emily Kassie talked about her project on the unmarked graves of indigenous children in Canada. She uncovered a harsh truth about the treatment of these children in assimilation schools. Her collaboration with Julian Brave NoiseCat, whose family ties to the school ran deep, made the experience powerful. Kassie summarized, “This is not just a story of trauma. It’s about reclaiming what was taken.”

Diane Warren expressed her excitement over her nomination for “The Journey,” an Original Score for “The Six Triple Eight.” She felt an immediate connection to the story of women delivering mail during wartime and thought, “This could be one of the best songs I ever wrote.” The universe seemed to align when singer Gabi Wilson (H.E.R.) reentered her life just in time to perform the song.

Victoria Warmerdam, known for her film “I’m Not a Robot,” discussed her journey from a simple captcha challenge to a deeper exploration of identity. She posed questions about human consciousness and what really defines us. The short film has inspired her to develop a feature-length version, delving further into its themes.

Smriti Mundhra, nominated for “I am Ready, Warden,” focused on the story of John Henry Ramirez, a man sentenced to death in Texas. The film looks at issues of forgiveness and redemption, tracking Ramirez’s emotional journey as he reaches out to his victim’s family. Mundhra reflected on the profound responses the film elicited, especially after it screened at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival wrapped up another successful year, celebrating powerful stories and the women behind them.

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