After 30 years of marriage, Ib's wife leaves him for another man. His son Sebastian is there for him in these rough times, but it's like they have a hard time talking about it since they have something else to talk about first. Doing My Best is a short film, directed by Anders Valbro Højte. Born and raised no the countryside of Denmark, Anders thinks that he tells a story through body and mind it’s the biggest thrill he has experienced in life. His film was an official selection of Venice Shorts of California and we had the chance to speak to him regarding his film.
What was the inspiration behind the making of "Doing My Best"?
My parents got divorced in 2019. I spent as much time as I could with both of them and realized I got a better and better connection with both of them and especially with my father. I felt
What were some of the challenges of making the film?
The pre- and post-production Went smooth as butter, but there was one moment in the research that was very difficult. Calling my dad to ask him about the divorce was really difficult, but as open as a book, he explained as much as i needed and after that, I wrote the script in a week or two.
When did you realize that you wanted to make films and what was the first film project that you created?
I had a very great teacher “Morten Dahl Lützhøft” in theater school who inspired me to write my own stuff. He didn’t teach us to write, but how to break down manuscripts as an actor. His joy for breaking Down these scenes was magnificent and inspired me so much to write my own stuff which I really enjoy doing.
Which directors have been influential in your work and why?
Quentin Tarantino has been pretty Big. The technical that has affected the emotion in his scenes and how I've interviewed with his approach to filmmaking is really inspiring.
Anders Thomas Jensen and Thomas Vinterberg are also two of my Big influences. They both make movies that get stuck in your head for a good reason and for somehow they have a really great approach on how to combine danish culture and filmmaking.
What genre of filmmaking do you like to work on?
I’m not the most experienced to ask as a filmmaker, but Drama is wonderful! Both as an actor and writing it. It can really reflect in People’s emotions which I find really fundamental as a person of the arts to deliver to the audience.
What is your plan for further distribution of your film?
For now, I would submit the short film to different film festivals across the world. I will also submit it to different organizations helping emotionally wounded fathers with how to cope with their emotions.
How can cinema change the world and have an impact on society?
Cinema can change the world by good framing, writing, directing, and acting capture a moment of emotions that the audience can feel and learn from. Film sets perspective on the world we live in. It can educate, learn, take topics we need to talk about as a society and act on, cinema has a wide range of things it can do to impact the world and it’s a great way to see perspectives and learn from others.
What is your next film project?
I have 2 feature films in mind. I have a spy film and an Action film coming up. It’s rough drafts at the moment, but ideas are there.
Why do you make films and what draws you to the language of cinema and directing?
I started out writing characters I want to play. Acting is still my main passion and will always be. I make films I want to play in myself, but for now it’s a hustle I enjoy. The overview of the set and scene you’re making and how you get the best out of everyone is magnificent.