Rendezvous

Eldin is a writer. But he’s also a painter. But wait, he’s also a printmaker. And he takes photos. Now he makes films too.

He lives in Sweden and I am here in Bosnia, so we collaborated on an email interview. Eldin sent me photos from their rehearsals. (He is a big fan of Salinger, so I don’t know if we can expect many interviews from him in the future if he becomes reclusive and pretentious… Cherish this interview!) I can’t wait to see how the movie turns out. Short film as a medium is so precious– how rarely we have the chance to watch short films.

On his filmmaking series
“Dejten” is the first script in the series of short films that I call “LOVE STORIES”. Their names are:
1. “Dejten” (The date, rendezvous);
2. “Julen” (Christmas);
3. “Bänken” (The bench);
4. “Mötesplatsen” (The Meeting Point);
5. “Bankett” (The Banquet);
6. “Helvetet” (Hell);
7. “Den sista minuten” (The last minute).

I have the final version of all of the films, both in script and in storyboard. They are also not Shakespeare or the Bible…I rely (deliberately) on the actors’ improvisation, and their vision of the character. All actors are in all the movies and we will evolve together.

On long distance relationships
When two people are in a long distance relationship, they have so much trouble to maintain it and cherish it. They will encounter difficulties, but if they can do it — they will be like a rock! That´s why I find it fascinating and that’s why I made a film about it.

On rules of filmmaking
I don’t have any rules of my own, but one thing I had in mind: I had to change shoes now and then. It was hard standing the whole day in one pair of shoes! And I was very happy when I realized that everyone came to the set with enthusiasm and “positive energy” (willingness do this film)! There was a lot of laughter and jokes between the shoots — that meant that half of my job was done (both as producer and author of this film)! No one acted like a diva.

I also chatted a bit with the actor, Oskar Nilsson. He’s been in several short films, for example VÄCK MIG. (I have no idea what this means… But I think Swedish looks so cool!) “But this is the biggest film I have done, in terms of the budget.” His character is reading letters that he gets from his long distance girlfriend.