'Leave No Trace' Director Debra Granik Talks the "Very Supportive" Community of Female Filmmakers | Spirit Awards 2019 - video Dailymotion

Granik is this year's recipient of the Bonnie Award, which is dedicated to female directors.

Transcript

00:00Independent filmmaking, it's known for being kind of hardscrabble, you know, roll with the punches.

00:05So I'm wondering what is the most, you know, interesting thing that you've had to do to get that shot or to make the day or get the scene?

00:13We were responsible for building an emergency shelter from debris in the woods, you know, from boughs and branches.

00:21And we had an amazing trainer, a woman who was so adept at outdoor survival.

00:26And she showed the actors how to do it, the crew.

00:31But doing it was arduous and race against time.

00:35And, you know, maybe it's a classic scenario in filmmaking, you know, race against time.

00:39But what emerged from it was really impressive, actually, and convincing.

00:44You know, just time, time and effort.

00:46What are your favorite parts about independent filmmaking?

00:50What really sets it apart as an experience?

00:52I think the fact that so many people that you are working with are contributing so majorly.

00:58And they're contributing their knowledge, their expertise, their prior experiences.

01:02It's very, it's a communal cauldron and a large amount of very dedicated people are putting their input.

01:09And then the movie's been out for some time now.

01:12You've been able to do a lot of screenings.

01:13I'm wondering, have you had a standout favorite audience moment or screening moment?

01:18I've really, I've loved showing it to younger audiences.

01:22That's been, the discussion has been rich and good.

01:25I have truly enjoyed showing it in other countries.

01:29Because things I feel I know up close, but the distance helps me formulate my ideas.

01:34And you're this year's recipient of the Bonnie Award, which is dedicated to female directors.

01:41So I'm wondering, what is it like to be a female filmmaker in the industry right now?

01:45What makes it exciting?

01:46What makes it, well, it's always been exciting.

01:50You're excited that you're getting to do something that you think you can do and have a passion for.

01:56I feel like we're very supported right now, which is outstanding.

02:00I feel like there's a reason why this tent is the tent of invitation, you know, of inclusiveness.

02:07They didn't have such a fear of allowing women into the tent.

02:10They were always in there.

02:12What advice would you give these young female directors coming up right now?

02:16Don't be on women's panels.

02:18Be on panels.

02:20If you're a director, you're a director.

02:21It doesn't matter what body you were born into.

02:24Your ability to direct comes as being a homo sapien, not your gender.

02:28You know, the kind of thing you're going to work better.