Sundance 2021: Renee Osubu
Renee Osubu tells us about making her debut short film, Dear Philadelphia, a documentary about forgiveness and community in North Philadelphia. She talks us through her advice for young filmmakers, why Ava DuVernay inspires her, and what happens when you get chickenpox mid-shoot.
What inspired you to make this film?
I’m a photographer and for the last five years I have been documenting Philadelphia. After meeting some incredible people and being inspired by their stories, I set out to make this film. I was passionate that the journeys of the people I had met needed to be archived and I am really grateful it can be shared; their stories were ones of hope, joy and so unifying. The people I had met were truly my inspiration.
Did anything unexpected happen during the production of this? If so, how did you combat this effectively?
The first unexpected hurdle was me getting chickenpox the first week of filming, which is really funny when I look back on it. We only had a short amount of time to film so this did feel overwhelming at the time, but I had such an incredible, intimate team. It meant directing over FaceTime, so I was very much prepared for directing post-lockdown.
A second hurdle was being hit by lockdown during our post-production, so editing, scoring and sound mixing all took place online. Again, I am so grateful for the team I had because everyone was so dedicated to give the story the most dignity it deserved and despite the restrictions I think we had such a great time finishing the film.
Getting your film into Sundance is exciting! Do you have a favourite Sundance film?
There are so many to choose from! But I have always loved Fruitvale Station directed by Ryan Coogler in 2013.
The pandemic has affected the industry in many ways, how have you keep motivated during the past year?
The pandemic definitely has impacted the industry. However, I have been so grateful for the chance to slow down and really reflect on the things that matter. As an artist that is really important, as I always want my work to be an outpouring of the things I care about most. It can be hard not going out as much and interacting but what it has meant is researching more, reading more, watching more incredible films and having the chance to sit with my thoughts.
Hearing the stories and lives of others always motivates me and this period has definitely been one of listening more for us all. Seeing the similarities of my experiences and others has motivated me to share stories near to my heart. As well as being motivated by the current need of hope – it has always been a passion of mine to tell stories of hope that spur myself and my audience on.
What are your thoughts on the transition to virtual film festivals?
I think there is something so special about experiencing film with others in person, and that is definitely something that can’t be replaced. However, I think there is also something very inclusive about virtual festivals. From finances to accessibility, I think this is a great opportunity to share the world of film.
Who has inspired you in your filmmaking journey?
Ava DuVernay has definitely been an inspiration – I think her desire to share such important stories. The research, the writing, the relationships she is building. The complete dedication to doing right by people’s intimate stories inspires me.
More importantly, who has supported you in your career?
My family is a huge support, they really believe in me and encourage me to do the best I can. My friends are also a huge support, always reminding me of what I am capable of even in my times of doubts.
What do you hope audiences will take away from your film?
My audience just taking something away would mean something. I think reflection is really important – what did this film mean to them on an individual basis? I know for me, personally, it’s a film of hope and joy, a reminder of the importance of community.
Tell us three goals you want to achieve in the next five years!
Continue working on my feature film.
Get through this pandemic with everyone else.
Continue to find peace and trust in what God has planned for the next five years.
Lastly, what are two pieces of advice you would give to young filmmakers starting out?
Find what you are passionate about and what you think is important. Then make a film about that and not just what you think others will like. Passion plus action can take you further than you think. I was just passionate about making Dear Philadelphia and I made actions in the ways I knew how with no film experience and I couldn’t have imagined where that would have gotten me. Keep believing in yourself and your ideas, don’t disregard input but surround yourself with people who understand your vision.
Your first film may not be your best film, but you are now one film closer to it.
