BUTTER LAMP

Director's Statement

How long did it take to make your short? Was it difficult to get financing? I wrote the scenario in one week and two months later we obtained the financial support of the French CNC and ARTE French television. But shooting was much more complicated because the crew was formed by French and Chinese technicians and with Tibetan actors. With such a team, shooting in China next to Tibet was extremely complex. The first two attempts to shoot the film failed and finally the third succeeded. Which thoughts come to mind concerning a “European cinema community”? To me, the two most essential concerns are the diversity and the liberty of expression which are most possibly at the heart of European cinema. If you owned a theatre for one night, which films would you screen? Hmmm, it’s a pity that it is only for one night. I would love to organise a special screenings for children like my three-year-old daughter. Of course, they can shout and run in the theatre. Or maybe, four or five films for the night, is it a good idea for kids? So these films would be: PIPPI LONGSTOCKING, MARY POPPINS, THE WIZARD OF OZ, DONKEY SKIN, THE KING AND THE MOCKING BIRD... What is your next project? A particular film, strange and mysterious. I would leave you some suspense.