British filmmaker Joanna Hogg has been making waves as the president of the Feature Narrative Competition jury at Egypt’s ninth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival. In a candid conversation with Variety, Hogg shared her unique approach to film-watching, stating, “I prefer to go in with no criteria and a very open mind.” This philosophy stems from her belief that the most impactful films are those that resonate on a personal level, an experience she finds enhanced by minimizing her pre-screening knowledge.
Searching for Emotional Clarity
Hogg elaborated on her criteria for evaluating films, emphasizing her desire for a work that elicits movement or clarity rather than merely tear-jerking moments. She noted, “I am looking for something that moves me, but it also can be something that strikes me in a particular way.” With a diverse range of films from both emerging and renowned directors, Hogg appreciates the various stories and genres presented at the festival and feels it is superficial to apply uniform criteria across the board.
Experiencing New Cultures
This visit marks Hogg’s first time in Egypt, and she acknowledges her outsider status among a jury that includes filmmakers from Egypt, Iraq, and Turkey. Engaging with their viewpoints has sparked her curiosity not only about Egyptian cinema but also about the broader Middle Eastern film landscape. “I’ve really travelled all over the place,” she remarked, reflecting on how the festival has transcended geographical boundaries for her.
A Shift Back to Cinema
The festival represents a return to film-watching after months of immersion in her writing. “I’ve been stuck at home for quite a few months writing and actually not watching any films,” Hogg shared. This break has allowed her to approach the works presented at the festival with a fresh perspective. “I think it made me more receptive to the films,” she noted.
The Creative Process
Currently, Hogg is engaged in writing her next film, which continues to explore the delicate balance between lived experiences and fiction. Her acclaimed works, including “The Souvenir,” “The Souvenir Part II,” and “The Eternal Daughter,” draw heavily on her personal life. “I’m very interested in the sort of tension between what’s personal and a real experience that I’ve had and turning that into cinema and into fiction,” she explained.
The Personal Journey of Filmmaking
Despite the deeply personal nature of her films, Hogg acknowledges that the process remains challenging. Each project presents unique narratives and lessons. “It’s a different story that I’m telling with this film. Each time I’m learning from scratch in a way, which I quite like,” she reflected.
From Television to Film
Hogg’s path to filmmaking wasn’t straightforward. After graduating from film school, she found herself working in television, an experience she describes as somewhat disappointing. “I went into it because I needed to work and it wasn’t as easy as I thought making a first feature film,” she admitted. A turning point came while directing a television episode that left her feeling disconnected, prompting her to assert, “I really must tell something personal.”
Encouragement to Pursue Feature Films
The late Barbara Stone, a friend and producer of Hogg’s debut film “Unrelated,” played a crucial role in encouraging her to take the leap into feature filmmaking. When Hogg confided her intention to make a short film, Stone challenged her perspective: “Why make a short film? Make a feature.” This pivotal moment set Hogg on the path that eventually led to her acclaimed films.
Reuniting with Tilda Swinton
Hogg’s creative collaboration with actress Tilda Swinton began long before their highly praised projects like “The Souvenir” series and “The Eternal Daughter.” Reflecting on their long-standing partnership, Hogg noted, “We talk about this sometimes and we said, ‘Well, actually, maybe it’s not a bad thing. We both developed our own way first.’” Their reunion in recent works has been a rewarding experience for both, reigniting a productive creative relationship.
Looking Ahead
As she immerses herself in the works of fellow filmmakers at El Gouna, Hogg anticipates returning to her own creative project with some difficulty. “I’ll have to decompress,” she stated, recognizing the need to allow the insights from her festival experience to inform her next steps. She expressed the hope that she could “come quietly back to my story,” ready to weave her personal narrative into the larger tapestry of cinema.
