Latest news with #DariusKhondji
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Eddington' Cinematographer Darius Khondji on Shooting Ari Aster's Western Dark Comedy: ‘It's So Bright, It's Never Bright Enough'
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, 'Eddington' cinematographer Darius Khondji talked about his filmic approach to Ari Aster's pandemic-set film, which follows a standoff between a small town mayor (Pedro Pascal) and the local sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix). While he notes that writer/director Aster called it 'a European psychological thriller on American land,' visually he saw something different — 'a modern western.' This take ended up being not only accurate, but how the feature has been predominantly described in reviews. 'We wanted the exterior to be very bright, like, garishly bright, like the light has almost started to take off the color and the contrast a little bit because it's so bright, never bright enough,' Khondji said. More from IndieWire Jamie Lee Curtis Decries Stephen Colbert Cancellation Jennifer Love Hewitt on How Her Teen Career Mirrors Britney Spears': 'I Realized I Was Crying For Me' Khondji is a legend worldwide, having shot some of the greatest films of all time — 'Seven' and 'Amour' among them. He landed Oscar nominations for his work in 'Evita' and 'Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths.' While a longtime fan of Aster's — and a defender of Aster's controversial 'Beau Is Afraid' — the two had never worked together before 'Eddington.' Each said that the collaboration went smoothly. 'Ari and I have a common language,' Khondji said. 'We discovered quite early on working together that we have a very similar taste for dark films, not dark in lighting but in storytelling.' Aster said that Khondji even rewired how he looks at visuals. 'Darius and I hate unmotivated camera movement,' Aster explained to the LA Times. 'But there are certain things that never would've bothered me compositionally that really bothered Darius, and now they're stuck in my head. For instance, Darius hates it when you cut off somebody's leg, even if it's at the ankle. A lot of Darius's prejudices have gone into my system.' Khondji did say that while he has his guidelines, they aren't necessarily set in stone. 'You have a rule, and then you decide this is the moment to break the rule,' he explained. Speaking with IndieWire in 2023, Khondji gave insight into his theories behind how best to shoot a film. 'And it's not just about what's in the frame. The world outside the frame is very important. It's good not to have flags or equipment in the way of the actor's gaze because I want them to feel the scene,' he said. 'The world of cinema is not only technical. It's about feeling the world around the actors, becoming them.'Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Timothée Chalamet trained for months to play table tennis champ in Marty Supreme
Darius Khondji, the film's cinematographer, revealed to Variety that the two-time Oscar-nominated actor went all-in on his preparation for Josh Safdie's sports drama, which is loosely inspired by the life and career of table tennis star Marty Reisman. The director of photography revealed that the A Complete Unknown star trained "for months and months" because "you can do anything, any camera tricks you want, but you need to have a core."."He wanted to be like a real (professional) ping pong player when he started shooting." .
Broadcast Pro
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Qumra 2025 screens six films supported by Doha Film Institute
The selection includes narratives and documentaries from emerging and established filmmakers supported by DFI. Doha Film Institute has announced a lineup of seven feature films supported by the Institute for the Qumra 2025 screenings programme, running until April 9. These critically acclaimed works represent some of the most distinctive and bold independent voices in emerging cinema. Now in its 11th edition, Qumra continues to serve as a dynamic incubator for cinematic talent, presenting 49 projects from 23 countries, including several from Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers. The programme underscores Qatar's growing creative footprint and the Institute's commitment to nurturing emerging storytellers. The Qumra 2025 Screenings will be open to the public, with tickets available for individual events or Qumra Passes granting access to the full programme—including masterclasses by an esteemed group of Qumra Masters 2025: acclaimed filmmakers and artists Lav Diaz, Darius Khondji, Walter Salles, Anna Terrazas, and Johnnie To. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: 'Qumra 2025 Screenings highlights our ongoing commitment to powerful storytelling that pushes creative boundaries and amplifies diverse perspectives. These films present the artistic vision and technical expertise of emerging filmmakers from across the world who are making significant contributions to cinema. We are honoured to have supported their journey and to open doors to a wider audience for their films at Qumra.' Rising Up at Night (Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Germany, Burkina Faso, Qatar) by Nelson Makengo examines the hope, disappointment and religious faith of Tongo Saa, a subtle and fragmented portrait of a population that despite its challenges is sublimated by the beauty of Kinshasa's nights. Moondove (Lebanon, Netherlands, Qatar) by Karim Kassem presents a poetic narrative set in a mountain village grappling with severe drought, where an annual theatrical tradition becomes a metaphor for broader societal changes. Red Path (Tunisia, France, Belgium, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) by Lotfi Achour tells the haunting story of young shepherd Achraf, whose life is forever changed after the traumatic death of his cousin. MA – Cry of Silence (Myanmar, South Korea, France, Singapore, Norway, Qatar) by The Maw Naing follows Mi-Thet, a young garment factory worker whose involvement in a labour strike awakens her political consciousness and connects her to Myanmar's complex history of resistance. East of Noon (Netherlands, Egypt, Qatar) by Hala Elkoussy weaves a satirical fable about artistic freedom and resistance through the story of Abdo, a musician challenging authority by creating art in a confined world. Demba (Senegal, Germany, Qatar) directed by Mamadou Dia charts how a man struggling with grief and depression with the anniversary of his wife's death nearing, finds solace reconnecting with his estranged son. The screenings will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium.
Broadcast Pro
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Doha Film Institute unveils Qumra Masters for 2025 industry event
The Doha Film Institute has announced the distinguished global filmmakers who will serve as Qumra Masters for the 11th edition of its annual industry event, scheduled to take place from April 4 to April 9, 2025. Recognised as a premier talent incubator in the Arab world, Qumra provides invaluable support to first and second-time filmmakers from the region and beyond. The initiative fosters industry connections, mentorship, and collaboration by linking emerging filmmakers with some of cinema's most esteemed visionaries. The 2025 Qumra Masters include filmmakers Lav Diaz, Darius Khondji, Walter Salles, Anna Terrazas and Johnnie To. Through one-on-one mentorship and insightful discussions, these industry luminaries will guide participants in refining their artistic approach and enhancing their filmmaking skills. Lav Diaz, a pioneer of slow cinema, is known for his contemplative storytelling and monochrome aesthetic, exploring themes of human endurance and socio-political struggles. Cinematographer Darius Khondji has earned acclaim for his mastery of light and composition, crafting visually striking narratives in films such as Amour and The Immigrant. Walter Salles, celebrated for The Motorcycle Diaries and I'm Still Here, brings his profound storytelling style, often centered on themes of memory, displacement and identity. Costume designer Anna Terrazas, known for her work in Roma and Spectre, seamlessly integrates cultural authenticity with artistic creativity. Johnnie To, an acclaimed genre-bending filmmaker behind Election and Exiled, is recognised for his gripping narratives exploring themes of fate, loyalty and morality. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: 'We are truly honoured to welcome some of the world's most celebrated creatives Lav Diaz, Darius Khondji, Walter Salles, Anna Terrazas and Johnnie To as Qumra Masters, joining the legacy of iconic storytellers who have supported us on our mission to empower important voices in film. Their artistry, innovation, and commitment to storytelling have left an indelible mark on world cinema. By sharing their knowledge and experience with our Qumra participants, they will inspire a new generation to refine their craft, and tell bold enduring stories that will shape the future of cinema.' Elia Suleiman, Artistic Advisor at Doha Film Institute, added: 'Cinema is not just the stories we tell, but the silences in between—the spaces where meaning lingers. At Qumra, these silences resonate loudly, where emerging voices are amplified by the wisdom of the Qumra Masters. It is a place of transformation, where the future of film is not dictated, but discovered.' Now in its 11th year, Qumra continues to solidify its role as a vital hub for independent filmmakers, offering an array of masterclasses, industry meetings and mentorship sessions. The event also features public Qumra Master Classes, providing access to expert insights and Qumra Screenings, showcasing regional and international films supported by the Doha Film Institute. Further details about the programme and guest participants will be revealed soon.
