Show notes
In this week’s episode, we have Swedish-born, Brooklyn-based Jean-Cosme Delaloye, who shares his early days as a reporter and his transition into documentary filmmaking, having been inspired by the 2016 film ‘Tempestad’ and most recently, Oscar-winning short doc ‘The Last Repair Shop’. He talks about how his experiences covering sad stories led him to find refuge in techno music, which inspired his latest film 'Desire: The Carl Craig Story’, which is World Premiering on June 12th with the Tribeca Film Festival, at the Indeed Theater.
Jean-Cosme breaks down his approach to storytelling, focusing on the emotional impact rather than just delivering information. He also highlights the importance of collaboration with his director of photography and editor, the role of the director in maintaining objectivity, how documentary filmmaking requires patience, generosity, and building trust with subjects, and how taking the time to listen and allowing the story to unfold naturally can lead to powerful moments.
Short Ends
- Jean-Cosme's journey as a filmmaker started from his days as a reporter, covering sad stories that inspired him to find refuge in techno music.
- His latest film 'Desire' explores the emotional impact of Detroit techno music through the story of DJ Carl Craig.
- Jean-Cosme focuses on the emotional aspects of storytelling, aiming to make the audience feel the music rather than just delivering information.
- The structure of 'Desire' follows a pre-party, party, and after-party format, reflecting the ups and downs of Carl Craig's career.
- Collaboration with a director of photography and editor is crucial in shaping the film and creating a cohesive narrative. Good editing can transform a film and give it a different meaning and pacing.
- Directors should not be too precious and should be open to feedback and guidance from editors.
- Maintaining objectivity as a director and being able to separate oneself from the film is important.
- Premiering at film festivals can be a rewarding experience and a validation of one's work.
- Distribution can be challenging for independent filmmakers, but having experienced producers can be helpful.
- Documentary filmmaking requires patience, generosity, and building trust with subjects.
- Taking the time to listen and allowing the story to unfold naturally can lead to powerful moments in filmmaking.
What Movies Are You Watching?
The Past Present Feature Film Festival returns Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Eastwood Revival in Hollywood, California.
Join us for features, shorts, and convos with filmmakers, including an in-person Q&A with Shih-Ching Tsou following a screening of her acclaimed film Left-Handed Girl.
Festival lineup, schedule, and reservations coming soon.
https://pastpresentfeature.com/film-festival/
Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.
Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week.
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