How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?

I was making short films, mini documentaries, music videos and commercials for over 14 years now. 

 

When I was a young ballet student at Rudolph Nuriev College of Ballet and Choreography, I bought a consumer mini DV camcorder during my short Ballet Tour to US in 1995. When I got back to Russia, I began making silly music videos with my ballet college friends. 

 

Just to clarify, I permanently live in USA since 1997. My current home is in Los Angeles, CA since 2014. 

 

My first real film project was “Life in a Day” short documentary competition introduced by Ridley Scott and Kevin McDonald in 2010. I made a short  documentary about my good friend Arye Shapiro, who happened to be a college physics professor and a sculptor. 

 

Why did you do this film? 

The inspiration for my latest film was a dream I had. Consequently, I used the premise of my dream as the main source for DESCENDENT. 

 

(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?

We practically had “NO BUDGET” to do this project. An official number is $25,000…  

 

Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?

DESCENDENT was funded mainly by our Executive Producer Jessica Kramer and myself. Producer Trevor Nystrom and a Co-Producer Michael Kopelow played a crucial role in making this film project. 

 

How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?

Initially, it took about 6 months to write the script and it took me about 7 years to make my current film “DESCENDENT”. 

 

Are you happy with the result?

I’m glad that I was able to complete the film for what it’s worth. I’m grateful for all the hard work of my cast and crew. I’m grateful for the attention and the opportunity given to our film at all the film festivals that we got selected for. Not sure if one can be completely be happy with their own work. 

 

What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?

Currently, I’m in the early process of film the festival circuit. 

 

How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?

So far it’s been an incredible experience getting accepted at all the amazing film festivals such as Indie Vegas Film Festival 2024, getting nominated at Art Spirit Award Film Festival 2024 for Best Indie Film of the Year and having our world premiere at IFS LA FILM FESTIVAL 2024. 

 

Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.

I’ve been a long time fan of epic adventure dramas such as David Lean’s “Lawrence of Arabia”, the psychological horror drama of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and the post-apocalyptic mystery of Andrei Tarkovsky’s “Stalker”. These masters of cinema, and many other film directors, created their own worlds and had a profound effect on my imagination. Consequently, they shaped my visual style, narrative structure and thematic exploration.

 

Your favorite movie? 

There are so many… David Leans’s 1962 “Lawrence of Arabia” I probably rewatched over 30 times at least. 

 

Favorite series?

HBO’s  TV Series “Rome” and  “TV series “Northern Exposure”, I rewatch every year. 

 

Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?

Yes, I hope to continue making movies. 

 

Do you have any other project in mind?

I would love to make a romantic drama feature about a love triangle set in early 2000’s as my next project. The script is ready. Also, would like to make an epic TV series set in early Byzantine period. The script is also ready. 

 

What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)

I’m making a tremendous effort to find my audience for my current work and my future projects. There are many stories I would like to share and have a dialogue about. 

 

Your best experience in a movie theater?

The best experience in a movie theatre was watching restored David Lean’s 1962 “Lawrence of Arabia” in IMAX 70mm and Kubrick’s 1968 “2001: A Space Odyssey” in 70mm as well. 

 

Thank you for your time and your consideration. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Artour Bajanov (DESCENDENT Director/Executive Producer).