From Cannes Film Festival to film festivals worldwide Donato Rotunno, Italian/ Luxembourgish Producer and Director has been a part of it all.

The ongoing European Union Film Festival in town brought the celebrated film maker to Nepal. Karuna Neupane Subedi sits down for a chat with him on his first visit to Nepal.

ON TRAVELLING

What is your idea of travelling?

Travelling for me is a way of discovering people, talking to them, listening to their stories and I believe that’s the best way one can possibly discover new places.

How many continents have you travelled to so far?

With the exception of Australia I have travelled to all the continents.

How often do you travel?

For a movie to be seen, shared and appreciated it has to be taken to as many corners of the world as possible. In that respect, movies have taken me to different places and lately I have been travelling more than ever.

What do you like the most about travelling?

I get to meet people, build human networks and confront the audience and the reality.

ON FILMS

Tell us about your movie Baby(A)lone that was recently screened in the fifth edition of European Union Film Festival in Nepal.

This is the second feature film that I’ve directed. The story is about two youngsters abandoned by their family and lost in transition between childhood and growing up. The film was sent to the 88th Academy Awards in the ‘Best Foreign Film’ category.

Where do you get ideas for your films from?

I get ideas from life. As long as you are curious about things that are around you, you will find ideas waiting to be found.

What does film making mean to you?

For a certain time you can imagine a brand new world deliberately written by yourself. For me, it’s that little urge to tell the story that needs to be told.

Do we see you making a movie in Nepal anytime soon?

Well, if I discover Nepal better I probably will.

ON NEPAL

What comes to your mind when you think of Nepal?

Nepal paints an exotic picture in my mind. The images of mountains, green meadows and lush valleys delight my senses every time I think of Nepal.

Your first impression of Kathmandu…

Of course, it is bigger than I thought it was. The bright colours of the building that are still up after the earthquake is quite similar to the buildings in Luxembourg.

What are your travel plans while you are here?

Well, I have some really good friends in town and with their help I will discover Kathmandu and the outskirts. They have made my itinerary starting with a visit to Bhaktapur. I am looking forward to visiting all the interesting places I’ve heard so much about.

Your work brought you here this time. Was Nepal in your travel plans otherwise?

A visit to Nepal is almost on everybody’s bucket list. It was on mine too. I would’ve come to Nepal any way. Luckily, my work brought me here and I couldn’t have been happier.