Episode 195: 3 Tools of Filmmaking w/ Award-Winning Director D. Mitry

Step right up, folks! This week on Documentary First, we’re shaking things up and diving into the world of narrative filmmaking. Our special guest is none other than D. Mitry, a talented writer, director, and producer whose short films have won international acclaim. D. Mitry’s new film, “Hedgehog”, is taking the festival circuit by storm, and he’s here to share his top three tools for any filmmaker looking to create a powerful, impactful story.

But first, let’s talk about D. Mitry’s fascinating backstory. Born in the Soviet Union, D. Mitry didn’t launch his filmmaking dream until 2015, but since then, his work has made waves across the globe. He’s the mastermind behind “My True Fairytale”, a feature film that pays tribute to his daughter Alyssa after her tragic passing. This deeply personal project was acquired for worldwide distribution by Gravitas Ventures and had its world premiere at Cinequest in March 2021.

Now D. Mitry has a new film on the horizon: “Hedgehog”. This short film explores the conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces through the eyes of a young girl and a wounded soldier. D. Mitry discusses the challenges of telling a powerful story with minimal words and allowing images and stillness to speak for themselves. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong “movie family” of passionate collaborators who share a love for the project.

And what about those top three tools for filmmakers? D. Mitry’s first tool is “Economy of Writing,” which means using every element of your story to its fullest potential to avoid overwriting. This is especially important for indie filmmakers who must be resourceful and conscientious about their budget. His second tool describes “movie family” as a group of collaborators who share a love for the project and thus can weather any challenges that come their way. Finally, D. Mitry stresses the importance of choosing a story that speaks to one on a personal level and has the power to make an impact in the world.

So buckle up, folks, and get ready for a thrilling ride through the world of narrative filmmaking with D. Mitry on Documentary First!

Social Media Links for The Hedgehog Film

Website: https://www.thehedgehogfilm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehedgehogfilm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHedgehogFilm

** DocuView Déjà Vu:

Dmitry: “Reggie’s Forest” & “The Girl Who Wore Freedom”

Reggie’s Forest IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14014074/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Girl Who Wore Freedom: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/

Jason: The Prestige TV Podcast – Episodes discussing Season 4 of “Barry” on HBO – Discussions with the director and actor.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ggiKF2wHHPcbyRAYbJO4o?si=94f568975f2d4571

Christian: “Eyewitness: D-Day”, 2019, 44 mins

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10885884/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Quick Company Update:

On May 19, 2023, the Doc First team will be attending the 80th Anniversary Ball for the 101st Airborne Division at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN which is open to anyone in the community (Tickets for “Community Invitees” are $105). The next day, May 20th, there will be a screening of “The Girl Who Wore Freedom” at the 101st Airborne home in Fort Campbell, Kentucky (Follow our socials for more details). Christian will be attending both events and then heading to Normandy for D-Day with World War II veterans on a Delta charter flight. Thanks to a wonderful partner at the 101st ABD (Air Assault), we are collaborating with the division on Instagram, as they share our micro-docs to raise awareness and build our audience. We encourage you to follow our journey on Instagram (@documentaryfirst), Facebook (Documentary First), Twitter (@doc_first), and TikTok (@documentaryfirst).

 

00:00 – 02:52 – Introduction

02:52 – D. Mitry’s Bio

03:34 – The Hedgehog Film Synopsis

04:34 – Christian & Jason share their experience of viewing Hedgehog.

13:30 – Toolkit item number 3 – Story (Part 1)

14:25 – Toolkit item number 1 – Economic Writing

24:21 – Toolkit time number 2 – A Movie Family

34:35 – Toolkit time number 3 – Story (part 2)

36:32 – Jason asks about D. Mitry’s vision and what actually made it to the screen

39:05 – Christian shares what she thinks is D. Mitry’s best tool.

39:50 – The film festival run for The Hedgehog Film

42:21 – Praise and thanks for family, cast & crew – it takes “a movie family”

45:37 – DocuView Déjà Vu

51:32 – A quick update