E15 • Writing Your Own Narrative • ELLIE FOUMBI , dir. of ‘Our Father the Devil’, Now on Criterion following the Venice Int. Film Festival

Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

Chapters
0:34
Past Present Feature, Hosted by Marcus Mizelle
0:52
Introducing Filmmaker Ellie Foumbi
1:34
The Pitcho Connection
6:32
The Importance of Patience When Making A Feature
9:31
Workshops & Film Labs
11:26
Discovering Cinema & Writing at an Early Age
14:22
Andrea Arnold's 'Red Road'
16:00
How to Find Your Ending as a Writer
21:39
Simplicity is a Big Thing + Working With Actors
25:49
Ellie's Approach to Dissecting A Scene
28:02
The Thriller Genre
31:50
Pushing The Genre and Keeping It Fresh
34:35
Making a Living as a Filmmaker - Don't Forget to Move & Create
38:39
The More Shortcuts You Take, the Longer It Will Take You
39:39
'Our Father The Devil' on the Criterion Channel
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
E15 • Writing Your Own Narrative • ELLIE FOUMBI , dir. of ‘Our Father the Devil’, Now on Criterion following the Venice Int. Film Festival
Aug 06, 2024 Season 1 Episode 15 Marcus Mizelle

Today I speak with my friend and exceptional filmmaker Ellie Foumbi, about her Independent Spirt Award-nominated 'Our Father The Devil,' which is now on the Criterion Channel following a premiere at last year’s Venice International Film Festival. We also discuss the influence of Andrea Arnold’s film 'Red Road' (2006) on her work.

We reminisce about our initial meeting and collaboration in 2012, mutual connections in the industry, and Ellie's process of making an effective micro-budget thriller - which involves the balance of intrigue, character development, and a clear antagonist to create tension and engage the audience. 

Ellie shares her thoughts on the future of cinema, the significance of her work being featured on Criterion, and the importance of patience and honing one's skills through short films and workshops. 


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. 

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Support the show

The Past Present Feature Film Festival - Nov. 21, 2026 in Hollywood, CA - Submit at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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