Short Takes: GIRL WITH A WALKMAN
Filmmaker Highlight: Melina Leon of GIRL WITH A WALKMAN
CineVue had a quick chat with Melina Leon, a filmmaker pursuing a degree in film from Columbia University. Her short GIRL WITH A WALKMAN is a poignant consideration of self-worth and renewal.
CINEVUE: What is your occupation if not a full-time filmmaker, and where you are based?
ML: I am a full-time film student based in NY.
CINEVUE: What attracted you to filmmaking? What do you feel is so special about it?
ML: Films have the best potential to represent life: the mix of beauty and horror needs to be registered somehow before it's over.
CINEVUE: How many films have you made?
ML: I've directed 5 short films.
CINEVUE: What is your current film? Could you please describe its main theme?
ML: My short film is is titled GIRL WITH A WALKMAN ; it is a reflective musing on suicide and resurrection.
CINEVUE: Who or what are your biggest influences, creatively?
ML: Musicians like Vivaldi, poets like José Watanabe, painters like Van Gogh and filmmakers like Kitano.
CINEVUE: What was one blessing and one curse during the production of your film?
ML: Dichotomy of a great crew vs no money.
CINEVUE: What is the one Asian or Asian American film figure that has had the most substantial impact on you?
ML: Takeshi Kitano has had a tremendous impact.
CINEVUE: What are you excited about for 07 AAIFF?
ML: Meeting artists.
Catch GIRL WITH A WALKMAN in the shorts program SHE'S YOUR QUEEN on Thursday July, 26th at Asia Society.