Interview of Barbara Holstein
Cult Critic : What was the motivation that led you to create ‘Delight’?
Barbara : Delight happened during the pandemic. I wanted to create a dream scene in an adult film about love that would speak to all who needed a lift in life of other times of beauty and fun. We were going to use the film as an important dream scene in my film 'Can Dreams Come True'. And we did. However, I quickly realized that this scene had the potential to 'Delight' all of us, even those who had nothing to do with 'Can Dreams Come True.' It was a magical beauty on its own, filled with memories of years ago and also the energy of today. The young ballet dancers brought us to a peaceful but energetic time that we all so needed and still need. So we birthed the film as a separate film from 'Do Dreams Come True'. Most of 'Delight' is still included in 'Do dreams come true. It has gone around the world and is still going around the world, winning awards and filling a void of delight for people of all ages.
Cult Critic : As you know, we always learn from somewhere. Who was your guiding angel during the early stage of your filmmaking career?
Barbara : My guiding angel during the early stage of my filmmaking career was Debbie Higgins, a woman who has made films and been a film critic for 40 years or so. She taught me the basics of making a short film and stood by my side as I learned the beginnings of directing, producing, and more. She gave me the confidence to turn my long training of being a psychologist, playwright and author into the magic of cinema. Without her my career would not have happened.
Cult Critic : As an independent filmmaker, what were some of the biggest challenges you've faced throughout your career? How did you overcome them?
Barbara : The biggest challenges I faced were learning the art of making short films. I overcame most of this challenge by being mentored as mentioned above and just getting into the heat of the moment of making the next short film. It was almost like falling in love and being scared to death at the same time. Whether the marriage (to filming) was going to last or fail, but I was definitely putting myself into harm's way. This leads into your next question. My first film, 'The Truth, a Short Film'.
Cult Critic : I would really love to learn about that one moment when you completed your first film?
Barbara : Actually my first film was created as a result of the play 'The Locket' that I had written. I met a young actress so amazing that I suddenly got the courage to ask her mom if the young lady might have time to work with me on a short film based on the book I had written: The Truth, I'm a girl I'm smart and I know everything.'That short film happened without anyone trained in filmmaking. We had a photographer, myself and the girl's mom who helped us as an assistant. I wrote the script and we did 16 scenes. When we watched the scenes we were disappointed. They were flat, without life. I had hired an editor and he basically agreed. All had to be done again. His suggestion was that we let the actress do the scenes again on her own, at home, with her smartphone. He had a hunch she would bring about much more life to the film. And he was right. What happened was like a miracle. The film now had energy and depth and meaning and was a hit. That film was the beginning of Self filmmaking, a form of filmmaking that I take pride in with the help of the small group that I mentioned, that a new form of filmmaking came to life. And for me that led to how I wanted to make more coming of age films. I wanted them all to be made with the starring actress doing most of her own filming with a smartphone. I discuss much more of this on my website: The Truth, a Short Film.'
Cult Critic : How have you adapted to the changing landscape of the film industry over the years?
Barbara : As mentioned I've adapted by inventing a new form of filmmaking. Now that everyone in the world has a phone, I still see it as a great way to bring the public into filmmaking, at times just for fun and at times for serious drama and at times to record our complex world. Yes, I do want to be remembered as the first real creator of serious films using the concept of selfie filmmaking. That is where the actors record a lot of their own scenes, rather than a crew.
Cult Critic : What strategies did you adapt to connect to your audience and build your fanbase?
Barbara : I have several websites. As mentioned 'The Truth, a Short Film' and my major site is www.Enchanted Self.com. Also Selfiefilmmaking.com I am in the middle of adapting as I write. I've moved beyond Coming of age films, although proud of them being accepted and or winning a status prizes at over 200 festivals, I am already doing a different form of filmmaking. 'Can Dreams come True' was my first entry into a film about lovers with a bit of magic mixed in. Right now I am working on adapting scenes from one of my most recent books: 'The Girls Down the Hall, a book about girls in college in 1060. I see myself as moving more and more into adult film fiction based on serious topics that I wish to bring to life with the richness of insight and hope and even joy.
Cult Critic : How do you plan to adapt your own filmmaking style to the changing landscape of the industry? What are your goals for the future? How do you approach filmmaking on a limited budget?
Barbara : A limited budget is certainly getting in my way. I have created one Pitch deck so far, based on my film: 'Conflict and a Bit of Magic, a Coming of Age Selfie Film'. I need to enter the realm of getting status and monetary support for my work. I'm determined to do so.
As an independent filmmaker, on what aspect do you focus more while making your film? What I focus most on as a filmmaker is the truth and usefulness of what I am bringing to the public. My work is no joke. It is driven by wisdom I've accumulated as a psychologist and all my other traits, such as being able to write to be heard and a sense of the artistic and the joy in life.
Cult Critic : How do you handle feedback and criticism? Do you find it helpful or challenging? How do you use it to grow as a filmmaker?
Barbara : I actually have not had much criticism. On the other hand nor haven't had much fame. So maybe I can better answer that question a year from now.
Cult Critic : What advice would you give to young filmmakers who are just starting out? What lessons have you learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Barbara : As I end this interview I would just like to say to young filmmakers, if it is your passion, never give up. You may have to take work elsewhere but find a way to share your dreams. Realize that your dreams and gifts matter. Being famous is nice but not always the gift that is given. What you can be sure of is sharing your talents and sometimes that is enough. Sometimes not. You will know as you learn about yourself and your art form in filmmaking. Good luck.
