Interview with director Urs Kälin (FAREWELL)

Urs Kälin’s comedy “FAREWELL” played to rave reviews at the May 2017 European Film Festival.

 Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Urs Kälin: I created the script to this film in a workshop. In my head were ideas about a road movie with dark humor. After I finished the script it wasn’t easy to find the right persons for directing and producing this idea. After a while I couldn’t wait longer for the right persons so I decided to produce the film by myself and tried to do what I learned on a set as an actor.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

I created the script to this film in a workshop. In my head were ideas about a road movie with dark humor. After I finished the script it wasn’t easy to find the right persons for directing and producing this idea. After a while I couldn’t wait longer for the right persons so I decided to produce the film by myself and tried to do what I learned on a set as an actor.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

I think it took almost three years from the idea in the workshop till the premiere in the cinema. It was a very long time but I learned a lot. For example, I didn’t edit any film
before. So, I had to learn to edit my film by myself and there were many try and errors.

Sometimes I’m still thinking I should have done it like this or this if I watch the film but at one point you have to finish it.

How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Dark humor

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The work next to the set especially for the pre- and post production. I had to learn all these things like find the right locations or editing and if you don’t know the editing program for example it is hard to find the right way. It was also difficult to find the right way for this project. There are so many ways to complete a film.

What were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was very nervous to see the feedback video. I couldn’t imagen how the audience will react. But if I was watching it, it made me very happy!

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK of the short film:

How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

I was thinking about a film that is like a road movie with a dark side. I had several ideas when I wrote the script. At the end, I was trying to create dark humor with a sensitive
touch.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

I think I like drama and comedy or tragicomedy.

What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

This is a difficult question. I think it has changed during my life and I listen so many different kind of music. I think it is Rock and Hard Rock and some 80’s pop.

What is next for you? A new film?

Right now, I’m on the pre production of a new short film. I try to find some sponsors for a new idea. This film would be more social critic. I would try to animate the audience to think about culture and what did it to them or not.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.