January 28, 2021

Alumni Spotlight: Miriam Guttmann

Our Interview with Miriam:

What inspired you to start using film as a medium to tell stories?

At the age of 17 I started as an autodidact photographer and made a photography series of my peers who had lost one or two parents. During these photo sessions I had very intimate conversations that no one could witness except for me. That made me realize I wanted to make documentaries so that I could not only convey the image but also the story behind the image.

What kind of stories are you drawn to, and how do you find the right team and/or subjects to help you tell them?

I’m initially drawn to stories which are daring, exciting, thrilling. Stories which seem very challenging to cover and which are multi-layered.

One of the biggest benefits of going to film school has been meeting most of my crew members and friends. Also, I was connected to new crew members through my producer, Monique Busman. I do very extensive research through several one-on-one meetings to find my subjects.

Your work often delves into very intimate and sensitive issues, do you have any tips on how to navigate difficult conversations with documentary subjects? 

Don’t be afraid for conversations to be “too intimate”. In my opinion, there’s nothing you cannot ask. Of course it’s very important to create a save environment so that a subject will tell you when one doesn’t feel comfortable answering a certain question.

Seeds of Deceit won the Award for Best Student Documentary at Palm Springs International ShortFest, as well as the Jury Award for Best Documentary (Student) at NFFTY 2019. What has your experience been like on the festival circuit, and how have audiences been responding to your film?

In my experience audiences have been very intrigued by this story. It always stirs up discussion about nature / nurture, identity, upbringing and Karbaat’s motivation. For me as a director, that has been beautiful to witness, how the short film evokes conversation.
Also on a personal level it has been amazing meeting other creatives and getting to know their voices at film festivals and becoming part of an international film community.

Can you tell us a little bit about the decision to adapt Seeds of Deceit from a short documentary into a series?

During the making of my short film I was convinced that there was a bigger story to tell. Through my extensive and elaborate research I knew there were more storylines, perspectives, plot turns and revelations to show. I can now say that I’m very happy I turned the short into a miniseries because I think it does the story better justice.

What was the process like translating the material into this new format? 

It has been an incredible and crazy ride. When I started with this subject I was 22 and unprejudiced, now I’m 26 and a Karbaat pro. This story kept on unfolding and growing. It was at the same time a grateful and challenging process to be so invested in this group. I was there main spokesperson, ‘councelor’, trustee and director at the same time. You have to imagine; frequently there were nights that I went to bed and when I would wake up there were 2 new Karbaat children added to the group.

Do you have any advice for young filmmakers who are hoping to build off an existing short film and expand it into something like a feature or series? 

If you believe your story is not told yet in your short: JUST DO IT!

How has NFFTY impacted your life or career?

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to physically be present at NFFTY back then [in 2019]. So I missed out on meeting all your wonderful people in person. However, NFFTY helped the short get into other festivals, so it helped for the rest of the festival circuit and I’ve gained a lot of confidence through the recognition NFFTY has given me.

What’s next for you, and where can people keep up with your work

I’m developing multiple documentary ideas at the moment.

It would be great if you could follow me on Instagram: @miriam.guttmann
And have a look at my website! www.miriamguttmann.com