Director Producer Ann Stucchi
Thank you for taking my interview. Ann Stucchi please provide your bio: Graduated in one of the top schools in Lima, Peru (SSCC Belen), I went further with my education and followed my dream to be part of the film and entertainment industry. I studied for a brief time in EPIC (top film school in Lima), with career director Francisco J Lombardi ("La Ciudad y Los Perros", "En La Boca Del Lobo", "Bajo La Piel") and teachers Daniel Vega ("El Mudo", "La Bronca", "Octubre") and Enrique Moncloa ("Pantaleón y las Visitadoras", "Dragones"); then I moved to Florida to study Digital Cinematography at Full Sail University. I've had the pleasure to work with industry's most respected professionals (like Jimena Lindo, Katherine Villar, Job Mansilla) and, in 2020, I was given the honor of being part of FilmarketHub's best scripts of the year magazine (with my first feature length screenplay "Kira"). Since then, I started my own independent production company Tomorrow Films Entertainment, with big hopes of continuing to produce independent content (such as plays, tv series and podcast) along side fellows filmmakers that are passionate about our work.
1. Can you provide some insights into your current production project?
Right now, I’m focused on giving my short film “UNLOV3RS” proper attention in the festival circuit. I just concluded a short season of theater in my home country (Peru), so I’m also focusing on pursuing this next theater project.
2. Could you share a story everyone should know about you getting into producing, acting, and writing?
I’ve always loved movies. My first conscious memory was watching “Hook” and trying to fly as Peter Pan. When it came to the moment, I realized I wanted to be a writer/director, I wouldn’t know what to say. For me, that was always the plan. Me making films. Ever since I was little, I would write short stories or draw some characters and invent some backstory to them. It’s always being about being a storyteller.
3. Could you talk about any ongoing project or a movie?
Since 2021, I’ve been writing my second feature script. A film noir that focuses on what being a trans woman in Latin America is like. I’m trying to get that film financed, as well as other smaller projects that can help build the career I want.
4. What sparked your interest in filmmaking, and how has your journey unfolded so far?
What I think ultimately sparked my interest in filmmaking was good movies. I grew up watching all kinds of stories that I think led me to this path I’m in right now. About my journey so far, this is only the beginning, but so far so good.
5. Could you walk us through your creative process, from conceptualization to production, and how it has evolved over the years?
That is a good question. I think it all depends on how the story is conceived. Sometimes I start with a premise I like, sometimes it’s a genre I want to explore, and sometimes it’s a place I’d like to shoot at. Generally, what comes second is creating the characters and an arc that compels me to keep writing a story about them. The rest comes naturally afterward.
6. What challenges have you faced as a filmmaker, and how have you overcome them?
Other than financial challenges (which all filmmakers face), I would say that the biggest challenge is to overcome my personal journey as a critic. I know I’m my own fierce and harsh critic because I feel like if I can get ahead of everyone else when they judge my work, I won’t feel it as much. It’s a long process to create a safe environment for myself to create at peace and to have as much freedom as I need to write without my own thoughts getting in the way.
7. Can you share any memorable experiences or stories from your time working on your films?
I remember when I saw “Babylon” for the first time I laughed my head off while watching the scene about filming their first sound film. It was so realistic and it reminded me so much of how intense a movie set can get if everybody is in a bad mood. Hopefully, the majority of filming experiences I’ve had are the opposite of that. My sets, especially in my last short film, are full of laughter and joy, with internal jokes and special moments when everybody gets to connect to the material and their teammates.
8. Could you tell us about the inspirations or influences behind your latest project and how it reflects your artistic vision?
The references I used in my latest short film “UNLOV3RS” were very clear from the get-go. I wanted to make a simple comedy with the nuance, drama, and sexuality of an Almodóvar film, with the style of one of Soderberg's latest (“Let Them All Talk”). I always try to never repeat myself and try new styles every time, but one thing that I know is consistent and reflects my vision is the focus on character and perspective.
9. What question do you wish I had asked? What is the answer to that question?
Unironically, I would have liked to be asked what my favorite film is because I always love to talk about it. My answer would have been “When Marnie Was There” and would absolutely recommend to everyone to watch it.