Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1537755
A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 I 2 3 Membership Screenings Q&As listed in alphabetical order by Director. See more detailed descriptions, additional photos & podcasts online at www.dga.org. DGA Screenings Q&As Set against the backdrop of New York City's luxury-driven dating culture, Director Celine Song's romantic comedy, Materialists, tells the story of Lucy, a successful matchmaker who maintains that she will only date and eventually marry a wealthy man. She becomes entangled in romantic triangle with Harry, a charming billionaire, and her ex-boyfriend John, an aspiring actor working as a caterer. Song discussed the making of the film with Director Mona Fastvold and shared her thoughts on the similarities between casting and matchmaking. "So much of what we [Directors] do is matchmakery. Casting is matchmaking. I think about this in terms of how well Actors understand this particular thing. Just the line in the film where Sophie goes, 'I'm not merchandise. I'm a person.' Actors really understand that, and my Actors really understood that. That's the way the world sees you too. There's Chris Evans the merchandise and then there's Chris Evans the person. I think the gap between those things is enough to drive any person a little mad. One thing I know is true is, just like a matchmaker, I'm thinking about how Chris the person or Dakota [Johnson] the person is right for the person I'm trying to depict. So much of it is ultimately about falling in love with them." Celine Song discusses Materialists photo by Ryan Jensen Photo: Directors Celine Song and Mona Fastvold (moderator) discuss the making of Materialists following the New York DGA screening on June 14. Director Gabriel Mascaro's dystopian drama from Brazil, O Último Azul (The Blue Trail) tells the story of an elderly woman who embarks on a transformative journey through the rivers and tributaries of the Amazon after she receives an official government order to relocate to a senior housing colony. O Último Azul had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival where it won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. Via video from China where the film was playing in the Shanghai film festival, Mascaro discussed the making of the film with Special Projects Committee member Lily Mariye and revealed how he worked closely with his editors and composer to create a playful tone for the film, even in more serious moments of tension. "I wanted to feel that there is a band playing inside of the cinema. This is not a movie where the soundtrack will reinforce feelings. We made counter intuitive sounds because when the character is fired from the factory, we're not going to use the more emotional, sad song. [I said] 'Let's make the opposite. Let's make something funny and happy!' So, you never understand the sometimes counter intuitive feelings. But then when she's feeling something, the music is showing another something that's totally different from what you are watching." Special Projects Global Cinema Series screens Gabriel Mascaro's O Último Azul photos by Elisa Haber Photos: Directors Gabriel Mascaro (via video) and (inset) Lily Mariye (moderator) discuss the making of O Último Azul following the Los Angeles screening on June 17. To see these clips and more, start your exploration of the DGA Video Portal at www.video.dga.org DGA Video Portal Updates No matter where you are, you can now conveniently explore the Guild's video collection, brought together in one place in the DGA Video Portal. We have curated some of the best selections from the archives highlighting the craft of the Director. The Video Portal currently features clips and full videos from DGA events including: Director/1st AD Courtney M. Franklin on how being adaptable in both jobs was significant to maintain a successful production. Director Michael Goi on the importance of making your own opportunities and shares how he practiced doing so at a young age. Director Rachel Morrison on the qualities she looks for in a Cinematographer/ DP that make for successful collaborations. Director Glenn Weiss on the planning, preparation and secrecy that went into a special reveal at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Director Lucia Aniello on how she considers a visual language when blending comedic and dramatic tones in Hacks.