10/08/2024

The DokuTalks session on Friday covered successful director and editor duo’s, ‘a match made in heaven.’ When a director and editor are working together in tandem and harmony, magic happens.

Our panelists were Kumjana Novakova & Jelena Maksimović (director-editor duo of Silence of Reason), Ilir Hasanaj & Enis Saraçi (director-editor duo of Workers Wings). The discussion was moderated by Dea Gjinovci our DokuTalks co-curator, who once again led this informative talk. 

Many people think that the director is sole captain of the ship, but according our two directors, Kumjana and Ilir, the key to a film’s success and impact is largely the result of good editing decisions, which the director and editor should be making together. 

Both directors admitted that it is wise to listen to their editor’s thoughts on a scene, pacing, what should remain in or out, basically all components of a film. 

This director/editor relationship is much like a marriage, where each should hear each other, value the views of the other, and work together for the best movie they can make.

Ilir stated “editing can make you feel like you are being judged, it can be painful. Enis makes me feel like a good director however, and that it’s a collaboration. As a director, I like to learn. It hurts, but it’s good to have honest criticism from Enis. We wouldn’t clash if we didn’t care about the film.” He also said “Enis destroys me with reality sometimes! but a friend will tell you the truth.”

Kumjana said “you must feel comfortable with your editor, because the vision can sometimes get lost for the film, so you need to discuss with each other how to guide it back. It’s okay to fail however, and good to accept it and learn from it, it’s good for you. It’s key to have collaborators who also are devoted to a good film. It takes a lot of work and difficult conversations – we have to find the film together.”

Both our editors, Jelena and Enis, said they enjoy working with Kumjana and Ilir, and both teams have formed solid bonds in their work, but also have become close friends as well.

“A good director like Kumjana will create a feeling of trust, of safety, so that I can share my views. That’s good for life too. It’s very important” said Jelena. She said that Kumjana showed her a powerful photo one day, told her to look at it. Then said “You see? We should have a film.” And so began their teamwork on “Silence of Reason.”

Jelena had good advice for editors: “you should let the rushes lead you. Respect the material, let it speak to you. Let yourself ‘float’, and it will take you to where the story is.”

Enis added “For me it’s key to know what the director and actors are shooting for, so I can know the story. However, I am free to add my thoughts. We can each see the finished product differently, and that is ok too.” Ilir said of Enis “He is persistent, very logical. Not selfish. And very often he is right!” which caused the audience to laugh.

We could see that these two teams of directors and editors had respect for each other’s talents, but more than these they had become close friends. It was good to see these friendships, and hear these friends speak openly about each other. It is amazing what people can accomplish when they respect and listen to each other.

By: Scott Hoy

Photo: Matt Ellis