Lunch with Route-3

Interview with Thanasis Neofotistos, director of Route-3

So, what is Route-3? Is it an actual bus route in Sarajevo? Why did you choose this one?
Yes. Route-3 is the main historic route of the tram in Sarajevo. The tram was a gift from Vienna after the war and Route-3, where the film is shot, is the only route that goes through the centre of the city. It’s also the route that my protagonist, Amar, takes every day. It is the most ordinary route.

Is Amar’s character based on anyone you know?
Amar as a character was written by Marina Symeou (my protagonist of Patision Avenue – Clermont-Ferrand 2019). Amar is me; a guy who, due to society boundaries, lacks the courage to express himself in a public place.

What was it like filming on a tram?
It was the most interesting experience for me. First of all, I’m Greek, I don’t speak Bosnian and most people in the crew didn’t speak English (the film was shot in Sarajevo)! Secondly, the small space of the tram was weirdly transformed into a cinematic space and it was like living in my film while filming it.

What do you hope to explore in the near future as a filmmaker?
My next goal is a feature film named Peter and the Wolf. As a filmmaker, I want to experiment through my direction style and try to develop the art that I love. And as a storyteller, I love to talk about family and diversity in societies.

Would you say that the short film format has given you any particular freedom?
Absolutely! Short films are the best format to experiment. You don’t have much to lose (money) and you can be as free and sincere as you like! I do that.

Route-3 is part of International Competition I3.