Night cap with État d’alerte sa mère (State of Emergency Motherfucker)

Interview with Sébastien Petretti, director of État d’alerte sa mère (State of Emergency Motherfucker)

 Where did you get the idea to make a comedy about police checking people’s papers?
Ever since I was a kid, I have always been shocked, angry, and disgusted by discrimination. That feeling increased with the terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels. That’s how it all started.

 How did you choose the song by Killasoundyard ?
One of life’s coincidences! A friend, who is a member of the group, played me their song State of Emergency just before our shoot. I didn’t know he was working on that theme, and he didn’t know that I was prepping a film on the same subject. I had them read the script, and the group liked it. This song brings a real identity to the film.

 Would you like to develop this subject as a feature?
The film is effective because of its short form. I don’t want to rehash the idea. I am very sensitive to the subject matter, just not in that form.

 Are you sensitive to injustices in general?
Of course. Our society is fabulous and disgusting all at once. When you read the press, some days you wonder if you’re living in the Middle Ages, and other days, it feels like there is some hope. Lots of work needs to be done in Belgium, France, and elsewhere. People could hopefully understand one day that diversity is an advantage. Europe has a new face, and it is high time to welcome this change with enthusiasm.

 How did you write the dialogue, and why did you want the punchline to come at the end of the police check?
The idea was to keep the viewer in a state of anticipation. The punchline punctuates the film and connects the characters’ dialogue with what they are going through. The two stories have a real link, which allows me to completely conclude both stories.

 How long did it take from having the idea to writing it, shooting it and the end of editing?
It went fast. At most, 6 months.

 What sort of freedom would you say the short format allows? 
Being able to self-finance a film (with the help of independent producers) without having to compromise at all.

 If you’ve already been to Clermont-Ferrand, could you share with us an anecdote or story from the festival? If not, what are your expectations for this year?
It will be my first time. I hope to have fun and that the film generates some buzz!

État d’alerte sa mère (State of Emergency Motherfucker) is being shown in International Competition I4.