Did you use an in-camera editing technique, without additional elements? Is it for you an experiment or a routine?
The film is really just one continuous take with no hidden cuts. It was an experiment and ended up working in the very last take of the only shoot day we had. But it is definitely also part of my filmmaking process. I like films that give the viewer time to wander and discover. The only thing we added in post production were a few clouds to add some movement to the image.

How much are you interested in immigrant work conditions and do you have further projects on this topic?
I care about making films about it, since it’s the environment I grew up in. It’s not so much a conscious decision, but these are the kinds of characters I’m fascinated by. I come from generations of blue collar workers, and have the privilege to be able to make films. So naturally my films will be inspired by them.

How important was the mountainous environment for you to set Please Make it Work? 
It was an integral part from the moment I had the initial idea. I wanted to observe the human drama when put in contrast to the magnitude of nature and time. The film was part of the Locarno Spring Academy, and I really wanted the mountain environment of the Alps to be at the core of the film.

Were you more interested in the exploration of the mother-daughter relationship or in depicting the rage coming from the addition of vexations?
Both. They are connected in my mind. As an immigrant worker you are constantly away working and have little time to be present at home. As a consequence there is a big friction between first and second generation immigrants. Being a present parent is really a luxury.

What’s your favourite short?
Since I answered this question here last year, I will go with my favorite short that I watched in the last year. It’s a short film from Kosovo called Displaced by Samir Karahoda.

What does the Festival mean to you?
Clermont-Ferrand is very special to me. I had such a great experience here last year and am honored to be back.

Please Make It Work is being shown as part of the Lab Competition L5.