Tea time with Ins Holz (In the Woods)

Interview with Thomas Horat and Corina Schwingruber Ilic, directors of Ins Holz (In the Woods)

 There’s something moving and celebratory about the fact that this work is still being carried out by men not machines. What did you want to share with us by portraying these workers?
Corina: The work they do for months is much harder and way more expensive than if they used helicopters and modern machines. But the regional community decided to maintain the traditional and sustainable way of foresting and transporting this wood. It became a cultural event, a way of celebrating work and tradition. For me it’s also important to show people who are passionate and proud of their job, even though it is very hard and dangerous work.
Thomas: It is always an enrichment to see people working with full passion, and showing this kind of work that you usually never see is a tribute to this not very well known profession.

 What was the choice behind including so little conversation and no voice-over? 
Corina: This movie is a homage to the workers in the forest. The silence of the forest and the sound of chainsaws are the communication between human and nature. These men are workers, not talkers. That’s what fascinated me when I watched the material.
Thomas: Little conversation leaves more space for atmosphere and imagination. Voice-over is for journalistic movies and it is only one possible way to explain a story.

 Are you both particularly interested in the documentary genre? Do you want to focus purely on this or are you also interested in tackling fiction? 
Corina: Until now I have only worked in the field of observational documentaries and essays. I like the unpredictability of making documentaries. You never know what is going to happen next…  I like to get surprised during filming and bring it all together in the editing room. This is why making a fiction film never really interested me – but who knows…
Thomas: The interest in real life is larger than in fiction; there are so many interesting stories to pick up wherever you go. A short fiction film could be interesting to work on one day, atmospheric with little conversation and probably no voice-over!

 There are some beautiful shots of the landscape. Can you tell us about the shooting process? 
Corina: I wasn’t there at the shooting. I first saw the material in the editing room and I loved the camera work of Luzius Wespe. He captured great moments, although the shooting location was very difficult and cold.
Thomas: Cutting the trees and building the raft happened a year ago in January and February. We were there about once a week for filming, it was not only cold but also incredibly steep! Fortunately the workers were very patient when we needed some extra time to prepare camera positions.

 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? 
Corina: I was there last year with the short documentary Just Another Day in Egypt, codirected by Nikola Ilić. As we expressed light criticism of the new regime in Egypt in the film, it didn’t take long for us to be attacked by an Egyptian government supporter. He didn’t agree with what we stated in the film and kept on saying that there’s a positive change going on – a change towards democracy – but we westerns wouldn’t understand. In my opinion, if there is no freedom of speech there is no progress towards democracy.
Thomas: I have never been to this festival and I hope that we will have a good time, that our short film will have a great start and that we will meet some new friends to share good times.

 Are any other releases scheduled?
Not yet, but we have received some enquiries… The future of Dans le Bois is pretty much open.

 Are you taking part in other events during the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival? (Espressos, Conferences, other?) 
Corina will be present at the Swiss Films cocktail party on Sunday, 5 February, 6-8 pm, Hotel Oceania. Thomas and Luzius (camera) will arrive on February 8th. Still waiting for the timetable of the Espresso talk. Other events are still in planning.
Everybody is welcome at the short film market at the Swiss Films desk – meetings can be arranged and held there.

Ins Holz is being shown in International Competition I4.