FIVE MINUTES WITH ANDRE LARSSON…
ATFF:
Hello, not long now till this summer’s Adventure Travel Film Festival. We are so excited to be sharing so many fantastic films this year. Lets start with a quick summary of yours, what’s it about?
ANDRE:
Our film “Alone through Iran – 1144 miles of trust” is about Swedish 45-year old Kristina who decided to run across Iran on her own in order to challenge her own prejudices against muslims. She simply felt the very human need to trust in other people and wanted to explore what a muslim country means to a lone woman running 1144 miles.
ATFF:
How did the film come about? Was it something that you’ve always been interested in?
ANDRE:
As most things these days. I got a tip from a fellow freelancer through Facebook. Called up Kristina and felt that this was a well needed story in the world today. Even more so after Trump got elected, more and more nationalist parties around Europe gain wider support etc etc. This film is as best a tool for the people who watch it to be inspired to organize themselves to change the direction many of our societies currently are heading.
ATFF:
This years films have spanned oceans mountains, glaciers… a huge range of environments. What challenges did you face in making yours?
ANDRE:
Our main challenge was to get permission to film throughout the different regions in Iran. The first couple of weeks we did not have anyone who had permission to actually film Kristina so we completely relied on Kristina’s own footage. Eventually we got the permissions and everything worked out perfectly.
ATFF:
Is there anything that you would like audiences to take away from your film?
ANDRE:
Don’t listen too much to what other people say, explore yourselves. Be critical but curious. And most of all – start trust people around you. It is only together we can change something. One person’s action will never change the world alone. Kristina may be perceived as a hero in the film but Kristina’s adventure wouldn’t mean anything unless the Iranians she met along the way took care of her the way they did. It is the many small actions by meny people that matter.
ATFF:
We have lots of people come to the festival who aspire to future film makers. Do you have any advice?
ANDRE:
Think about your purpose with what you are doing. Most adventure films I see are usually only relevant to the people who made them. Kind of a trip down memory lane of a past adventure. So think about – what is your purpose and why should other people see the film you have created? Are you doing it for yourself or for something bigger then yourself?
ATFF:
Are you coming to this years festival? How can audiences find out more and connect with you?
ANDRE:
Unfortunately no one from the film team till be able to make it. But Kristina will be there to present the film! You can email us at info@alonethroughiran.com if you want to reach the team behind the film or visit http://www.alonethroughiran.com/ if you want to know more about the film. And don’t forget to like our page on facebook to get updates where the film is screened – https://www.facebook.com/alonethroughiran/
ATFF:
Thanks, we can’t wait to share the films this year!
