10 · 06 · 09

Bill Guttentag presents documentary

Clara Sánchez

Prior to the screening of the film that had its international premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2009, the director said in an interview that the documentary "talks about the music and the U.S. civil rights movement. Music played a very important role because it inspired people."

The director said that they recorded all the songs from that time and re-interpreted them for Soundtrack for a Revolution.

Guttentag said that he likes making films about ordinary people who work hard for social change and in the process become leaders. "When I am able to combine these two characters, the story becomes stronger, more interesting and attractive."

The director exhibited his film Nanking at FICM 2008. The film, which received awards at Sundance and other festivals, talks about the abuses and torture of more than 300,000 Chinese, including their king, by the Japanese during World War II.

As a jury member, he said he had not yet finished seeing all the documentaries, but that he found the works that focused on contemporary issues - social problems and the present situation in the country - to be very interesting.
 
Regarding FICM, Guttentag said, "The festival is marvelous, just like its people. They are always concerned about having good films that are serious and interesting. The public really wants to see good cinema."

Translated by Cindy Hawes.