11 · 01 · 21

“I Wanted to Make a Movie for My Daughter”: Jason Reitman on Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Andrea Mora

As part of the closing activities of the 19th Morelia International Festival (FICM), the press conference for the film Ghostbusters: Afterlife, by director Jason Reitman, took place.

Present at the press conference were Daniela Michel, founder and general director of FICM; Philip Alexander and Jason Reitman. Daniela Michel explained that Ghostbusters: Afterlife was chosen to close the festival because the film "is a beautiful cinematic experience." In her words, "it is a tender, sweet film that represents the values that FICM supports. It is a film that we needed," she concluded.

Before different media outlets, Reitman said he felt grateful and happy to be in Morelia, a very lively city in his eyes. He added he was happy that the first screening for it was in Morelia, especially on these special dates. He also emphasized that Mexico is the first Latin American country where his film will be presented.

"I wanted to make a movie for my daughter," confessed the director. Reitman pointed out that behind his wishes is love for his daughter, for his father, and for his family. His father, Ivan Reitman, directed the first Ghostbusters movie in 1984, so directing a remake after more than 30 years represented a great challenge and a great responsibility. Ghostbusters: Afterlife was challenging, not only in terms of directing but also because, although his father's legacy is an inspiration to him, he also wanted to establish himself as an independent and authentic director.

Reitman thanked his dad for encouraging him to follow his heart and motivating him to be a director. Making the film allowed her to work alongside an expert, his father. The director was amazed at how he made the same decisions during filming that his father made 30 years ago, and having his father on set allowed him to recreate many original parts of the old version. "I understood my father much better when I finished the film," the director confessed.

Reitman accepts that "Ghostbusters: Afterlife has never belonged to me, even though I directed it. Actually the film belongs to the world," the film is part of his family as well. Additionally, he wanted to show his daughter and all the viewers that "anyone can be a ghostbuster." He hopes that this new version will become a movie for the new generations, as a large part of the cast are endearing actors.

Although the film opens at the 19th FICM on November 1, the national premiere will take place on November 18.