QUESTION#1: What excited you the most when making this film?: What excited me the most about this film was that it was my very first short film, and so many things happened during that time. I had the incredible opportunity to work with Bernard Farcy and Agathe Natanson, two well-known actors in France, whom I had admired since I was a child watching them on TV. It was a true dream to make my first film with them.

Moreover, my team was made up of my group of university friends, which created a very warm and almost family-like atmosphere. This made the experience deeply joyful and fulfilling, as I was surrounded by loyal and trustworthy people. I had the chance to do what I love most with the people I care about the most, and it remains an unforgettable memory for me.

QUESTION#2: What was the most significant film you've seen AT THE THEATER in 2024, and how did it influence your filmmaking?: I think the film that impacted me the most in 2024 is a French film called Un P'tit Truc en Plus. I really enjoyed this movie because it takes a very simple yet profoundly moving approach. I have a deep appreciation for films that manage to convey strong emotions and powerful messages with simplicity—without overdoing it, but in a way that feels just right. This film strikes a perfect balance between drama and comedy, and it highlights the disabled community with a lot of humor, self-deprecation, and remarkable accuracy. What I particularly appreciated was that it didn’t try to overly dramatize the subject of disability but treated it with respect and authenticity. Most of the actors playing disabled characters are actually disabled themselves, which adds an extra layer of sincerity and realism. I really admired the subtlety and truthfulness in how the film handled its subject. It’s also what I strive to achieve in L’Hypermnésique, the short film I directed: to convey powerful emotions with simplicity and authenticity.

QUESTION#3: What's an obvious and not-so-obvious question someone might ask about your film?: The question I’ve probably been asked the most is about the title: L’Hypermnésique. Whether in France or in English-speaking countries, it’s an uncommon word that people rarely use. They often ask me why I chose this title for the film. They find it difficult to pronounce, and many don’t really know what it means. So, it’s the question I’ve been asked the most, and I’m sure I’ll continue to be asked.

But I actually like it because it sparks curiosity. It sets the film apart from others, and I appreciate how a title like this can intrigue people and give it a unique identity.

There aren’t really any less obvious questions, to be honest. I’ve been asked all kinds of questions, and I’m prepared for anything. Maybe people ask fewer questions about the budget because it’s not a film where we went overboard—it’s more of a closed set. So, I’d say that one: people don’t really seem interested in the cost of the film. But honestly, I don’t think there are any questions that are truly less obvious.

QUESTION#4: A magic movie genie is giving you an unlimited budget for your next production! However, you're only allowed to use it on either "above line" or "below line" resouces. Which do you choose and why?: It’s not an easy question because ideally, you’d need both for a film to feel complete and truly successful. But I think I would choose above the line because, for me, the preparation of the film—everything that comes before—is more important. If the foundation is solid, everything else will follow. It’s crucial to carefully prepare and think everything through beforehand. For example, having a great story, well-told by the right director, with the right actors, is essential.

To me, the actors, the story, and the vision—the way the story is told under the guidance of the director—are the most important elements. Actors, in particular, are what people notice the most. They’re on the poster, they’re what brings life to the film. So, while everything else is, of course, important, I would still go with above the line because the actors and the story are the heart of the film.

Having everything well-prepared and set up at the start ensures that the rest can follow smoothly. But if the beginning is poorly handled, it’s always difficult to keep the film afloat and deliver something deep and meaningful.

QUESTION#5: What is it about your current movie that will influence your next film?: In making this first film, I believe I discovered a way of doing things that I really enjoy—a way of approaching stories and characters that I’d like to replicate in my future films. First of all, it’s about being able to convey emotions in a simple way. I love the idea of telling meaningful, deep stories in a way that feels just right. And for that, simplicity is key. I think that in everyday life, the most beautiful things are often the simplest, and we need to relearn how to appreciate them.

Even in difficult times, I believe it’s during those challenges that we notice the small, beautiful details and find joy in them. I like the idea of starting with difficulty—being lost, making mistakes, or experiencing something deeply human. I enjoy creating characters who begin with flaws or misconceptions and end up learning something by the end of the film.

I’m also very drawn to exploring human relationships. I love delving into psychology—how people function, how they can lose themselves, either within themselves or with others, how they struggle with affection or dependence, and how they can grow. It’s almost like personal development. I see films as a kind of therapy, a way to encourage growth and reflection for audiences.

Ultimately, I’d like to keep doing this—to make people laugh, give them positive emotions, and always end on a hopeful note. It’s about trying to give moments of happiness and helping people in their daily lives in a simple, meaningful way.

Social media tags to share with our readers: @lhypermnesique_film

5Q's w/: Julien Mouquet "L'Hypermnésique" Writer, Director