In Twilight: An Interview with Kirsti Lovas

Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘In Twilight’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?

As an actress I have worked on a wide range of film and TV projects and you learn so much about every aspect of filmmaking and storytelling. I have previously written and created projects but In twilight is my first film as writer, co-producer and lead actress. I started my career in London at film, stage and acting academy, ALRA and have continued to develop my craft as actor and filmmaker in all parts of the world.

Tell us about ‘In Twilight’. How do you describe it?

In twilight is a portrayal of human connection. A sweet reminder of the importance of looking after each other. A story of love, friendship, loss and connection and the need to belong in order to thrive. Characters and their connection is key, and beautiful realism was always the goal. Our film strives to touch and give room for reflection in peoples own lives. The film merges drama with magical realism to tell a subtle yet poignant story of loneliness and unexpected connection.

Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.

I find it almost impossible to pick top directors, as there is endless inspiration to be found in other people's work. Directors who tell stories that inspire, move and change us are my favourites. I am a child of the 80s-90s so I grew up watching movies with a big M. I have always loved anything that draws me into an alternative reality. Characters you believe, trust and love. To me the magic of cinema is truly cathartic. As a child, I knew all the lines from so many movies by heart and Spielberg was an early favourite. When I started my acting career, I deepdived into films by Krzysztof Kieslowski and Mike Leigh. Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet took my breath away and I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. The twist in Finchers Fight Club has inspired me in so much of my work, even in In twilight. I love adventures that draw you in, like in Guillermo del Toro's films, I admire how Tarantino shocks and entertains and forces you to reflect. Right now I am really enjoying the work of Greta Gerwig and Joachim Trier.

If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?

My next film! Relationships between the characters is always the most important in my work. A character driven drama with high stakes in spectacular surroundings, like By Director of In twilight Kirsti Lovas the Norwegian mountains. A project with time for rehearsals and reflection with the creatives in advance. Building a strong team.

Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?

Planning is key. Communication and preparation. Talks and rehearsals with actors and key crew, creating a safe and playful environment.

What was the hardest part of making ‘In Twilight’.

Always stretching the money. Not allowing budget to lower standards. With In twilight I had many creative hats on, and combining all my jobs and deliver on set as director and lead actor could be challenging on days where something unexpected arrived. Also, being lead actor and directing yourself at the same time as maintaining control as captain, was definitely a challenge at times.

If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?

A character driven chamber play with high stakes and breathtaking scenery. A story on how important it is to be true to ourselves, honest about who we are and need to become. It carries on the importance of connection and belonging from In twilight, but in a very different scenario. What if the need to belong stifles our very connection to ourselves and life? A story of the cost of letting go and the greater cost if we don`t listen to our inner voice.