Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

Marcus Mizelle
  • 4.8 (17)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Past Present Feature is a film appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director Marcus Mizelle, showcasing today’s filmmakers, their latest release, and the past cinema that inspired them. 

  1. SEP 2

    E60 • From Stroke Survivor to Digital Age Storyteller • Audun Amundsen, dir. of ‘Click the Link Below’ at Doc Edge

    Norwegian filmmaker Audun Amundsen, director of Click the Link Below, which premiered at Doc Edge in Auckland, follows online gurus like Akbar Sheikh and Tai Lopez to show how engagement algorithms reward extremes and blur value with hype.  Audun traces an unlikely path from renewable energy engineer and backpacker to documentarian, surviving a stroke at 23 before returning to Indonesia that resulted in his previous documentary Newtopia, a 15-year chronicle of a community’s shift from barter to money, with a focus on human nature over gloss.  He also cites his earlier feature Help! I’ve Gone Viral, plus inspirations like Juan Carlos Rulfo’s In the Pit and Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Audun champions smart self-distribution, keeping VOD rights and building film funnels, and urges filmmakers to research financial backers, lead with value, and market your film as thoughtfully as you shoot. What Movies Are You Watching? Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.  Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

    47 min

  2. AUG 19

    E59 • Breaking Taboos and Crafting The Anti-Heroine • Nina Knag, dir. of ‘Don’t Call Me Mama’ at Karlovy Vary, Crystal Globe Competition

    Nina Knag’s debut feature, Don’t Call Me Mama, which marks her arrival as a bold new voice in cinema, just premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Crystal Globe competition. She tackles the taboo subject of relationships between older women and younger asylum seekers through the lens of complex, unapologetic female anti-heroes. Drawing from personal insight and the influence of trailblazing female filmmakers, Knag crafts a story where the setting becomes an active force in shaping narrative and theme.  She emphasizes the importance of deep collaboration with actors, embracing improvisation and authenticity to capture the complex realities of human relationships. For Knag, filmmaking is as much about the journey as the final cut—each challenge, misstep, and success feeding into a creative process that demands vulnerability, resilience, and a refusal to compromise the heart of the story. Past films discussed include The Hunt (2012, dir. Thomas Vinterberg), After the Wedding (2006, dir. Susanne Bier), Fish Tank (2009, dir. Andrea Arnold), and the short Wasp (2003, dir. Andrea Arnold). What Movies Are You Watching? Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.  Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

    53 min

  3. AUG 5

    E58 • Inside the Mind of a Festival Gatekeeper • Thom Powers, Lead Documentary Programmer of the Toronto International Film Festival

    Thom Powers, a renowned documentary programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), former artistic director of DocNYC, and host of the “Pure Nonfiction” podcast, delves into his journey from filmmaker to influential festival curator. Thom shares behind-the-scenes details about programming films like “The Bibi Files,” directed by Alexis Bloom, and Rebecca Huntt’s “Beba,” highlighting the unique power of documentaries to engage audiences.  Thom emphasizes the importance of community within the filmmaking ecosystem, explores the nuanced selection process at major film festivals, and candidly reflects on the future challenges and opportunities facing documentary distribution today. Thom also reveals his all-time favorite documentary, the 1989 Oscar-winning “Hotel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie,” directed by Marcel Ophuls.  This conversation is a true masterclass for filmmakers eager to understand how documentaries find their audience and why curators like Powers are pivotal in shaping the documentary landscape. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and at pastpresentfeature.com What Movies Are You Watching? Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.  Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

    55 min

  4. JUL 22

    E57 • From Collab’ing With Coppola to Creating ‘The Purge‘: 30 Years in Hollywood • James DeMonaco, dir. of ‘The Home’ starring Pete Davidson, now in Theaters via Miramax

    In this conversation, filmmaker James DeMonaco discusses his journey from writing the comedy “Jack” and working with Francis Ford Coppola and Luc Besson, to creating the successful “Purge” franchise. Up next is his latest, a psychological horror film, “The Home” starring Pete Davidson, which is releasing theatrically July 25th via Roadside Attractions.  DeMonaco shares insights on genre forms in screenwriting - and a 30 year career as a Hollywood screenwriter, the challenges of production, and the importance of audience engagement. He reflects on his experiences with notable actors and directors, and the creative process behind his films, emphasizing the need for authenticity and emotional connection in storytelling.  Many past inspirations are discussed including the 1977 supernatural horror “The Sentinel” directed by Michael Winner, as well as James’ ongoing passion for Fellini films.  What Movies Are You Watching? Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.  Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

    53 min

  5. JUL 9

    E56 • The More Specific, The More Universal • Madeline Gavin, dir. of ‘Beyond Utopia’ now on Hulu following the Sundance Audience Award

    In this first episode of Season 2, documentarian Madeline Gavin joins Past Present Feature to discuss the making of "Beyond Utopia", her gripping BAFTA and Emmy-nominated film about North Korean defectors. She reflects on the emotional intensity of telling stories under high-stakes conditions and the delicate trust required between filmmaker and subject. From the invisible hand of editing to the indivisibility of sound and image, Madeline shares insights into her creative process, drawing inspiration from powerful works like "Collectiv" and exploring how specificity in storytelling can lead to universal resonance.  This marks the first episode of Season 2, where we’re mixing things up - continuing to speak with filmmakers about their latest work and past inspirations, while also expanding the conversation to include deep dives into older films and voices behind the scenes, like curators and festival programmers who play a crucial role in a film’s success. What Movies Are You Watching? Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.  Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

    1h 13m

  6. JUN 24

    E55 • How to Build a Nightmare, and the Art of Letting Go • Julia Max, dir. of ‘The Surrender’ Now on AMC+ following SXSW

    Julia Max, director of “The Surrender”, which premiered at SXSW and is now streaming on AMC+, discusses her journey as a filmmaker, with past inspiration coming from Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. Julia shares insights into the horror genre, the importance of character development, and the challenges of navigating the filmmaking process. She emphasizes the significance of a supportive team, the role of women in film, and the impact of audience reception on future projects.  Julia touches on her editing and casting process, and the importance of rehearsals, providing many valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers. What Movies Are You Watching? Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.  Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

    1h 10m

  7. JUN 3

    E54 • Genre Blending: Creating a Hilarious Horror • David Joseph Craig & Brian Crano, dirs. of ‘I Don’t Understand You’ Now in Theaters following SXSW

    Co-Directors David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano share their take on the unique blend of horror and comedy in their latest film, “I Don’t Understand You”, now in theaters following SXSW. Past films discussed include Eugene Levy’s 1992 crime-comedy “Once Upon a Crime”. They share their personal experiences working with producing partners Joel and Nash Edgerton, what it’s like to film in Rome, Italy, and the importance of collaboration with an Italian crew. The conversation also touches on nostalgia for 90s films and the evolving landscape of cinema, emphasizing the need for originality and risk-taking in storytelling.  David and Brian also discuss the dynamics of co-directing, the importance of collaboration in editing, and the need for authenticity and joy when creating films. What Movies Are You Watching? Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.  Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

    1h 1m

  8. MAY 20

    E53 • Making Films Without Fear • NATESH HEGDE, dir. of ‘Tiger’s Pond’ at Berlinale

    Indian filmmaker Natesh Hegde discusses his journey in filmmaking, from his early inspirations to the challenges and triumphs of creating his latest film, “Tiger’s Pond,” which just world-premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Past inspo includes Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami's 1990 film “Close Up”. Natesh shares insights on collaborating with family, including casting his father in the lead, the importance of sound design, and the unique experience of shooting on 16mm film.  He emphasizes the courage to create without fear of failure and offers advice to aspiring filmmakers to simply keep making films. What Movies Are You Watching? Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.  Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

    38 min
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4.8
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About

Past Present Feature is a film appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director Marcus Mizelle, showcasing today’s filmmakers, their latest release, and the past cinema that inspired them. 

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