"WE LIKE TO MAKE NON JUDGEMENTAL FILMS" Roel and Berend Boorsma, Dublin, 24/2/2013

A report of the Q and A session with Roel and Berend Boorsma after the screening of their film 'Milo' at Cineworld for the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, 23/2/2012

 

The screening of Milo at this year's Jamesons Dublin International Film Festival felt a lot like a meeting among old friends. Half of the room was filled with people who were, in one way or another involved in the making of the film. Among the only ones who seemed to be missing was the real star of the film, Lorcan Bonner, due to the sponsoring of the film festival, which deems it an over 18s event. It was a pity, particularly because his fragile performance as the titular character is among the best things in the film.

 

Milo is the tale of a boy with a mysterious skin condition which prevents him to live a normal life. One day, he decides runs away from home to join his class on a camping trip against his oppressive father's wishes. "When we first heard of this story, were totally drawn to it," says Roel Boorsma, the young Dutch filmmaker who directed Milo along with his brother Berend. "For me, this was a story about a boy who was lied to, and sets off on a journey of self discovery, having an impact on the lives of whoever he meets."

 

Martina Niland from Samson Films still recalls the brothers' pitch. "While they pitched, one was shaving the other. This made me think that working with them would have been a lot of fun."

 

The story was originally to be set in the Netherlands, but Roel and Berend didn't seem to mind. "Ireland looks kind of hairy to me" says Berend. The story is universal," continues Niland. "The script work came close to taking two years. It was the lengthiest part of the project. We needed it to feel Irish. I approached the Irish Film Board with the idea and we became the minor financing partners, but the whole film was shot and cast here in Ireland. There was no big budget but Berend and Roel managed to make it look beautiful".

 

Considering the small budget, and the fact that this film is the first feature length film by the young Dutch filmmakers, the photography is quite impressive. The theme of photography is also a key element in the story. Little Milo always has a polaroid camera around his neck. "Usually, everything is perfect in pictures," says Berand. "It's a different and unique look at reality. But taking photographs is also his way to get closer to his peers, as he is always forced to look at them from a distance."

 

"It was a storyline we wanted to convey," says Roel. "It's just as much a film for young people as it is for adults. We were very open and did not want to be restricted by boundaries. Also, we didn't want to be judgemental. We like making non judgemental films."

 

As supporting characters, the film is enrichened by Jer O'Leary and Charlotte Bradley as the Irish pesion age version of Bonnie and Clyde, Star and Mickie, who 'accidentally' end up being the kid's kidnappers, but eventually grow fond of him. Charlotte was in attendance. "Playing Star was very different. She is very down to earth, optimistic and strong. Her acceptance of this kid and his condition is so pure and her response to knocking him down is completely obnoxious to her."

 

Milo, has enjoyed relative success, picking up a special award at the Giffoni Film Festival, the world's biggest children's film festival which takes place every year in Italy. It was well received this Saturday in Dublin too. It's an intense but imperfect film which manages to mix a certain darkness with moments of pure sweetness. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this film, and whether or not it will attract or alienate the Irish audience.

 

- Matt Micucci

 

click here for a long review of  Milo (2012)