Sebastian Sommer is a filmmaker who just directed his debut feature Dragon. We spoke with the director about his film and influences.
What has your experience been like releasing this movie?
This is what I had dreamed of since I was a kid. I had always wanted to be a filmmaker. I watched films by James Cameron and Christopher Nolan when I was growing up. I was obsessed with cinema. Everything else has been practice up until this point. I found my voice as a director.
Why did you get into filmmaking?
I love the aspect of storytelling combined with using film as an art form. The fact that filmmaking is a combination of different mediums such as acting, writing, performing, etc, all wrapped into one.
What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers?
Believe in yourself first. Work on your craft, find your voice as a storyteller, and always believe in your vision.
Have you faced any challenges in your career?
I was betrayed by a sibling that cares more about social media than about family and wanted to use me for personal gain. He’ll have to explain it to his kids some day. But I’m completely past it. I realized that I could leave for a year and come back, this was always in me. I needed to surround myself with people that I could trust, people who had my best interest at heart. And I was able to come back even stronger and more authentic to myself.
Have any films influenced you?
Definitely because I’m a big movie buff. I recently watched Dirty Harry with Clint Eastwood, that’s a great film. And anything directed by Michael Mann.
What are you working on next?
I am taking a break for a while.
