Part of a series of mini profiles on the movers and shakers that make the Berlinale one of the most important events in the international film calendar: the filmmakers, programmers, curators, industry promoters and visitors, from rookies to veterans.
Name & role: Andra Takacs, international entertainment professional & travelling (Toronto-based) film buff
This is my 1st Berlinale – and my expectation of it:
I’m very
keen on the Wim Wenders retrospective. As I am attending the festival for the “back half”, I’m glad I won't be so caught up in the opening weekend hype of a festival.
Your favourite international film festival & why?
To date, no festival has been able to top the Toronto International Film Festival for the breadth of film programming and the ability to draw the talent.
I live for the post-screening Q&A sessions and am impressed by the presence of directors & actors at the 2nd or 3rd screening of their films.
How many films do you see a year – & why?
I see about 250 films a year in theatres.
There is nothing that can match film for the ability to transform my world - to broaden my knowledge of other cultures, peoples and the human condition.
What are you passionate about when you are not watching films:
I’ve been involved as a volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters movement here in Canada for almost 30 years. Through this involvement, my husband and I created a post-secondary scholarship for Toronto youth that has been running for 20 years.
Your tip for Foreign Oscar win 2015:
That’s a tough one, as I haven’t seen all of the films on the short list. WILD TALES is a real crowd-pleaser, but IDA and LEVIATHAN are the type of serious foreign-language films that often appeal to Academy voters.
by
Jutta Brendemühl
image courtesy of Andra Takacs