Goa, 21 November 2023

The 54th edition of International Film Festival of India opened yesterday with the international premiere of - Catching Dust by British filmmaker Stuart Gatt.

Elaborating on the focus of the movie on human emotions, Director of the film said that universality of human emotions is wonderful that a story from Texas gets the same reception everywhere. Director Stuart Gatt along with co-producers Mark David and  Jonathan Katz were talking at the interaction arranged by PIB with delegates, media and film enthusiasts at 54 IFFI Goa today.

Catching Dust, which is a United States, UK, Spain co-production is the feature directorial debut of Stuart Gatt who has been making short films on topical social themes till now. Describing his transition from short films to feature films, Stuart said, “It takes a lot of focus and the duration is also really long. So you have to battle against fatigue”. 

When asked about choosing a dark subject for the debut film, Stuart remarked that he tends to explore the darker aspects of human psychology. He said “American films focus more on positive emotions but as humans we struggle and go through different emotions. Maybe my childhood also played a part in picking the subject”. 

Talking about the genesis of the movie, Stuart described his vision, his daydreams and how some ideas got stuck with him and then how he explored those ideas.

Mark David, one of the producers, added that he loved the characters, how they evolved in the story and also had a good working relationship with Stuart from his previous short film. Jonathan Katz, another co-producer added “When I read the script, I loved the character and the dialogues, you could see the film coming together”.

Mark, on being asked about the challenges shooting the film in Canary Islands, mentioned about the windy, dusty conditions and also the challenges shooting in 35mm film. They had to courier it to London to process and watch the shots which itself was a logistical challenge. However Stuart added that it brought a sense of discipline while shooting. He said “the sound of the magazine of a 35mm movie camera creates a sense of urgency and timeliness, while shooting in digital creates a relaxed attitude”.

On his emotions after being selected for the opening film, Stuart described it as the proudest moment of his life. He elaborated on his roots, his mother from India, father, an Italian migrant, had a tough life in the United Kingdom. He was a part of a large UK Asian diaspora and a by-product of colonialism. He added “Art is a key part of our normal discourse. I identify myself as an immigrant and I feel more comfortable with my Asian community.” He also expressed his interest in doing an Indian film, when quipped about his Indian roots.

Link of the press conference 

Synopsis of the movie

The 96 minutes long film is a desert Drama set in the isolation of Texas’ Big Bend, a lone trailer on an abandoned commune has become the reluctant hideout for Geena and her criminal husband, Clyde. Exhausted by his controlling ways, Geena decides to leave, when a trailer suddenly arrives carrying a couple from New York. Ignoring the risks their presence will bring, Geena convinces Clyde to let them stay, a decision that will have dangerous consequences for them all.

Cast & Crew

Director & Screenplay: Stuart Gatt

Producers: Mark David, Jon Katz, Edward R. Pressman, Stuart Gatt

DoP: Aurelien Marra

Editor: Nicholas Gaster

Cast: Erin Moriarty, Jai Courtney, Dinah Shihapi, Ryan Corr

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PIB Team IFFI | Nadeem/Abhijit/Darshana | IFFI 54 - 019

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