A fresh perspective is always welcome in the film industry, and who better to bring that than emerging directors? It can feel at times that well-known filmmakers tend to dominate the silver screen, yet promising directors are out there and making incredible work. From experimental and genre-bending work to grounded, mindful dramas, these four directors featured on WeDirectory attempt to tell stories that resonate well with modern audiences and are well worth discovering this week.
Serhii Tykhoniuk
Featured image courtesy of Serhii Tykhoniuk.
Ukrainian filmmaker Serhii Tykhoniuk explores identity, displacement and change in much of his work. Born in Mariupol then studying at École cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL) in Switzerland, his practice encompasses many components of the filmmaking process that allows him to approach filmmaking from a range of perspectives. His emotionally charged documentary The Lights of Kyiv centres an artist who reflects on being forced to leave Ukraine, resulting in Serhii Tykhoniuk winning the Best U-20 Film Award at UFM Lucerne after premiering at Visions du Réel. Alongside this, Serhii Tykhoniuk’s other projects such as Nostos and Limbo are examples of mindful, intentional storytelling. Serhii Tykhoniuk delivers work that is highly personal, meticulously crafted and highly relevant to the current European political climate.
Valentino Sandoli
Featured image courtesy of Valentino Sandoli.
Valentino Sandoli has featured in an incredible number of global film festivals, including BFI Flare and Toronto Inside Out. Based in Madrid, Spain, and graduated in Media Studies from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Valentino Sandoli’s Paradigma helped him gain international acclaim early in his filmmaking journey. It was his thesis film and was featured in a multitude of festivals to many people’s delight. Human emotion and desire are examined with a high sensitivity in Valentino Sandoli’s work, and is evident in Cruising, a fashion film that received numerous accolades. Valentino Sandoli’s advertising avenues are highly praised, directing commercial content for brands such as Samsung and Mercedes with a highly stylish and sophisticated approach. A true significant individual in the directing sphere, Valentino Sandoli’s work in visual media has allowed him to become a highly respected figure who crafts with a unique touch. Many are anticipating what he will release next!
Jesse Plum
Featured image courtesy of Jesse Plum.
Based in Amsterdam, Jesse Plum is a director, photographer and cinematographer that makes sleek and impactful projects. He has built a name for himself in both domestic and international film industries, known well for his directing work in films, commercials and music videos. Additionally, he is a co-founder of ‘in Orbit’, a creative studio that focuses on brand campaigns and filmmaking. Jesse Plum’s clientele is impressive, to say the least. Adidas, Cortazu and The Athlete’s Foot have worked with him for commercials, and his portfolio highlights his capability to create emotive documentaries and short films. His approach is both cinematic and emotional, with a desire to focus on architecture and the natural world.
Mikki Sindhunata
Featured image courtesy of Mikki Sindhunata.
Mikki Sindhunata’s work possesses a wonderfully unique soul and a dynamic approach to filmmaking. Based in the Netherlands, Mikki Sindhunata’s professional background in dance helps drive the director’s powerful dramatic narratives. Movement is at the core of Mikki Sindhunata’s work, from small gestures to full-scale choreography, and contributes massively to each narrative journey in their work. Bridging these two disciplines has allowed Mikki Sundhunata to develop a highly individualized style that is rhythmic and masterful, with a portfolio with a range of prestigious clientele such as Ikea and Nike. Audience perception is a major focus of this director, and movement and dancing is the vehicle that conveys both strong emotion and expressions that may go amiss. Mikki Sindhunata is one to watch!
Emerging directors prove that compelling cinema can come from new industry faces. The four directors featured here are a real joy to delve into, and by following their careers now, it could be a wonderful opportunity to watch their creative journeys blossom as they steadily reach and impact wider audiences.