Day 5 - Slano Film Days 2025
Conversations about film and life with Daniel Brühl marked the final day of Slano Film Days 2025, along with a screening of DO THE RIGHT THING by Spike Lee.
The Film Talk with actor Daniel Brühl was moderated by director Ruben Östlund. They spoke about their collaboration on a new film and the friendship that began when they met at a party. “The atmosphere was immediately relaxed. We had honest conversations about life and film. I think that was actually the audition” Brühl admitted with a laugh. “You got the role that night”, Östlund added.
Brühl reflected on his early days, from recording radio plays in his bedroom, through student films and school theatre, to playing a schizophrenic patient in the German film DAS WEISSE RAUSCHEN (engl. THE WHITE SOUND). He highlighted the personal and professional influence of director Wolfgang Becker. After the previous night’s screening of GOOD BYE, LENIN!, Brühl said sincerely, “I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you today if it weren’t for Wolfgang Becker.”
The conversation then shifted to his own directing work, as well as his experiences with other directors. Brühl emphasized his collaboration with Quentin Tarantino on INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, but also praised Östlund’s deeply impressive approach: “Ruben strives for hyperrealism - he wants to create something more real than reality itself” the actor concluded.
At the final Film Talk of this year’s edition, Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen gave a lecture titled A Director’s Fear of a New Project. In an honest and reflective conversation, Kuosmanen spoke openly about his own creative crises, turning points, and personal struggles that accompany the artistic process. He recalled his beginnings, growing up in the small town of Kokkola, the influence of the Dardenne brothers and Robert Bresson, and his theatre days that preceded his entry into the world of film.
“When I got into the academy, I realized that film was really my medium, not theatre“ he said. He placed special emphasis on his film THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MÄKI, which he described as a personal allegory. “Both Olli and I had our big chance, and it comforted me when he said that his greatest failure was also the happiest day of his life“ shared Kuosmanen.
Speaking about the directing process, he openly addressed something that is rarely talked about: “At film school, we learn all the technical stuff, but no one teaches us how to deal with insecurity, fear, the blank page, and our own doubts. Still, it seems to me there is a way to endure them, and maybe even embrace them.“ In conclusion, he emphasized how much a space like Slano Film Days means to him: “We talk so much about success, yet so rarely about the struggle that comes before it. What I like about Slano is that here we can share both, and that we’re not alone in it.“
In the afternoon, one-on-one meetings were held between the Slano Film Days program participants and guest speakers.
On the fifth and final day of the second edition of Slano Film Days 2025, the iconic film DO THE RIGHT THING by director Spike Lee was screened on the big screen at the packed open-air cinema Villa Riva, and it was introduced by cinematographer Michael Seresin.
“This is the best festival in the world, and I have been to many festivals“ Seresin began his introduction. “It's the second time I've been here, and I hope I come the next 25 times!“ he added and concluded “The film you've seen tonight is very entertaining. It's a perfect Saturday night of the movies. Enjoy the movie, and thank you very much, everybody.“
All information about the Slano Film Days program and accompanying events is also available via social media.