Immerse Yourself in Inspiration with Spindle’s Female Filmmakers

Lisa Paclet is a French-Italian filmmaker based in Paris. She studied graphic design at the Instituto d’Arte in Florence Italy, then filmmaking and animation at Minneapolis College of Art and Design she completed an MFA in animation at Les Gobelins in Paris, France. In 2013 After working for about eight years in animation, VJing and video mapping transitioned into directing live action films and has since made commercials, fashion films, music videos, video installations, video mapping and live video performances with brands like Chanel, Dior, Cartier and Kenzo.

Aldona Kwiatkowski is a Berlin-based director. She’s always had a passion for the cultural sciences, having studied them at university and is committed to exploring different perspectives through film. She makes powerful, poetic stories that mix dynamic movement and eloquent cinematography. Aldona’s work ranges from editorial documentaries to glossy films for big brands.

Both are signed to Spindle. On International Women’s Day we got together with Lisa and Aldona to talk influences, inspiration and industry idols.

Q> Which women have influenced you both in your career and in life in general?

Lisa> The journalist Amy Goodman for her relentless work covering the politics linked to war and inequality;

The director Alice Rohrwacher for her subtle portray of humans;

The musician Laurie Anderson for her song ‘O Superman’;
The politician Ilhan Omar for speaking truth to power when questioning Elliot Abrams;

The poet Kate Tempest for her book ‘Let Them Eat Chaos’:
The experimental animator Mary Ellen Bute for her abstract visions;
And at the risk of sounding cheesy, my mom Elena Brizio for teaching me to be courageous, to find beauty and happiness everywhere.

Aldona> My girlfriends are my biggest influence and inspiration. I love to discuss ideas and opinions with them. A lot of my creativity comes through these exchanges. With them I always feel safe to share my emotions and thoughts. Also the uncomfortable ones.

Q> What is it about these women that have inspired or motivated you?

Lisa> Their vision, integrity and dedication to their work. I especially admire their technical prowess, through which they are able to escalate male-dominated industries and speak with their own unique voices.  In general I think man and woman have much more in common than we usually acknowledge: The same motivations, fears and desires move all of us regardless of sex; so our humanity and work should be the only measures through with we are judged.

Q> How can we inspire the next generation of women?

Lisa> I think we need to lead by example, trying with our work to remain true to ourselves, and unapologetic in voicing our opinions. It’s important to admit mistakes, accept failure and encourage woman to become resilient, as nothing ever advances without failure. Despite some advancements, the pressure of being “perfect” and “in control” seems to stop many women from speaking up, or taking certain career paths.

The way women have for the longest time been put in competition against one another (primarily through something as superficial and uncontrollable as our looks), has a pernicious way to echo on to our other endeavours, dividing us. I believe that we have to let go of the unrealistic expectations that a male-dominated society has so gracefully bestowed upon us  and show solidarity towards each other. We are more powerful when united.

Aldona> We can inspire the next generation of women by talking honestly about our doubts and weaknesses. We should question an imagery of perfection and constant happiness. That's for celebrity culture.

Q> Any industry folk that you’d like to highlight?

Lisa> Ohhh there are so many talented women rising through the ranks of this industry! Here’s a shout out to my amazing fiends and colleagues: Camille Semprez (Writer/Director),  Elsa Rakotoson (Producer), Masha Berland (Director), Elodie Tahtane (DOP), Tianès Montasser (Editor), Angelica Salma Lamarque (Art Director) Wassila Kailali (Post Producer) Elif Sansoï (Experimental Filmmaker). You go, go, go ladies!!!!!!

Aldona> Yes, so many, but a special shout out to Shirin Neshat, whenever I'm lucky to see her work I'm truly inspired.

To view Aldona and Lisa's work, please view their reels here: Lisa Paclet and Aldona Kwiatkowski

Still taken from ‘She’s Mercedes’ directed by Aldona Kwiatkowski