Acclaimed Danish filmmaker Nicole N. Horanyi has screened her award-winning documentary films around the world. “Motley’s Law” is her most recent collaboration with leading European film production company Made In Copenhagen and acclaimed producer Helle Faber. (Press materials)
“Motley’s Law” will premiere on the 2015 DOC NYC Film Festival on November 16.
W&H: Please give us your description of the film playing.
NH: A film about a modern woman balancing her life between a war zone and domestic bliss.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
NH: The complexity of my main character, Kimberley Motley. I find it rare to see truly complex portraits of women on film.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
NH: Filming in Afghanistan as a woman and penetrating the bureaucratic legal system for filming permits. I´m amazed we succeeded in getting the access — it took so much work and time!
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
NH: Appreciation of people like Kim, who actually makes a difference in the world. And I also feel like the film leaves the audience with a different experience of Afghanistan.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
NH: Stay humble to the craft and never forget how much it actually takes to be the main character of a documentary.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
NH: The film is funded through the Danish Film Institute, Danish Broadcasting Corporation, Tribeca Film Institute and Cinereach.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
NH: “Fish Tank” by Andrea Arnold. The film is so beautifully shot, and I love the raw energy of Katie Jarvis, who plays the main character, Mia. She is not a professional actress and she provides the film with a sense of realism. To me, the film feels so complete and superior.