Margarita Cadenas served as a co-writer and producer for French Television, and has produced numerous commercials around the world. Her filmmaking credits include “Cenizas Eternas,”(“Eternal Ashes”), the “Máscaras” (“Masks”) short film series, and shorts “Macondo” and “Beyond Appearances.”
“Women of the Venezuelan Chaos” will premiere at the 2018 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival on May 3.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
MC: The film depicts the everyday lives of five ordinary Venezuelan women. Each of them clearly lets us delve into their desperation and hardship. Five different women, five different stories, five visions of battling with dignity for their lives.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
MC: When I realized the extent of the situation in my motherland, it was impossible for me to keep my arms crossed and do nothing. As a film director, I immediately felt the urge and obligation to make a true-to-life documentary in order to cover the subject from various aspects, so as to enlighten the world to a horrendous situation kept under silence by the regime in power.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
MC: I hope people will be in awe, as the film is a real eye opener. Even though the subject is basically covered by the world media, most people do not get to see what is really happening. I hope people will see the documentary as a “cry for help” on behalf of the Venezuelan population.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
MC: As we had to work totally clandestinely, the biggest challenge was to find people prepared to tell their story, and to find a team of courageous collaborators. And finally, to get the material through strict Venezuelan customs safely to France.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
MC: In the beginning, MC2 Productions in Paris, France gave me their support. Then, we found two anonymous female investors whose funding allowed me to commence production. Afterwards, another French film company, Les Films d’ici, joined the project as co-producers.
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at Hot Docs?
MC: I am both honored and delighted as Hot Docs is such a reputed international documentary festival with large audiences and film industry professionals. Hoping to make as many global minds as possible aware of the situation in Venezuela, I am convinced that having my film play during Hot Docs will surely help me reach my goal.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
MC: The worst advice I received was not to go to Venezuela to film the documentary because of the dangers involved. So, in fact, that bad advice became good advice! It made me even more aware of the gravity of the situation. It enforced my convictions to go to Venezuela to make the film. Needless to say, we took all the necessary precautions; we even used bodyguards for our protection.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
MC: Always have the courage of your convictions. If you believe in your project, don’t stop until it’s completed.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
MC: My favorite woman-directed film is “Zero Dark Thirty,” directed by Kathryn Bigelow. I really admire her determination and courage by directing such a film from a sensitive woman’s point of view. It’s one of the most potent films ever made by a woman. Her work of art totally overwhelms the viewers.
W&H: Hollywood and the global film industry are in the midst of undergoing a major transformation. Many women — and some men — in the industry are speaking publicly about their experiences being assaulted and harassed. What are your thoughts on the #Timesup movement and the push for equality in the film business?
MC: We are now in the 21st century! Many women hold top positions in some of the most prestigious money-making, leading world companies. In my mind, there’s no reason why things shouldn’t be the same in the film industry. Talent does not have a gender. Speaking publicly about harassment and assault will hopefully lead to a decrease in these inhuman attacks. I feel that the #TimesUp movement’s push for equality is very positive, and hopefully it will place the film industry in line with other major industries.
