Writer, director, and producer Heather Lenz has worked on film and television projects in various roles including as a researcher on programs for The History Channel and Food Network. She was also an Associate Producer for a PBS series about the environment. Her short documentary “Back to Back” was nominated for a Student Academy Award.
“Kusama — Infinity” premieres at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival on January 21.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
HL: “Kusama — Infinity” is the story of a woman breaking free of the restrictive society in which she was raised and overcoming sexism, racism, and mental illness while pursuing her dream of becoming a successful artist.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
HL: At the time I became interested in Yayoi Kusama, I felt that she had not been properly appreciated by the American art world. I was also drawn to telling Kusama’s story because she is a complex yet inspiring person, in addition to being a great artist.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
HL: I’d like people to feel inspired.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
HL: There wasn’t just one. There were too many to count. But the initial challenge when I started the film was that very few people outside of the art community knew who Kusama was and that made it particularly challenging to get funding.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
HL: The film has been funded through grants, tax-deductible donations, personal loans, credit card debt, kind souls who have worked for little or no money, and some pre-sales.
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at Sundance?
HL: Having the film play at Sundance was one of my key dreams for the film, so it means a lot.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
HL: Best advice: Follow your dreams.
Worst advice: Follow your dreams.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
HL: My advice is for all first-time indie filmmakers. Try to come up with an idea that will be logistically simple. Don’t try to tackle a project that involves international travel, multiple languages, etc. Your goal should be to get your first film done in a timely manner and keep the budget as low as possible. Save your more complicated ideas for your second or third film.
Aspiring women directors should consider joining organizations like Women in Film and Film Independent to expand their support system.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
HL: I really can’t name just one. Jessica Yu’s “In the Realms of the Unreal” is a poetically told story of artist Henry Darger that I find very moving. Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s “Blackfish” is very well done and has been incredibly impactful in terms of changing the culture at Seaworld. Marah Strauch’s “Sunshine Superman” takes you into another world and the footage is truly extraordinary. “The Kid Stays in the Picture,” co-directed by Nanette Burstein, is a creatively told comeback story that has been very inspirational to me.
W&H: Hollywood is 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 do you think of the recently announced anti-sexual harassment Commission made up of industry leaders? Do you believe that it will help make systemic change? What do you think needs to be done to address this issue?
HL: I commend all of the women who have been brave enough to speak out about the problems in Hollywood. A lot of work remains to make the work place more equitable.
