Meet Stéphane, a logistics technician at the DPSI and a film buff. He tells us about his fascination with the 7th art and his beginnings as a film director.
Tell us about yourself. What department do you work in?
My name is Stéphane Castorix. I'm a logistics technician with the DPSI (Direction du Patrimoine et des Services Intérieurs). My main job is to manage all the maintenance staff, i.e. the surface technicians and the staff maintaining the green spaces. I also have a SSIAP diploma and work on fire safety issues. I also support my colleagues in their maintenance and asset management tasks.
How long have you had this passion for passion?
I think I always have. As far as I can remember, I've always loved stories, tales, legends and so on. I've always been drawn to the world of film, but studying it was an unfeasible project at the time, because of the high costs involved. Over the years, filmmaking, and especially filmmaking equipment, have become more accessible. One day, I was contacted by a friend who wanted to do a series. As he had previous experience as a photographer, he asked me to be the cameraman. The experience didn't prove conclusive, but given our 'strengths', we decided to get together and set up a production company with other friends to bring our projects and those of others to life.
You're passionate about cinema and you even make films. Where did this attraction for filmmaking come from?
Who doesn't love the cinema at the same time? The 7th art is fascinating, because of the escape it provides. It evokes emotions in everyone: joy, sorrow, empathy... In 1999, the film "Usual suspects" was my revelation. It was thanks to this film that I wanted to direct. I wanted to make a film on the same scale.
Can you tell us about your first project?
My first production is a short film called "Roklo'". I submitted it to the Prix de Court Festival for 2019. To my great surprise, it was selected to be nominated at the Festival from among a large number of films submitted. This festival is special because it is essentially aimed at residents of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. The story of 'Roklo' revolves around Houston, a braggart, who decides to tell his friend Harris, whom he hasn't seen for a long time, a story that happened to him a few years ago. But is it really true? What is the truth? The whole plot of the film revolves around this fantastic story.
Who are you working with?
I work with everyone, all the different professions involved in the film industry. Depending on the project, I hold different positions. For 'Tawara', I'm generally casting director, scriptwriter, actors' coach or 1st assistant director. For other projects, I'm more of a set photographer, as was the case for the film "Goût du Calou" by Marvin Ngan Yamb, or "Pimentade" by Stéphane Floricien. I was 1st assistant director on the film "Y'a Pas d'lézard" by Keaton MC.
How would you describe your style?
I don't really have one. I do a bit of everything. I write both drama and comedy. My profile is more script-oriented, so I have to be able to write all styles. I don't set myself any limits so as to be as complete as possible.
Do you take part in any competitions? Have you ever won one?
Yes, but indirectly. Via the production company Twara, I've had two films selected for the "Prix de Court Festival"; in 2018, with the short films "In Love With Ily" and "Intrusion Nocturne", which didn't win any prizes that year. But 'Y'a Pas D'Lézard' won the Audience Award. For 2019, my first film as director, 'Roklo', was selected for the same festival, but didn't win anything.
Do you have any support or sponsors to help you with your projects?
No, unfortunately not yet. To tell you the truth, I haven't yet embarked on an active search. It's all a case of 'Débrouya', as they say! My family are there to help me find some of the solutions, but for the rest, I have to look for tricks!
What qualities do you think you need to enjoy this hobby?
Perseverance and patience. You'd think that even a 10-minute short film would go quickly and smoothly, but you're never immune to technical glitches, the weather and people's moods. In this business, you depend on people, so you have to know how to manage both the technical staff and the actors. It's not always easy!
What would be your dream as a director?
It may sound ridiculous, but it would be to have a successful series on Netflix! I'd think it would be huge if, as a Guyanese, I managed to get my own series on this world-famous platform. For me, it would be a real consecration, a recognition of my work.
