The Privilege of Chaos: What Feature Filmmakers Can Teach Us About Risk and Resilience

The Edinburgh International Film Festival’s Variety Lounge conversation with competition directors took on added significance this year. As they shared their experiences making feature films, it became clear that the process is not just about crafting a story – it’s about navigating uncertainty, embracing risk, and trusting in the creative process.

For many of these directors, this was their first attempt at feature filmmaking. Their stories highlighted the privilege of being able to take on such a daunting task. Thom Lunshof’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi “First Zone” was shot entirely on water, a decision that could have ended in disaster but instead became a defining moment for the film. Tyler-Marie Evans’ debut “Pretty Babies” had intense shoot days, but it was during these moments that she felt most alive.

The individual stories collectively painted a picture of feature filmmaking as a rite of passage – a journey into the unknown requiring courage, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. While some directors emphasized logistical challenges, others highlighted the thrill of discovery, the privilege of working with talented actors, and the joy of bringing a story to life.

The emphasis on process over product is crucial for any creative endeavor, especially in feature filmmaking. With its high stakes, long production times, and often meager budgets, making a feature film can be an all-consuming experience requiring not just technical skill but also emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges.

As these films premiere at Edinburgh and later worldwide, it’s worth remembering the stories behind them. Not just the story of the film itself, but how it came into being: countless hours of prep work, setbacks and failures, and moments of chaos that could have derailed the project.

The directors were building their own creative muscles, learning to navigate complex relationships with actors, producers, and crew members, and developing a sense of self-trust. As we watch these films on screen, it’s worth asking ourselves: what can we learn from their experiences? How can we apply the same principles of risk-taking, resilience, and creative problem-solving to our own pursuits?

The answer lies in the collective reflection of a wider pattern – creatives pushing against established industries and power structures. In an era where many are drawn into these orbit, it’s refreshing to see filmmakers taking risks, challenging assumptions, and creating something new.

Making a feature film is not just about telling a story; it’s about embracing uncertainty, trusting in the process, and celebrating the privilege of creative expression – as the competition directors at Edinburgh International Film Festival remind us.