Hailing from Pavia, near Milan in Italy, Mike possess an inherent passion for storytelling. He has an ingrained cinematic culture through the eye of the movie camera and wastes no time in delving into the essence of human nature, often raising inquiries about our existence as human beings.
In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with award-winning producer and director, Mike Montagna to talk about his latest movie production Margine filmed in Lovere, an ancient Roman settlement in Italy.
Hi Mike Montagna, welcome to Flickering Myth! What got you into producing and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Hey guys, thank you. If I was asked why the desire and the ambition of making movies and transforming cinema into my job, one of the many answers I’d give has a double value, since it’s both selfish and selfless: it’s death. There’s nothing in the world that frightens me more than the fear of dying. It isn’t the moment of death itself but the idea of ending up somewhere else, without knowing what awaits there. Looking at this selfishly, my desire is to leave a mark of my passing on this Earth, in order to keep the memory of me alive. Artists are eternal beings that keep on living through their works, beyond this they also help others coexist with their torments and fears. So, it’s selfless for me to say that as movies helped me survive, I believe that there would be no greater satisfaction than knowing that someone, watching one of my films, felt even an ounce of comfort, entertainment, passion, or shared sorrow. Cinema saved my life and I want to repay my debt.
What are some of your producing experiences?
I started to do some experimental short movies during my University period in Italy, at IULM Milan. No budget, no equipment, no experience. That period helped me to understand how important the imagination is in the process of making a movie, and how important is the immediate problem solving, the speed of thought, and the ability to deal with people.
Flash forward to my time at the New York Film Academy, I had the privilege of being exposed to a lot of movie sets, including Universal Studios Hollywood, to understand how this big machine named cinema works in the phases of the pre-production, production, and post-production of a film.
The New York Film Academy is very prestigious, how important is training to you?
Very! Never, never, never stop training. Never stop studying. Never stop learning. Engaging in training and studying activities can bring a sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Whether it’s mastering a new hobby, exploring a passion, or pursuing lifelong learning, the process of acquiring knowledge and skills enriches individuals’ lives and broadens their horizons. In today’s rapidly evolving world, continuous learning is essential for adapting to change. Training and studying enable individuals to adapt to new technologies, trends, and environments. They empower individuals to remain flexible and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Cinema itself, understanding the theoretical aspects of cinema is crucial for aspiring filmmakers and film scholars. Courses in film theory delve into topics such as narrative structure, genre conventions, symbolism, semiotics, cultural contexts, and critical approaches to analyzing films.
Studying the history of cinema provides insights into the evolution of filmmaking techniques, storytelling methods, and cultural influences over time. It’s crucial to landmark films, influential directors, major movements, and historical contexts that have shaped the development of cinema as an art form and cultural medium.
You just completed on a big project, Margine. Can you tell us about the movie?
Thank you. I am the lead producer on the project, Margine which is a tale about the friendship between two guys that transcends time. Lorenzo is a dreamer who yearns to leave his hometown to learn about the world; Riccardo is the miller’s son and wants to carry on the family tradition. Lorenzo leaves the village just after high school, promising Riccardo to return from time to time to visit him. The short describes their reunions, the narration of their experiences over the years, albeit a veil of disturbing ambiguity becomes increasingly present.
It is a film that intricately weaves a poignant narrative that delves into the complexities of friendship, identity, and the passage of time within the confines of a small village. Through the dynamic relationship between Lorenzo, the restless dreamer, and Riccardo, the steadfast miller’s son, the film explores the tension between individual aspirations and communal expectations. Episodic reunions punctuate their journey, set against the backdrop of tranquil landscapes and rustic charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia and introspection. Within this atmospheric setting, Margine embraces ambiguity and unresolved tensions, hinting at underlying mysteries and unspoken truths that underscore the intricacies of human connection. Through its evocative storytelling and thematic resonance, the film invites audiences on a reflective exploration of the transient nature of friendship, the inexorable passage of time, and the enduring power of human bonds amidst life’s uncertainties and the enigmatic currents that shape their narrative trajectory.
How did you get involved in Margine?
I became involved in the project because I was deeply moved by the narrative of Margine and its potential to resonate with audiences. The first time the amazing Italian director and video maker Michele Bucci told me about this compelling story of friendship, identity, and the passage of time, I saw an opportunity to bring this poignant tale to life on the screen. With my background in film production and a passion for storytelling, I felt uniquely equipped to take on the role of producer and shepherd the project from inception to completion. Whether through personal connections, industry networking, or a fortuitous encounter with the script, I recognized the inherent value of Margine and felt compelled to invest my time and expertise in its realization. Guided by a sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence, I have been dedicated to ensuring that Margine reaches its full potential and resonates with audiences worldwide.
As the lead producer on the project can you tell us your process?
As the producer of Margine, I have played a dynamic and pivotal role in shaping the film’s journey from inception to completion. I have been driving the project forward, securing financing, fostering creative collaboration, and overseeing logistical coordination. I have been deeply involved in every aspect of the production process. Collaborating closely with the writer-director, Michele Bucci, and key creatives, I have worked to bring the vision of Margine to life, ensuring that it resonates authentically with audiences while maintaining artistic integrity. Through strategic distribution planning and industry insights, I have strived to maximize the film’s reach and impact, ultimately contributing to its success.
It has indeed been challenging because at some point of the production, I have had to take off for the USA. Despite the geographical distance, I have continued to remotely oversee various aspects of the production, leveraging technology, and maintaining constant communication with the team to ensure that the project stays on track. Managing the responsibilities of a film producer across different countries has required careful coordination and adaptability, but it has also provided unique opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and innovation. By embracing the challenges and navigating the complexities of working internationally, I have been able to contribute to the success of Margine while broadening my own professional horizons in the process.
We are excited to see it. What’s the best way to follow you online?
Thank you! Most of my projects are on IMDb and Instagram.
Our thanks to Mike Montagna for taking the time for this interview, and to Liz Rodriguez from EMR Media for helping us with the interview.
