BEBA

Berlin 2022

With Director: Rebeca Huntt

Berlinale Interview by Emmanuel Itier

Q: Why was it so important for you to make this documentary?

Rebeca: I made this film because I wanted to connect with people on a more honest level. On a more honest but also more vulnerable level. I felt isolated like a lot of young people do when they go through that existential growth. Especially when you are in your twenties. I don’t think we live in a very kind society. The society is not kind towards vulnerability. So, this was my response and to try to connect in that way. I do feel this film is a love letter to humanity. And not in a fake positive way. This is a character who has issues and she is not perfect. But she is real and she herself.

Q: What main challenges did you face making this film?

Rebeca: To be the writer, producer, director, and subject of a film is a huge challenge in itself. It requires so many parts of my brain to be in full action mode. First and foremost, I’m a creator but when you’re making your first movie your resources are limited and you have to play every role. I really feel lucky I have been able to do that because not everybody has a chance to make a film. In the process of making this film, of peeling the layers and when I get to the raw spaces, that was the most challenging to me. Because it’s scary to show your own vulnerability.

Q: Why this movie is timely and talking to people?

Rebeca: It adds to the conversation of experience and identity politics in a certain way. And what it means to be alive and live through that growth as a human being. In that sense I think it’s timely. Lots of the things that were happening socially and politically when the film was being made have become even more complex. This film speaks to existence and life itself because of how intimate it is.  

Q: Is there a specific message, a specific impact this film can convey to the audience?

Rebeca: I wasn’t trying to have a specific message with “Beba”, because I feel that as soon as you try to share a message with somebody it doesn’t happen. I also really respect and honor when directors trust their audience. When you’re the purest and dopiest form of love, it makes you feel free, in a way. Even if people don’t really like the film or they don’t really like me; I hope this film make them feel free about themselves.

Q: What does Berlin represent to you? Any expectation?

Rebeca: Berlin is the coolest film festival in the world. It’s a dream come true. I feel so proud and excited. Berlin is also such a cool city and people are so nice. I went to an opening gallery last night and I had a blast. I’m having a divine time. I hope I can share this film with so many people possible. I hope they enjoy it.

Q: What’s coming next for you?

Rebeca: I’m in the process of writing a film to direct a feature and I’m also getting ready to be an assistant director for one of my favorite filmmakers. So I’m exciting about what is coming next.