Filmhuset, 2022-04-08
Dreaming big and landing on the moon
From watching five movies a day during a summer vacation, to being a film director today. Our Resident Ronson Huynh started his film career with a point and shoot camera – now he has several film projects in the pipeline and his sights set on Hollywood.
You seem to have a thousand things going on. How are you doing and what are you working on now?
– Work gives life meaning, you just have to keep going when you’re young and have the energy, haha. But it’s all good, I have a short movie to shoot this summer and another one to shoot hopefully next year. Then I have four other movies that I’m writing right now. I hope to get some of them going this year.
What inspires you and your aesthetic?
– What inspires me, I don’t know. Watching movies is my go-to source for inspiration, but otherwise it varies quite a lot around what I like. Inspiration is not something I can describe, it’s a feeling that just comes. I can be inspired by everything and everyone. Life, I would say, inspires me, without sounding corny.
How did you get started in film?
– As a child, I always watched movies with my cousin. When I was 10 years old, I watched 4-5 movies a day during a whole summer vacation. After that I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be a director, or at least make movies. I had a point and shoot camera that I shot everything with and that passion has stayed with me ever since. I’m not very good at school, that’s why I’ve put all my cards on this career, haha.
What is your next dream project?
– I don’t know, I have a lot to tell you. I need to finish my shorter projects to make room for my dream projects. But let’s say you interview me 10 years from now, when I’m 34-35 years old, the dream project is a sci-fi/fantasy movie that I’ve been working on for a few years. I’m waiting for a $300 million budget approval. In the movie, we’re on a unique planet, with unique creatures, exploring what existence and the afterlife are. What is it that gives it meaning? I can’t say more than that right now, but I think it’s going to be one of my bigger feature films that will hopefully be shown around the world.
What are you like as a director?
– I have a lot of energy and want to get a lot done. I am constantly trying to learn new things, especially designing characters and stories. I’m also very honest and straightforward and come into new projects with a lot of passion. The people I work with need to match that so that together we get the best out of each other. Then we will eventually land on the moon.
Are there any film creators you would like to recommend?
– I don’t keep track of anyone in particular in Sweden. I’ve been so into my own that I haven’t had time to keep track of what others are doing. But I would like to give a shoutout to Hawa Sanneh and Jimm Garbis. I want to thank them for believing in me and giving me a chance to tell my story. Then I have some people I want to work with: Malin Lundqvist, Robin Trolin, Amanda Muisyo, Filip Stankovic and others. But, one project at a time.
Is there anything you would like to say to people who are just starting to make movies?
– Filmmaking is a craft that needs constant honing, so don’t be in a hurry. It’s not about proving yourself to your peers or people on social media, but making movies that you like. Some topics get a lot of “likes” and it’s easy to get comfortable in that affirmation and to just make that kind of movie. But if you do, put your own twist on it.
If you could change anything about the movie industry, what would it be?
– I’ve heard horror stories, so I would say better working conditions for people, especially in drama and fiction. Take it easy on people.
Beyond that, film should be more accessible, more platforms for people to test films and also get resources. More diversity in the industry: from the people to the stories being told.
But while film is becoming more accessible, over time it will become oversaturated. We live in a time where everything has to be mass-produced. It’s a bit like art being watered down, I feel. As more and more projects are made, there will be some unique films but also a lot of the same. That’s why it’s important to maintain a certain quality. It’s hard to be sure what that standard is, but you have to be careful about what you fund, etc.