We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stevan Mraovitch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Stevan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
When I was a teenager, the civil war in ex-Yugoslavia profoundly affected me. This conflict tore apart a nation that I felt deeply connected to, as I had family from every region of the country. Despite not being on the front lines, the pain and suffering resonated deeply with me. To cope, I turned to writing poetry. It started as a means of amusement and a way to express the deep feelings harbored in my heart. I never anticipated my work would be read, let alone published.
Remarkably, one of the largest publishing houses in Paris published my poetry. Overnight, I became known as the youngest poet in Paris, a title that was both surprising and humbling. The release of my book and its accompanying exhibition were pivotal moments. It was then that I recognized the potential of turning my passion for writing into a career. However, my journey didn’t end with poetry. I yearned to explore other avenues where I could blend visual storytelling with my poetic sensibility.
Cinema presented itself as a natural progression. Realizing this, I understood that formal education was crucial, especially since I had no connections within the industry. This decision to pursue film studies marked the first conscious step towards a professional creative and artistic path. It was a leap into the unknown, driven by the belief that storytelling, whether through poetry or film, could be a powerful medium to express and evoke deep emotions and perspectives. This journey from poetry to film underscores my belief in the transformative power of art and its capacity to bridge divides and heal wounds.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As a native New Yorker with a vibrant mix of Taiwanese and Serbian roots, raised amidst the rich cultural tapestry of Paris, my early life was a comprehensive immersion into a world of diverse cultures. This unique upbringing paved the way for my eclectic journey through the realms of poetry, photography, and filmmaking, each step a testament to the profound impact of multicultural artistic exploration.
By 22, I had made my mark with the poignant poetry collection “Analgesia, the Scars of Love and Revolts,” a work that began my journey of bridging diverse cultures, emotions, and historical narratives. My engagement with themes of nostalgia and brotherhood, set against the backdrop of war-torn Yugoslavia, led to a fruitful collaboration with the renowned Serbian painter Petar Omcikus. This partnership not only expanded my artistic vistas but also deepened my appreciation for the nuanced layers of cultural expression.
My academic voyage, starting at France’s prestigious ESEC film school and culminating in an MFA from Columbia University, was driven by a desire to blend the narrative finesse of European cinema with the energetic pulse of American filmmaking. Working alongside esteemed figures like Michael Hausman, Barry Levinson, and Julie Delpy was instrumental in refining my craft, enabling me to create films that resonate with a genuine sense of authenticity and emotional depth.
In my roles as director and producer, particularly with the acclaimed film “Holidays at all cost,” I’ve aimed to tell stories that cultivate empathy and forge connections. My work has tackled the challenges of international production and storytelling that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.
My commitment to fostering cultural exchange extends beyond the screen, as demonstrated by my active participation in the Serbian Philanthropic Association in New York. My efforts were acknowledged with the Excellence in International Cooperation Award from the Heritage Foundation of Serbia in 2015, highlighting my dedication to promoting unity and understanding through art.
What sets me apart in the ever-changing landscape of film and media is not just my unique background or my skill in managing complex productions across the globe. It’s my firm belief in the power of storytelling as a means to heal, unite, and inspire. As I look to the future, my goal extends beyond creating aesthetically pleasing or emotionally impactful art. I strive to participate in a global conversation that values diversity, encourages empathy, and bridges cultural divides.
To my prospective followers and admirers, I invite you to join me on this enriching journey. Let’s explore, through the lens of my multicultural heritage and creative endeavors, the stories that bind us, the emotions that unite us, and the transformative power of art.
Standing at the crossroads of art and humanity, I am not just an artist but a visionary storyteller of our time, crafting narratives that resonate across borders and stir the soul.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As a filmmaker deeply passionate about the art of cinema, my primary mission is to rekindle audiences’ desire for the unique experience that movie theaters offer. Traditional cinema provides an immersive experience that simply cannot be matched by home viewing. In a theater, distractions are minimized, allowing the audience to be fully transported into the narrative world. This shared journey with strangers in the same space is a profound communal experience, a collective engagement with stories that broaden our understanding of diverse cultures and connect us on a human level.
I find it disconcerting to see films increasingly regarded as mere “content,” a term that commodifies the rich artistry and cultural significance of cinema. Growing up, the concept of reducing movies to content was unthinkable. In France, as well as throughout Europe, cinema is revered not just as entertainment but as high art that elevates the cultural discourse.
I adamantly oppose the trend of diminishing cinema to just any other content. Together with my peers, I am driven to produce films that are not only compelling and thought-provoking but also encourage audiences to appreciate and seek out the irreplaceable experience of watching a film in a theater. We aim to tell stories that inspire viewers to venture out of their homes, immerse themselves in the collective ambiance of a darkened cinema, and embark on a shared voyage of exploration and introspection.
In an era dominated by the convenience of streaming and the rapid consumption of media, my objective is to reacquaint audiences with the enchantment and transformative power of traditional cinema. My ambition is to create films that do more than entertain; I want to enlighten, invoking a deep appreciation for the communal and impactful experience that can only be found in movie theaters. This endeavor seeks to forge moments of connection and stillness, drawing us together under the captivating spell of storytelling. This mission transcends mere nostalgia; it’s a forward-looking crusade to safeguard and celebrate a medium capable of altering perspectives, touching hearts, and, ultimately, reshaping our world.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One pivotal lesson I’ve had to unlearn on my path to becoming a filmmaker concerns the perceived barrier of financial resources. When I first expressed my ambitions, the immediate reaction from those around me wasn’t doubt about my talent, motivation, or work ethic—it was laughter, stemming from the question, “Oh my God, where will you find the money?” This experience illuminated a common mindset: many people are conditioned to measure the feasibility of their dreams solely through the lens of financial capability. I chose to reject that notion.
I reminded myself of my roots and the harsh conditions my parents and ancestors endured, recognizing the opportunity my life represented. To finance my education, I undertook every conceivable entry-level job, even working night shifts while studying. My journey underscores a message I wish to impart to everyone: no matter how daunting your aspirations, they’re always just one step ahead. Progress is made one step at a time. Cultivating courage is a daily endeavor—not merely a belief in oneself, but a conviction in the feasibility of each subsequent step. Patience is paramount, and it’s crucial to remember that success often distinguishes those who simply refused to give up.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen many gifted individuals give up on their dreams. Their withdrawal wasn’t due to a deficiency in talent or lack of trying but was caused by their struggle to cope with rejection or the extra effort required to surpass others. To anyone nurturing a dream, remember: You don’t have to share your goals with the world. Keep them close to your heart and relentlessly pursue every path to make them a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3443400
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdoctordoctor/
- https://www.instagram.com/stevanleemraovitch/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29630754/
Image Credits
Itzel Oregon