Become familiar with Cristina Basgan, by Megan Leung

Cristina Basgan is a fourth-year film major student at Simon Fraser University. Her upbringing has allowed her to express her creativity and explore the unknown. Her journey has not been easy, but she has managed to overcome challenges as they come. 

Q: What is your background and why did you decide to major in film studies? 

A: I am from Romania and I moved to Vancouver after high school. I decided to major in film because it was my passion throughout my childhood. In the beginning, I have decided to pursue writing but changed after realizing that I had to follow particular guidelines. I am attracted to the visual movements in a film.

 

Q: Describe how your upbringings have influenced you to become interested in writing for film?

A: I have been brought up by my grandparents and her grandpa has a collection of books. This has allowed me to be exposed to reading and writing at a young age where I would write short stories for my mom. This hobby has continued throughout my childhood where I have considered writing as a profession. However, my parents' disapproval did not discourage me as I found a way to incorporate my passion in writing for films. 

Q: What inspired you to become more attracted to the visual movements in a film?

A: I researched Peter Burr and recognized that one of his experimental films, "Descent" has allowed me to become more interested in studying films. Burr made a computer virus that is installed on the desktop and takes over the whole screen. Afterward, it turns into a pixelated painting, just like entering the digital world.

Q: Describe your creative process?

A: I focus on experimental films that are not based on narratives but by using pre-existing footage. I would change the pre-existing footage to create an abstract appearance using repetition of filters, screenshots from Google Maps, and short video clips of people's interactions. would go out and explore her community to find inspiration. 

I would compose a collection of themes, ideas, and images to have an outline for her project. I would also think of a narrative that would help me with establishing an idea. One of the recent experimental films that I have worked on would include words but not subtitles. I would combine texts from billboards, advertisements, videos, and images on highways. However, I would be flexible with changing my original idea. I decided to use CNN's news bumper stickers at the bottom of the screen. I would play with repetition, shapes, and rhythms to transform the overall appearance of the experimental film.

Link to "Google Earth Symphony":

Q: How do you know when it is the final product?

A: Since I constantly change my idea of a project, I would feel insecure about ideas and that it does not feel attainable. I have a gut feeling that it does not feel right and that if I can not continue with an idea I would feel stuck in a position. I know it is possible to work with an idea when I can foresee a final result and be able to change according to my preference. 

Link to "August22021x":

Q: Can you explain how a filmmaker represents you as an individual?

A: I view filmmaking as a form of hobby and since I am currently not working in the industry, I feel that there is pressure to be viewed as a filmmaker. I am still at the early stages of learning, therefore the term 'filmmaker' is not the only word to describe myself. 

Q: Since you mentioned filmmaker would not be the only descriptive word to describe yourself, can you explain what is also important to you as an individual?

A: At this moment, I view hobbies as the most important to me. In my childhood, my passion was drawing and painting, however, I got discouraged after a long period of time. Therefore, the only hobby where I still find motivation and inspiration is in films. Lately, I have been into crafts such as crochet, jewelry, and embroidery which makes me content. 

Q: What were some of the challenges you have overcome?

A: I would feel insecure to show people my work and to overcome the fear of following a standard guideline. I also find it difficult to open up, to be judged, and refuse feedback from classmates and fellow peers. This has allowed me to be more flexible with not following a certain guideline and to be encouraged to step out of my comfort zone. 

Q: Where do you see yourself as a filmmaker, five years from now?

A: Five years from now, I will have a stronger knowledge and will explore in film and video. I am interested in working with installations, projection, and light shows. The variety of mediums used to create content helps me to feel motivated and engaged with making art. However, this does not mean I would not continue to make films. I would like to incorporate my personal experiences and develop my artistic message in making films. I am open to the changes in my path throughout my career and interests. 

This interview has allowed readers to further understand the challenges Cristina has to overcome and to concur as she learns how to become a filmmaker. It has been an honor to be able to interview and know about Cristina.