PISS ON PATRIARCHY, 10min., Germany, Drama
Directed by Lena Fakler
Marie is driving on the highway and needs to pee urgently. But the toilet at the rest stop is broken. And an increasingly absurd odyssey through this toxic male biotope begins for Marie - and ends in blood.

https://www.la-gente-agentur.de/portfolio/lena-fakler/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I believe that by making films we can change the world — as we can make structural problems visible by identifying with a character who is going through something. Because of systematic problems like — for example — sexism in patriarchy and capitalism. Films can make us identify with a speaking car or a yellow bear. Or it can make a white, privileged dude identify with a woman who needs to pee urgently but has no possibility in a surrounding that was created for men, by men. Films help us to change our perspective and broaden our horizons. Something that we need to do if we want to smash patriarchy. We need empathy and we need to recognize our privileges — so there can be change.

All my films are feminist and political. And I love to make structural problems visible in individual stories. PISS ON PATRIARCHY focuses on one facet of patriarchy — the toilet situation and the sexist architecture of our male world. I liked to idea of a character having a very basic, urgent, natural need and want. And simple obstacles — the male world we know. And I was very motivated to make it also funny. By addressing the absurdity of this system.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Nearly two year — which is quite long. I had the idea and wrote the script in one day. But as I was anxious about directing and full of self doubt, I postponed the project several times. When I finally decided to shoot the film in the beginning of 2022 I needed to postpone the shooting TWO TIMES more — due to Covid — and last minute. When I could finally fit the pre-production and production into my tight schedule as a script writer, 2022 was nearly over already...

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Feminist Rage

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Covid. And, apart from Covid: Financing the film by myself and being producer, writer and director in the same time. As well as finding accomplices to work with me — FOR FREE.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was a little bit nervous and anxious to even open the link — as I was scared of the reactions and possible criticism. Even if I know that honest and direct criticism is what can help us grow. One second later I just felt understood and heard — and I am so happy and relieved that people can relate to the film and that they felt understood and less alone while watching it.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I always wanted to be a writer — but I wanted to write novels. And I never thought that it would be possible for me to make a living out of it. So I started to study law — but I was really unhappy with it. So I quit and changed my subject. I studied media, culture and literature. During the first semester we had to shoot a short film in a group. And I noticed that I can combine writing with something visual — and I just felt in love with it an decided to be a filmmaker and script writer in particular. The step to be also a director is the next one for me to take now.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Quite cheesy but true: "P.S. I love you" — as this is my heartbreak-cry-movie I always come back to.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I really appreciated the feedback video — as feedback is so value and we can learn so much from it. And I think it's always great if there is the opportunity to connect not only with the other film makers but also with the audience and people from the film industry.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I like that it makes things easier as the sheer amount of festivals can feel overwhelming.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Everything made out of potatoes. And Kässpätzle — a Swabian dish.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I will write and direct my feature length debut — that is already financed — together with my colleague and friend Zarah Schrade. Hopefully we can shoot next year!