“Invention”, interview with Callie Hernandez and Courtney Stephens

At the Locarno Film Festival, FRED Film Radio caught up with actress Callie Hernandez and director Courtney Stephens to discuss their film Invention, which is showcased in the Cineasti del Presente section. The film, an experimental fiction piece, delves into the complexities of grief following the loss of a father, blending multiple genres to explore this deeply personal subject.

Origins and Development

The idea for Invention began when Hernandez and Stephens decided to collaborate while working in Western Massachusetts. Both had recently lost their fathers, and this shared experience became the foundation for the film. The film evolved from personal archives, particularly those from Callie Hernandez‘s late father, which included strange medical machines and stories that shaped the narrative.

Intimate Collaboration

With a small cast and crew, the production process fostered an intimate atmosphere, allowing the team to adapt and respond to the moment. Hernandez describes the experience as “almost like we were all staying in the house, cooking up what we would shoot the next day.” The fluid nature of the project meant that the team often had to rethink their approach on the fly, making editing a crucial part of the storytelling process. This collaborative, improvisational method added a unique texture to the film, blending real-time creativity with the emotional weight of the subject matter.

Emotional and Practical Challenges

One of the most significant challenges, according to Hernandez, was balancing the emotional weight of the film with the practical limitations, particularly financial constraints. The lack of resources, however, ultimately contributed to the film’s raw and genuine feel. Courtney Stephens noted that the small budget forced them to be resourceful, leading to a project that is dense and complex, despite its seemingly simple appearance. She reflected on the value of working under these conditions, drawing inspiration from filmmaker Marguerite Duras, who appreciated the challenge of making films that seemed “impossible.”

Reflections on Grief and Filmmaking

Both Callie Hernandez and Courtney Stephens found the process of making Invention to be an exploration of not only grief but also filmmaking itself. Stephens, who had primarily worked in nonfiction, discovered new challenges in directing actors and shaping a narrative that was deeply personal yet collaborative. The film became a collective effort, with everyone involved contributing their own experiences and ideas to the final product.

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