Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in filmmaking? What inspired you to pursue a career in the film industry?
My name is Tamas Meder and I’m a Transylvanian cinematographer. I moved to London 10 years ago because I wanted to work and study in a more international environment. I have graduated from the London Film School in 2020 and been working mostly on narrative films ever since. What inspired me to get into film was watching *Paris, Texas* by Wim Wenders when I was 12 years old. I don’t think I fully understood it, however, different sections of the film made me cry, meaning that the raw emotional power and visual storytelling could transcend age and experience. It wasn't just the stories being told, but how they were told that mesmerized me—the composition of each shot, the pacing of the narrative, and the ability to convey profound feelings without words. This early experience drove me to pursue a career in an industry where I could contribute to creating impactful, emotionally resonant works that might inspire others as *Paris, Texas* inspired me.
What does being part of Berlinale Talents mean to you? Is there something about the city that resonates with your creative process?
Being part of Berlinale Talents is an immense honor and a transformative opportunity for me, not only to connect with some of the most visionary minds in cinema today, but also to immerse myself in an environment that thrives on creativity and innovation. This platform is not just about showcasing work; it's about engaging in a global dialogue, learning from industry pioneers, and collaborating with fellow creatives who are equally passionate about pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
The city of Berlin itself plays a pivotal role in this experience. There's something about Berlin's rich history, its vibrant cultural scene, and its reputation as a haven for artists that deeply resonates with my creative process. Berlin is a city that has constantly reinvented itself, much like the film industry, and living and creating here allows me to tap into a wellspring of inspiration that is both diverse and dynamic. Being part of Berlinale Talents in such a city feels like being at the heart of contemporary filmmaking, where the past and future of cinema converge.
How do you balance expressing your unique voice and creating something that can be recognised globally?
I work really closely with directors to understand the stories they are trying to tell, ensuring that every frame, every lighting choice, and every camera movement aligns with the narrative's emotional core and thematic nuances. It's about finding the balance between specificity and ambiguity, allowing room for the audience to insert their own experiences and interpretations. This collaboration is key to translating their vision into compelling visual storytelling that speaks to audiences worldwide. My voice as a cinematographer is very much intertwined with all the voices of the different directors I work with and I feel like this allows me to continuously experiment and try new things. Engaging with directors from different backgrounds and with a variety of different narratives also enriches my work, offering new perspectives and expanding my visual language. It’s a continuous process of learning and adapting and this is what keeps me excited.
How does this year’s theme, "Common Tongues: Speaking Out in the Language of Cinema", resonate with your work and creative process?
I think the two most important words in this year’s topic is ‘Speaking out’. Cinema, in its essence, is a universal language yet there are massive differences in how it’s spoken at different parts of the world. A lot of the different ‘film languages’ around the world are deeply rooted in their political and social situations. For instance in countries where there’s a stronger political censorship, films employ metaphors, symbolism and poetry a lot more to make the artists voice heard. Because cinema is also a tool of activism that can influence public opinion, inspire policy changes and contribute to the broader struggle for a more just world. It embodies the idea that art is not just a reflection of society but a force that can shape and transform it.
The theme challenges me to think about how my work can contribute to larger conversations within society. It inspires me to explore innovative ways to use the camera as a voice, speaking out on issues that matter and telling stories that might otherwise be unheard. In this way, "Common Tongues" is not just a theme but a call to action, urging filmmakers to leverage the connective power of cinema to foster empathy, understanding, and change.