Writer and director Johnny Barbuzano’s first feature length film Shotgun
Garfunkel: The Fastest Film Ever Made, won the Best Feature Film award at Jozi
Film Festival 2014. Barbuzano studied acting, directing and writing at the
University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, originally intending to pursue
a career as an actor. However, “meeting’ filmmaking legends such as Martin
Scorsese, Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino, Spike Lee, Emir Kusturica, Francois
Truffaut and Federico Fellini during his time as a student, ignited his passion for
directing and telling stories.
WHICH DIRECTORS (LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY) INSPIRED YOU
TO
BECOME A DIRECTOR AND DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR IN THE INDUSTRY?
I love different directors for specific reasons and different genres. Currently, I’m
inspired by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (Biutiful, 21 Grams, Babel) and David O.
Russell (American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook). I love complex character-
driven films that seem small on the surface but leave you with a huge impact
long after watching the film.
Locally, I think Barry Berk (Sleeper’s Wake) is extremely gifted – I think there’s a
huge film around the corner for him. Akin Omotoso (Man on Ground) has a very
unique and interesting voice. I’ll also make a point of watching films by Craig
Freimond (Material) and Donovan Marsh (Dollars and White Pipes). For me,
Donovan’s iNumber Number is the most exciting film to come out of this country
in a long time.
Since university, my mentor has always been casting director Moonyeenn Lee.
She has an incredible love and understanding of good film, story and acting. She
has an enormous amount to offer our industry and I wouldn’t be close to where
I am without her mentorship.
WHAT TRULY INSPIRES YOU?
I love and hate humans. I’m always fascinated by how people behave. Telling
stories about people will always be my main goal.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SHOTGUN GARFUNKEL’S WIN AT JFF?
It’s always great to be acknowledged in some way. It’s flattering that someone
else got and cared about your personal story and it gives you the confidence to
keep doing what you’re doing. Ultimately though, films need to put bums on
seats.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A DIRECTOR?
On one hand, I’m very fussy and critical, especially when it comes to acting.
However, I’m also very chaotic and love the challenge of getting everything right
in one take. I always look for roughness and immediacy in my storytelling.
I always aim to create a space where actors can play and find the magic in the
space, without the technical aspects getting in the way. I’ll always choose a
good performance over a pretty shot. I love and respect actors, and will always
take my lead from them.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE FILMS OF ALL TIME AND WHY?
Too many for so many different reasons. Uhm, Do the Right Thing (Spike Lee),
True Romance (Tony Scott) and Amores Perros (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu).
WHICH PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN?
I’m currently working on television shows. I just finished Rockville S2 and Check
Coast. I’m also developing a couple of screenplays.
HOW DO YOU CHILL OUT?
I watch way too much television when my son’s asleep, or I play superheroes,
hide-and-go-seek and jump on the trampoline with my son.
IF YOUR LIFE HAD A SOUNDTRACK WHAT SONGS WOULD BE ON IT?
Any soundtrack from director Cameron Crowe (Say Anything, Almost Famous,
Vanilla Sky).
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST THING TO HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU ON SET?
Anything concerning extras. My wife has a theory that they’re all bred in a plant
in the West Rand in Gauteng.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER ASPIRING FILMMAKERS (DIRECTORS AND
WRITERS)?
Know the story you want to tell and stick to it. The only advantage you have is
your own story and vision.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FILM
INDUSTRY?
We’re beginning to make a lot of different films in different genres. We’re finally
coming out of the “socio-political’ genre’s shadow and creating a new style of
South African film.
WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE ABOUT YOU?
I’m the worst DIY person ever. In fact, my dishwasher has just blown up and I’d
rather finish this interview than face the burning electrical smell in the kitchen.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ONE-LINER FROM A MOVIE?
The line from Babe: “That will do pig, that will do.’
