Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2020 – Yves & Variation
A New York City doorman wears many hats—father, art curator, and violinist—as he works tirelessly to give back to his community in Haiti.
Interview with Director Lydia Cornett
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! Two years ago, I sat next to Yves and his daughter Saraï on the New York City subway. During a long ride to South Brooklyn, Yves and I discovered a common love of playing and studying classical violin. I grew up in a musical family, and my background has left me with a strong appreciation for the non-professional musician, or one who pursues music for the sheer joy it can bring. For Yves, playing violin is indeed a ritualistic and meditative practice that centers his multifaceted life. But once I understood that music was just one component of Yves’s world, which he was eager to share, our chance encounter grew into a collaboration.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Instead of implementing voiceover, text, or interview to shape a narrative, the documentary portrays a man’s life through the visual juxtaposition of the many roles he plays. The scope of Yves’s life is impressive on its own, but I think that experiencing the dimensions of his life in sharp contrast is particularly affecting.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film presents the extraordinary reality of someone who manages the obligations of both his home and host countries, a lifestyle familiar to many who divide their time between different parts of the world. I also think the film highlights the multifunctional role of art in society: art can simultaneously shape the narrative and portrayal of a place, be sold as an aesthetic commodity, and funnel philanthropic efforts.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I had noticed connections between the seemingly disparate threads of Yves’s life in our initial conversations, which gave me some ideas for how to structure the film. But that structure was just a jumping-off point. The moments that were most compelling were those that happened by coincidence and demanded flexibility from my cinematographer Kervin Marseille and I as observers. The specificity of the film took shape from these moments and our attempts to adapt to them.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I just received a particularly meaningful review from filmmaker and critic April Dobbins in the Miami New Times after she saw the film at the Third Horizon Film Festival in Miami. It was incredibly affirming to receive a review that so thoughtfully analyzed the documentary and recognized my intentions.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’m aware that the film requires a lot of patience from the viewer, and the slower, observational style is not for everyone. But I’ve been surprised by how many people have found the slow reveal of information piece-by-piece to be rewarding and effective.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'd like to share the film and Yves’s work with as many people as possible. I’m also interested in contributing to a format where filmmakers can be transparent and learn from each other’s processes.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this stage, I’m looking for partners or platforms to distribute the film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope the film can offer a complex portrait of an inspiring person in a world that often oversimplifies. I also would like to bring interest and support for Yves’s work in Haiti.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How can short films and portraits move away from archetypes and portray multidimensionality?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m finishing up a short documentary about an insect farm in Central Florida.
Interview: February 2020
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Yves & Variation
A New York City doorman wears many hats—father, art curator, and violinist—as he works tirelessly to give back to his community in Haiti.
Length: 15:23
Director: Lydia Cornett
Producer: Lydia Cornett, Sean Weiner
Looking for: distributors, sales agents, film festival directors
Instagram: @lydiacornett
Website: www.lydiacornett.com
Made in association with: Jacob Burns Film Center
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Big Sky Documentary Film Festival / Missoula, Montana - February 21, 2020; Festival REGARD Saguenay / Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada - March 10 & 13; and a few other March festivals that have yet to announce their program!