Hey Puss! Still playing hard to get? Let me be your pussycat.

Interview with Director Linda Krauss

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I love animation, I studied animation for five years at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. Pussy Love is my diploma project and it's deeply personal. I had so many failed attempts at dating, I have to be an expert of some kind. I thought this was a topic I really can say something about. It also gave me the chance to experiment with the narrative and animation style.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I want to entertain you. Maybe you can even relate?

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Pussy Love is about love and modern dating. It's inspired by my fucked up love life. Dating confused me a lot and I felt that I wasn't the only one pretending to be a cool cat. Sometimes it feels like we're in a competition of who can care less. Hiding your emotions because you don't want to look needy. Sex positivity is so important and with Pussy Love I am trying to give a little bit of spotlight to the emotional aspects of dating. I'm not cool, I'm a pussy.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The first element I had was a short, funny poem about the world of fumble cats, which was initially written in German. The poem evolved in parallel with the designs, and the latter also underwent significant changes throughout the process. At one point, I jumped into the animatic, and the poem, design, and editing processes began to influence each other. Actually, I was already in production and animating and I still hadn't figured out her final words of the poem.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

That it's fun to watch and sexy. I'm always glad to hear that people enjoy watching it. Film is entertainment. Some people get the deeper level and my motivation. That makes me really happy. I put so much thought into this and wrote so many verses trying to describe what dating feels like. Pussy Love is my observation on modern love, nothing more, nothing less.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not yet. I didn't get the chance to go to any screenings so far because I need to work. Sometimes people write to me who have seen it, that's awesome! I'm still discussing with myself how I could have improved the ending. Maybe I should have cut to black after she throws the cup on the ground.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Currently, I'm working as a junior producer for animated feature films. It's great, I get to learn so much about how a feature is made and financed. So for me, it's very important that I'm also a creative and a director. As much as I love producing I want to keep creating.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

It would be sweet if people get to watch it who can relate. Now I know so much more than before I started Pussy Love. Now I want to say what I want and be true to my feelings. Although this means someone loses interest, it still feels good to have said what you want.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Should I text him?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I have ideas for a bunch of characters. I'm really excited to start writing and sketching.

Interview: May 2023

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

Pussy Love

Hey Puss! Still playing hard to get? Let me be your pussycat.

Length: 4:15

Director: Linda Krauss

Producer: Linda Krauss

Writer: Linda Krauss

About the writer, director and producer:

LINDA KRAUSS wants to be a director who takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride. She loves to write. Pussy Love is a poem.

Key cast: Lisanne-Marie Hadi (Cool Cat)

Instagram: @lindakraussx

Website: www.lindakrauss.com

Other: IMDb

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

SIFF