The hunter on the prowl. A stag in a scope. A finger on the trigger. But then – a crack. A smack from a faceless hooded figure. A knockout and darkness. After an indefinite time, the hunter wakes up naked deep in the forest. From there, everything will be different and is certainly not what you would expect.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/Animator Cyprian Hercka

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

After decades in the industry and countless commissioned work, in which I have always tried to bring in and implement my ideas, I wanted to realize a work completely without restrictions, which completely represents my not conforming visual and content world.

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

Because the film is surprising and unconventional, both visually and in terms of content, full of images that have a lasting effect and may even be disturbing for some. The form for itself is interesting and unusual, because, on the one hand, it is a music video, on the other a short film - a genre flick with socially critical commentary.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I always incorporate socio-critical themes into my ideas and worlds. But I don't want this to be too prominent in the film so that you can enjoy the films as "pure" entertainment even without this context.

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

To be honest, the script hasn't gone through many stages of development - perhaps not unusual for a medium that is quite short and therefore dramaturgically manageable. However, I have to admit that I always spend a long time coming up with ideas and working them out in my head before I put the first words on paper. The biggest change was certainly the decision to change the protagonist in a surprising way, which came about through the choice of actors and their physical impact.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

So far, to my delight, the feedback has been surprisingly good. I would never have thought that the film would be accepted and awarded at so many festivals. I am particularly pleased that it is not only seen as a music video, but also as a short film and is often accepted and sometimes awarded in these categories. The broad positive feedback abroad is gratifying and surprising. Whereas in Germany in particular, there is no attention and feedback at all - regrettable.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

In this respect, yes, the fact that it has been received so positively and has enabled the film to go on such an incredible journey confirms that I will continue to fight for my ideas. And I've realized that my ideas are more likely to resonate internationally than nationally.

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

In today's world, where you are bombarded with visual content on all channels, I naturally hope that We Are Moving Stories will make the film stand out a little more from the crowd and that more interested people will take notice of it and that contacts or exchanges with filmmakers, producers, etc. will possibly result.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Since this work in its form as a music video / short film is less likely to be of interest to sales agents, buyers or distributors, it is more likely to be of interest to film festival directors, journalists and producers.

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

Since I don't believe that the content of the film will have a transformative impact, it is of course my hope that this work will prove the creative abilities of the team and myself through acceptance, so that opportunities for new films and projects will arise.

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

Phew. There are so many starting points. As with any story, it's probably best to start at the beginning. How did it come about that I made the movie?

Behind the scenes of Affentanz - Hunter - MakeUp Artist Stefanie Weindl (right) at Work with Actor Fritz Fenne (left) on manor set (photo by Alex Rottmann)

Would you like to add anything else?

There would be so much. Because as is usually the case with self-financed projects. There are hurdles and struggles to overcome everywhere - and so much has happened with this project that is almost unbelievable. Or about my artistic background. But that's all beyond the scope at the moment.

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

Since I have managed many positions in production, I can primarily speak for myself: At the moment I am still very busy with the whole festival hustle for Hunter. But: Thanks to Hunter's confirmation, I'm currently working on a treatment for a feature-length film with socially critical tones and dystopian elements, in which my cameraman Timm will also be involved again.

Interview: January 2024

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

Affentanz - Hunter

Length: 9:04

Director: Cyprian Hercka

Producer: Cyprian Hercka

Writer: Cyprian Hercka

About the writer, director and producer:

CYPRIAN HERCKA is a multiple award-winning freelance director and artist. As the son of an artist couple, Cyprian seemed to have the creative gene in his cradle. At the age of 10, he was able to invite to his first solo exhibition. At 13 and with his first VHS camera, he discovered his love of film. Since then, Cyprian has created worlds - without a god complex. As a creative. As a director.

Key cast: Fritz Fenne (leading role), Thomas Brandlmeier (supporting role)

Looking for: film festival directors, producers, journalists

Facebook: Cyprian Hercka

Instagram: @cyprianhercka

Hashtags used: #hunterfilm, #affentanzhunter

Website: www.hunter-film.com

Other: IMDb

Funders: Self-funded

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

SLAMDANCE Film Festival - Sunday, January 21, 2024 10:00 AM MST & Tuesday, January 23, 2024 1:00 PM MST