Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘Palmento’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?
I studied Film and English Studies at the University of East Anglia and worked in Hollywood prior to transitioning into publishing. Recently I started a company called www.grapecollective.com that combines journalism and video production in the wine space which has been operating for 10 years. I stated with 3 minute youtube videos and recently transitioned to longer form content with Vines in the Shadow of Tito, a short film, that tells the story of Croatia through the prism of wine..
Tell us about ‘Palmento’. How do you describe it?
Palmento explores the winemaking traditions of Sicily’s Mount Etna region, focusing on the ancient practice of using palmenti—stone wine presses carved into volcanic rock. The film explores how these traditional presses, once widespread across the slopes of Etna, were integral to the local wine production process, allowing generations of winemakers to ferment and press grapes in harmony with nature. In modern times, the traditional use of Palmenti has been outlawed by governmental agencies and today a group of winemakers are fighting to protect an important winemaking heritage. The spectacular images of volcanic eruptions are all filmed by cinematographer and Etna local Giuseppe Distefano.
Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.
Werner Herzog, Sam Peckinpah, Coppola, Coen Brothers, Ernst Lubitsch
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
I am developing a documentary about Lord Byron and his involvement in the Greek independence movement.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
I have always operated on very tight deadlines and very precise shooting schedules. Production will come in on time and on budget.
What was the hardest part of making ‘Palmento’.
Working with extremely limited resources, and the challenges of the distance of the subject in order to reshoot material. Due to some subjects rescheduling and not having access to help having to manage the directing, sound and camera operation alongside dealing with all the gear by myself for some of the interviews.
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?
I am working on a short documentary about Morocco, looking at the history of the country through the prism of wine - Romans, Islam, Napoleon, French Protectorate, independence and modern monarchy.
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