Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘Troubled’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?
I was born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland, but have been living in Galway, Ireland, since 2002. I completed my training as a film editor with the Swiss Television in 1989 and subsequently worked as an editing assistant on various TV films. In 1993, I was involved in setting up the renowned documentary film series NZZ Format (Neue Zürcher Zeitung). Over the next thirty years, I worked on over 150 documentaries, initially as an editor and, from 2012, as a writer and director. During that time, I also worked on several independent documentary film productions. In 2023 and established my own company, Wagner Films. Troubled was my first documentary which I produced, directed and edited.
Tell us about ‘Troubled’. How do you describe it?
"Troubled" is a film about war and trauma. I was shocked to see how long people suffer and how trauma can be passed on to the next generation. I also wanted to shed light on the ongoing legacy of the conflict and how it continues to shape the experiences of people in Northern Ireland. By documenting the daily worries and sorrows of three generations, the film aims to show the profound impact of war and make people reflect on what war creates for future generations.
Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.
"I have so many favorites that I don’t know where to start. In my younger years, my favorite director was François Truffaut. Now, I really enjoy documentaries from different directors. Two of my favorites are “Searching for Sugar Man” and “Senna”. My focus is always as well on the editing. Its were my true passion lies, the heartbeat of every film that makes the storytelling come alive.
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
"I think an ideal project is a story that needs to be told. That could be anything. Some films require more budget than others due to factors like archives, locations, and travel, which can be very expensive. My dream would be to have the freedom to create without worrying about those costs.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
"For me, preparation is everything. When you know what you want, you can communicate it best. Good communication with everyone involved is essential to making the process smoother. You also need a clear sense of how much time is needed for everything. I never rush and always leave room for the unexpected.
What was the hardest part of making ‘Troubled’.
"Aside from the financial struggles, the hardest part was how emotional it became for everyone. I wasn’t prepared for the intense emotions that surfaced on set. It was challenging to manage all of that with sensitivity and support, but on the other hand, it was incredible to earn that trust and build such deep connections over the course of filming."
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?
"I’m currently working on an Irish feature-length documentary called “Beacon of Light.' This time, it’s not about war; it focuses on a very brave woman. I’ve just completed the treatment and the trailer, and I’m hopeful that we’ll secure the funding. That would be a dream come true."
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