It is an honor to speak with the Swedish director, Emil Jonsvik. Could you tell us about your journey into the cinematic world and what inspired you to dedicate your life to film?

Thank you; it is a privilege to be here. My journey began at twelve with skateboard movies. Later, I moved into breakdance films. Skateboard culture taught me a vital lesson: you try and try until you get it right. That "never give up" mindset remains with me today. I progressed from electrician to cinematographer, and finally, to director. Understanding every technical step allows me to direct with more impact and know exactly where to focus the energy.
Tell us about the film you submitted to our festival. What was the driving force behind its creation?

It started with my son. Hearing him yell, "I am God, I can control everything!" from his room was a revelation. I became fascinated by how digital systems control us. We called the project God Mode because gamers often want to feel immortal and in total control. There is a thin line between a hobby and addiction; in Sweden, reports show that nearly half of young males struggle with gaming addiction. I wanted to create a film that starts a dialogue between parents and youth.

Which directors or films influenced your specific approach to this project?
 I grew up inspired by raw, powerful films like Kids, La Haine, and City of God. These movies have their own "breath" and atmosphere. My background in hip-hop music videos also played a huge role. I believe in making things feel real, underground, and independent. I want to inspire people in Ukraine and around the world to find their own stories. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—create it.

The visual style of the film is very distinct. What inspired your aesthetic choices?

I love the visual language of cinema. For God Mode, I connected rhythm with hand-held camerawork to make the audience feel like they are inside the story. I developed a look using 16mm and 35mm film grain, scanning it from real film. Even though the story is a digital sci-fi, I recorded the audio on analog tapes to give it a specific "warmth". I call these "beat films"—where rhythm and storytelling are inextricably bonded.

Your ability to merge the grit of the streets with high-concept sci-fi is truly unique. Thank you for sharing these insights and for your powerful message to young creators. We are thrilled to showcase God Mode at our festival.

Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure. Slava Ukraini!