Killer Films’ Christine Vachon Says Return of Trump “Lends a Sense of Urgency” to Stories We Tell

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Christine Vachon, a well-known film producer from Killer Films, shares her thoughts on the potential comeback of former President Donald Trump at the White House.

For several years, Vachon has worked closely with the head of the Berlin Film Festival International jury, Todd Haynes. Recently, they had a conversation by the fire, moderated by Scott Roxborough from The Hollywood Reporter, in Berlin.

Vachon noted that the industry has faced significant upheaval due to the strikes, and he’s hesitant to make predictions about the future. Instead, he plans to reflect on his past experiences, specifically when there was a president (Ronald Reagan) who many considered a threat to marginalized groups. This situation instilled a sense of urgency in storytelling at that time. Perhaps we are witnessing a similar urgency in the coming years.

Roxborough discussed with Vachon the challenge that director Ali Abbasi encountered when trying to find a U.S. distributor for the film “The Apprentice“, emphasizing the struggle of attracting investors when a movie tackles political issues. “I wouldn’t have persisted this far without having genuine trust in audiences and the eagerness to view quality, powerful, innovative, and thought-provoking work,” she stated.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this:

“Well, you know, ‘The Apprentice’ surprisingly earned two Oscar nominations. It’s easy for us creators to come up with excuses when a project falls flat… Sometimes we overlook the fact that maybe audiences just weren’t in the mood for our movie. I believe, considering the films we’re working on today, there are still investors who gamble with both their mind and heart.

Vachon pointed out that character-focused dramas are increasingly challenging to produce, yet it appears audiences yearn for such narratives the most. She suggested to the audience that the difficult landscape in Hollywood is actually a glass half full: “It’s fostering innovation. I’m noticing an abundance of fresh storytelling that I haven’t seen before, which seems to stem from having to draw upon one’s determination.” Furthermore, she noted: “We’re experiencing significant upheaval, and this often brings about new possibilities.

In response to being asked about tips for independent filmmakers, Vachon stated: “I believe independent films are at their best when they offer something truly different. To me, that’s the advice – be creative and original. However, I suppose it’s also about seeking out those unique opportunities.

The Berlin Film Fest runs Feb. 13-23.

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2025-02-14 14:55