PHENOMENA (2026) is a type of film that I've never seen before -- an exploration of nature through a visual medium. It's not surprising that it, too, comes from a filmmaker of a type I've never talked with-- an Australian who started doing art exhibitions and immersive experience shows before his debut feature.

So it's not surprising it's getting the rave reviews it's getting from places like Variety, and it is a testament to the vision that Josef brings to filmmaking. So get in early on this film and this filmmaker -- the sky is the limit for the Aussie, and who knows, it might be a part of nature he explores in his next project.

In this episode, Josef and I discuss:

the wildly complimentary Variety review, describing the film as "an iridescent ode to ordinary wonders";
how he got started in filmmaking and how artist exhibitions transferred to filmmaking;
how much his feature debut needs to be seen in a theater and the future of immersive exhibitions;
what he wants people to feel watching PHENOMENA;
why he worked with Sandbox Films and some of the logistical challenges inherent to making this film;
his feelings narrating his film and a hilarious story about being on camera for a childrens' show;
being an Australian filmmaker and his feelings on the level of travel necessarily associated with international festivals;
where you can see his latest film, whether we'll get a narrative work, and what's next for him.

Josef's Indie Film Highlight: SLACKER (1990) dir. by Richard Linklater

Memorable Quotes:

"I pointed the camera at the sound waves and recorded it for the first time, and that really was like the seed for the feature film was that moment right there."

"Image quality for me is everything. And when I put those goggles on, I'm never blown away."

"I hope I was careful enough to allow room for the audience to find their own meaning and to have their own experience."

"it's been about 10 years since those, that first short film, so that was in 2016. Yeah...I did other things in between, obviously. I've got a life to live and bills to pay."

"I think it's super exciting to be asked overseas to go and take part in the broader community and to share the film with the larger audiences and take things international."

"I think it's super exciting to be asked overseas to go and. Take part in the broader community and to share the film with the larger audiences and take things international."

Links:

Follow Josef On Instagram

Josef's Website