Show and Tell 2018: Ramey Newell
Ramey Newell
Filmmaker
1. What’s your idea of perfect happiness?:
I can’t say I believe in ‘perfect happiness’. Life is too complicated for that. I think all we can really hope for is some measure of contentment, acceptance of what is, and equanimity—a state which can be achieved in so many quotidian ways.
2. What drives you to make films?:
Sometimes there is just no other way to represent the ineffable.
3. Where in the world would you most like to be right now?:
I have no need for fantasy… I’m pretty content where I am, and I am fortunate to frequent some pretty amazing places.
4. When inspiration is waning, and you feel creatively sapped, what do you do to stay motivated?:
Long solo drives in open country or a few days hiking in the remote backcountry alone with my thoughts. Also: reading a novel (or four), taking a vacation, or visiting museums.
5. What films are the most inspiring or influential to you at the moment, and why?:
My filmic influences and interests are too varied to distill down to a pithy list.
Your top 3 favourite music tracks?:
Same as above, except for music.
7. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?:
I have been in many frightening situations, including almost dying in a massive rockfall while rockclimbing.
8. What’s your greatest extravagance?:
Travel is most certainly my biggest extravagance. Not in terms of style, but in terms of frequency, duration, and location.
9. What turns you on – creatively, spiritually or emotionally?:
Sound! Good music, thunder, wind through trees, the popping and clicking noises of coral reef creatures, yipping coyotes, the stillness of what we think of as silence (but really isn’t), cicadas, a robust dawn chorus…
