Award of Excellence – “Boundless Life” (Austria)

Title: Boundless Life
Runtime: 51 min
Country: Austria
Director: Stefan Rainer
Placement: Award of Excellence
Competition: March 31, 2020

Synopsis:  This movie is the story of a journey. A journey out of the self-imposed limitations, back to a boundless life.

When we enter this world, we are free. Free from any self-doubt, prejudices and values. We are able to learn everything out there. Over time we are shaped by education and culture and we develop certain beliefs and values that often lead us away from our own path.

The film takes the viewer through breathtaking nature shots into a life full of movement. It invites you to follow your own inner voice to create your own boundless life.

FILMMAKER Q&A – Stefan Rainer – Director, Producer, Editor

GS: What was the inspiration for your film?

SR: I wanted to send a message to the people. That each one has endless potential inside and you need to set this potential free. Many times we identify ourselves about our performance. But only if we love ourself, the way we are, without having to do anything, we are truly free.

For the making of the movie a mountainbike film called “life cycles” inspired me the most. They had great cinematography and awesome pictures which made mountainbiking look amazing to anybody. It´s all about creating emotion.

GS: When did you conceive the idea for your film and how long did it take before it was realized?

SR: The idea to this film came about 4 years ago. I started filming in 2017, so the film took me three years to realize.

GS: What was the most challenging aspect of working in a short film format?

SR: My film is 50 min long, so it´s not a real shortfilm anymore. But the most challenging aspect was, to tell the story in a way, that it didn´t get boring at any moment. To get all the information into the film, and link it together to a nice story.

GS: What was the most challenging aspect of your production?

SR: The most difficult part for me was to get the cinematographer for the different sequences. Because normaly I am behind the camera it was hard to be in front of the camera this time and to give instructions to the guys behind. Espescially because they were no professionals most of the time.

GS: Do you have any advice for first-time filmmakers?

SR: Just go out and shoot. Follow your intuition and make the projects you are burning for. Don´t let anybody stop you. No budget is no excuse 😉