Past Filmmakers

Diana Nicolae
Red Darkness Before Dawn
(Premieres October 25, 2003, at 11 PM)

Interview Questions

1. How did you come up with the idea for the film? 

Having lived in Romania for all of my life, I was shocked when I came to America and found that so little was known about the atrocities committed by the Communists.  I felt that it was my responsibility to tell at least part of the story of what happened in Romania, not only for the Americans but also my countrymen.  Romania is a country ruled by ex-Communists, and they have kept much of the country in ignorance about what went on during our 45 years under Communist rule. 

2. How long did the production process take?

The production process took 2 years, almost my entire time at UNCG.  I began preproduction planning in the spring of 2001, conducted interviews and shot b-roll in the summers of 2001 and 2002, and in the fall of 2002.  Post-production took place throughout the fall and winter of 2002, and up to the premiere screening in April 2003. 

3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the film?

 While every independent filmmaker must overcome the obstacles placed by equipment, my primary challenges were with the bureaucracy set up to prevent these types of documentaries.  The government archives relating to this era are closed; footage regarding these events is scarce and almost impossible to obtain; the only evidence of the horrible crimes committed are the memories and testimonials of the survivors and historians. 

4. What is your favorite memory from creating the film?

 Without question, I most treasure the memory of meeting all of the courageous men and women who told me their stories.  Without exception, they were uncommonly kind, humble, and well aware of the need for this kind of documentary.  Their constant encouragement enabled me to push past the obstacles and complete this documentary.  

5. When someone has finished watching the film, what do you hope they take away from the experience? 

I hope that anyone who watches the film comes away knowing that they have seen the best and worst of human nature.  The worst in the form of the horrible tortures suffered in the pursuit of power; the best in the strength and reverence shown by those who overcame these tortures and survived. 

6. What type of reaction has your film received from viewers?

Thus far the reaction has been very positive; it has been shown to all of the interviewees and other historians on the subject, and they have been quite effusive in their praise.  While I have been told that the film can be depressing, the vast majority of people that have seen the film have said that it was moving. 

7. What advice would you give to aspiring young filmmakers?

You have to do something you believe in.  There is too much time and work involved, too many hoops to jump through, equipment problems to overcome, favors to call in, money to spend, etc. for something that you are only half-attached to.  It has to be a story that you feel compelled to tell, and a story that you can accept to eat, sleep, and breathe for the coming months and years. 

8. Please tell us about the next film you plan to work on.

I'm currently researching a new documentary in Romania, about the Jewish Holocaust in which almost 400,000 Romanian Jews were killed.  It is an often-ignored part of the Holocaust literature, a fact that many Romanians have used to deny its existence at all.  Once the research has been completed, I will begin looking for funding to help cover the expenses of this mammoth endeavor.  I am also returning to my roots as a writer by polishing my feature length screenplay, The Vine Leaves, which relates the tale of an idealistic young doctor coming of age under Communism; it is based on a true story. 

9. What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?

I think that the film industry is what we make of it.  I know there are many filmmakers and writers out there trying to tell stories, but they are not getting the attention many other communities get.  It's essential that NC support the talent and resources that it has; if it does that, then I think the industry will be thriving again soon.