Director Julia Varvara Discusses Her Journey To Making Suppression

I wanted to be a director since I was 12 years old, but unfortunately in Odessa, Ukraine where I grew up were no establishments where you could study filmmaking. Now, quite a few years later, I finally got to do what I was dreaming of since I was a child and I have to say I freaking LOVE it! I feel in my element when I direct and it allows me to be creative in every aspect I can. Directing is fun for me and I feel and know that I can do it for days with no sleep, it’s like a drug for me. I feel blessed every day.

I’d describe my style as suspenseful and intimidating. I love extreme close-ups so the audience can feel everything that the character does. For me, a perfect movie is when you can’t press pause or pick up your phone and check it. It must suck you in and distract you from reality.

indieactivity: Do you hire a casting director, or do you like to choose the cast yourself? If so, what criteria goes into your casting?
Julia Varvara (JV): Of course, it’s good to have a casting director to bring you suggestions. Every time I read a script I have a distinctive vision of how I would like my characters to look (even what they should wear as I do costume design as well for different projects).

Watch the Official Trailer for SUPPRESSION directed by Julia Varvara

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It’s actually funny as this is how Suppression started, I looked at Adam Morse and said: “I really see you playing a convict” to which Adam responded: “ Funnily enough, I actually wrote a prison drama about 7 years ago”. We dug out his script, I read it and loved it and said: “We are making this film!” 

I’d say when I meet actors I know straight away what they are capable of and which characters they will amazingly portray with good direction

What went into the casting process for SUPPRESSION?
Julia Varvara (JV): I’ve cast Suppression myself. It started with the character Max who I wanted to be played by Adam Morse. I know it might sound strange but I imagined in my head Garry Beadle to play Doctor Burns whom I didn’t even know then. We blasted messages to everyone we knew to see if they could recommend a good actor and give them a specific brief.

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As soon as I saw Gary’s picture I said “ I want him!” luckily the material appealed to Beadle and he was happy to take the part. Same with the other two characters Sarah (played by Rayna Campbell) and Prison Guard (played by Gary Mavers), they just had the character qualities and looked how I had envisioned them in my mind!

Without giving anything away, tell us a little bit about ‘SUPPRESSION‘?
Julia Varvara (JV): A damaged psychoanalyst is forced to look inside himself and face his own demons when a detained killer gets under his skin.

Who is SUPPRESSION for? Who do you think would enjoy it the most?
Julia Varvara (JV): I’d say this film is 12+ and it’s for everyone. It touches on a sensitive subject of mental health and how important it is to be able to share with others and not store negative emotions inside yourself. It also teaches compassion to understand that everyone reacts differently in the same situation and it’s important not to expect from people what you would expect from yourself.

How long did it take to shoot the entire film?
Julia Varvara (JV): Two days.

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The film had a lot of talent working behind the scenes as DPs, sound designers, composers, etc. Why is diversity important both in front of and behind the camera?
JV: It’s simple, a movie should reflect life! I am blessed to live in a city (London, UK) which is multi-racial and diverse in all aspects. I don’t pick people because of their background I work with people who have skills and talent so it’s quite an organic mix! And if you are talking about differently able talent I love to push boundaries and make my own laws 🙂 My motto in life is: “Yes, you can!” and I love to show everyone that anything is possible! 🙂

What are your goals with “FILM”?
JV: To announce myself as a film director and deliver the message of this story that communication is imperative to positive mental health.

What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
JV: I’m developing several projects at the moment under my production companies Morvara Entertainment and Hollyfield Productions. I am also preparing for a role as an actor in a film shooting this fall, it’s a psychological thriller about porn addiction. Planning to be back behind the camera to direct my first feature next year. 

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What would you recommend to a new director at the beginning of his/ her journey? Any special courses, workshops, helpful books they can read?
JV: Trust your instincts and be fearless but also be open to collaborate and hear suggestions from your colleagues. I think the best way to learn how to do things is by actually doing them. If you can’t afford a film school course try to find a mentor with experience and great taste who has worked under their belt that proves it 😉 Ask if you can shadow them etc. And of course, watch lots of movies, good movies!

Who is your favourite director? Why?
JV: I can’t name only one! But I can name three; Chris Nolan, Guillermo del Toro, Woody Allen. Christopher Nolan for blowing people’s minds and imagining one reality inside of another. I am a big sci-fi fan and love the idea of playing with reality and beyond and Chris is definitely a master of that!

Guillermo is a master of creating a magical world full of incredibly rich colours and visually stimulating pictures. He’s a magician for sure and I still can’t get over how good his latest film Nightmare Alley was! There is always a strong moral message in his films and I love that.

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Woody, aside from his very questionable personal life, he is a true artist as a writer and director for his ability to show like no one else true human nature and relationships.

What advice would you give directors around the world?
JV: Don’t let anyone down with your behavior. Be friendly and create an atmosphere on set for everyone to feel comfortable and welcome. Run the show like a super star human.

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