Daily Inspiration: Meet Raphaël Buisson Enlas

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raphaël Buisson Enlas.

Hi Raphaël, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Originally from Paris, my love affair with cinema was sparked in the earliest days of my childhood. In those innocent moments, I held the belief that actors were somehow trapped inside the movie screen. This misconception that fueled my imagination and curiosity. Little did I know then that this quirky belief would kick-start a lifelong fascination with filmmaking that would shape my journey.

On a film set in Paris at the age of 12, I became hooked. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It continued to grow as I wrote and directed my own short films.

Cut to 2015, I found myself at King’s College London, immersing myself in the art of visual storytelling. Terrence Malick’s masterpieces captivated me, and my thesis delved into the intriguing clash between nature and modernity in his films.

This fervor for filmmaking was reignited in 2016 during my time in NYC as a production assistant on the docuseries “TIME: The Kalief Browder Story.” Observing the crew, capturing the tragic tale of Kalief Browder, and shedding light on the flaws within the justice system, I realized the potential of filmmaking as a powerful tool for social change.

Seeking to further expand my skills, in 2019, I moved to LA to pursue an MFA in Film Production at USC. During my time there, I had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented fellow students and industry professionals, who further fueled my passion for filmmaking and led to other projects beyond the university.

For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of wearing various hats in the filmmaking process – director, writer, cinematographer, and producer. The journey has included directing two feature films, “Stardust” (2019) and “The Optimist” (2023), as well as engaging with diverse projects like short films, VR productions, music videos, and commercials.

As a production assistant, experiencing the scale from the raw emotion of “Kalief Browder Story” in NYC to the nuanced humor of a Blanche Gardin show and the futuristic realm of Gareth Edwards’ for “The Creator” in Thailand has emphasized for me the genuine impact of the film.

Every step, from my role as a production assistant to directing my own work, has been a lesson in humility and growth. I’m profoundly thankful for the experiences that have shaped my path – the mistakes, the breakthroughs, the mentorships, the collaborations.

Reflecting on my journey from that Parisian film set, one truth remains resolute: I am eager to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the world of cinema.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In my filmmaking career, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles that have truly tested my determination and resilience. From the initial disappointment of projects not receiving the green light to budget, covid, losing an actor, and even unexpected encounters with elements like broken cameras, dust storms, rain, and yes, even a swarm of mosquitoes, can be challenging. While the road hasn’t always been smooth, each setback served as a valuable lesson, offering insights to attempt to do better.

Another contemporary obstacle that we all face is the rapidly evolving landscape of the industry. As AI, VR, streaming platforms, and shifting audience preferences redefine storytelling, the tools to make them, and consumption. Staying relevant demands perpetual innovation and a readiness to embrace new techniques and platforms. Yet, amidst this whirlwind, holding onto one’s artistic integrity remains an unwavering anchor.

In the grand scheme, acknowledging these challenges as catalysts for advancement is a practice easier said than done. Nevertheless, I remain steadfast in my endeavor to view every obstacle as an opportunity for refining my craft, both personally and professionally.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My films delve into themes such as existentialism, freewill, loneliness, alienation, and dreams. To do so, I like to experiment with fragmented narratives, time manipulation, and subjective perspectives. My goal is to captivate audiences with narratives that demand active participation and create thought-provoking and immersive cinematic experiences.

Influenced and inspired by filmmakers such as Claire Denis, Federico Fellini, Terrence Malick, Sofia Coppola, Jean-Pierre Melville, Gaspar Noé, Sam Esmail, to Henri-Georges Clouzot, and Michael Mann, I am driven to dedicate my life to create films with talented people around the world.

In 2019, my first feature film, “Stardust,” allowed me to step into the director’s chair. This three-week shoot in Paris and the Spanish desert was an eye-opening experience. The narrative revolves around an outlaw’s journey, and through the process, I gained an understanding of the immense power of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability.
I wanted more…

The desire to learn and grow fuels my ongoing journey. I’m humbled to soon serve as a cinematographer for a sci-fi feature film, collaborating with a passionate team to bring a unique submarine story to life. Additionally, I’m excited to share my recent films as a director, “The Optimist,” which will be my second feature, along with several short films and VR ventures where I’ve had the privilege of working as a director and DP.

Beyond these projects, I’m humbly nurturing a slate of ideas that resonate deeply with me. While I’ve penned four feature film scripts, I’m well aware that each concept is a small part of the greater creative landscape. These stories range from a post-WWII drama to a sci-fi animated adventure, to a multi-perspective narrative in a nightclub, and a neo-noir film about a hacker fugitive caught in a world of industrial espionage.

Currently, the teams and I are closely tracking the progress of several short films that I’ve directed, shot, and/or produced, which have been featured in numerous festivals both within and outside of LA.

As I look ahead, I’m also eager to bridge cultural divides and contribute to diverse creative environments. My experiences in the US, Thailand, UK, Spain, and France have provided me with a broader perspective that I hope to share in my written works and collaborations with respected and talented creators.

Ultimately, filmmaking is a collaborative endeavor where every individual plays a vital role. My aspiration is to humbly contribute to each project, whether through directing, producing, cinematography, writing, or any creative outlet.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books: A Season in the Wilderness, The Velvet Queen, Une Longue Impatience, Heart of Darkness, Le Petit Prince, Magellan, Foundation, Brave New World, la Société du Spectacle, la Horde du Contrevent, L’étranger, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? The Rhum Diary…

Podcasts and Youtube channels: The Beauty of Collative Learning, Arte, Epic History TV, Lex Fridman, Jean Baptiste Thoret, Eternalised, HistoryMarche, TeamDeakins…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://raphaelbuissonenlas-cinema.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/raphael9619?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==

Image Credits
Those stills are from films I have directed. The 1st, 6th, 7th and 8th I was also the DP For the second one, Tim Guseynov was the DP (with the American flag) The 3rd one, Dalton Lu was the DP (woman looking through the window) The 4th and 5th, Warren Elgort was the DP (prison)