Filmmaking Tips From Ruba Nadda

Half way through the Tribeca Film Festival, internationally acclaimed writer-director Ruba Nadda (Cairo Time) held a very special seminar on behalf of the Canadian Film Centre for TFI’s first time filmmakers. In the spirit of mentorship, Nadda also extended one-on-one meetings to each of this year’s grantee filmmaking teams. “When I was starting out I didn’t have any help,” says the Quebec-born filmmaker who is currently in post production on her next film, Inescapable, a thriller starring Marisa Tomei, Joshua Jackson and one of her Cairo Time stars Alexander Siddig. “I’ve always thought if I ever got to a position to help people, I would.”  Here are her three tips to filmmakers: 1. “When you get stuck, jump to the next script. That’s the big secret with indie filmmakers, we have to make our own projects, so don’t wait for others to send you a script.” 2. Nadda reminds us all to grow some tough skin: “If someone doesn’t like [your project], move on.” 3. “The only reason I’m a good director is because I’m decisive. You cannot waffle with actors or crew. Make a decision and stick to it.”