Dara Bratt is a Canadian filmmaker based in New York City, who was recently announced as the winner of the 2023 Claims Conference Filmmaker Contest. We caught up with her to find out about her upcoming project on Holocaust survivors and tattoos.
We are proud to be partnering with the Claims Conference to help spread the word about their 2024 Emerging Filmmaker Contest.
Applications are now open! The Claims Conference is inviting emerging filmmakers worldwide to make short films about the Holocaust and the selected project will receive $60,000 toward their project. The deadline for has been extended to JUNE 25, 2024. Visit their website to find out more.
Hi Dara! Tell us a bit about yourself:
Originally from Montreal, I moved to New York over 20 years ago to pursue my MFA in film from Tisch School of the Arts, NYU. I am a passionate storyteller and a proactive dreamer, dedicated to unveiling cinematic beauty in both documentary and narrative film.
My films have screened all over the world, from the Tribeca Film Festival to SXSW, and Cannes, Abu Dhabi International Film Festival, Chicago Film Critics Film Festival, and ShortShorts Asia in Tokyo, among others.
From the jungles of Vietnam to the streets of Brooklyn, I am most at home immersing myself into the subject at hand and bringing stories to life with honesty and cinematic awe.
I currently call Brooklyn home.
What is the title of your winning film? What is it about?
“Ink: The Controversy of Commemorative Tattoos” “Inked” is an exploration into a captivating yet complex, new phenomenon—where second, third, and fourth generation descendants of Holocaust survivors choose to remember their ancestors through commemorative Holocaust tattoos.
What was it like pitching your work to the Claims Conference for the contest? What did the process look like? Did you think that you had a winning idea?
The process was very exciting, because there were multiple stages to the application. I was told I was a finalist and then would need to self-film for the final pitch to the jury.
I anticipated my idea might stir controversy, yet I hoped the jury would view it as modern and fresh. As a filmmaker, I’m consistently drawn to subjects or narratives that are unique. My aim is never to label something as right or wrong, or good or bad, but rather to illuminate the extraordinary and let audiences decide its resonance.
Where were you when you found out you’d won? What was your reaction?
When I received the news of winning, I was elated. In the background of the zoom call, my husband quietly cheered for me.
Filmmaking is an intensely competitive and challenging industry; there are countless wonderful ideas and storytellers out there. While I always believe in myself, I also understand that rejection is an inevitable part of the game. Actually winning was the little push I needed to reaffirm that this is a great idea and to keep pushing forward. It’s a reminder to believe in yourself.
Where did the initial idea for your film come from?
A friend of mine from high school is a University professor exploring how third generation Holocaust survivors are re-marking themselves with Holocaust commemorative tattoos as a way to create new forms of memory. I found it super interesting. As a filmmaker, I particularly connected with the overarching theme of storytelling and the significance of transitioning stories from oral to visual mediums.
What were the biggest challenges you encountered during making your film? How do you view them now?
I condensed most of the filming into a single week, as I had travelled to another city. This tight schedule required intense focus for each interview, followed by immediate review to ensure we captured all the necessary stories and b-roll footage.
We often found ourselves revisiting subjects from previous days for additional shots. While it was exhausting, the process was also exhilarating. Given the emotional content, ensuring the subjects felt comfortable was my top priority throughout.
How did you use your winnings?
All funds were and are directly being applied to the production of the film.
Tell us three things you learned from the process of making your film
Although I don’t have tattoos myself, I deeply appreciated the resilience exhibited by those I interviewed. Their determination to be recognized as survivors rather than victims resonated with me.
One of the most profoundly moving interviews was with Pinchus Gutter, a survivor born in Lodz who endured six concentration camps. The enduring impact of his survival story is something I will carry with me indefinitely. One of my favourite quotes came at the end of the interview, when Pinchus reflected, “You asked me a question, the answer is in the story.”
I received my grant a couple weeks before October 7th. In the wake of a surge of anti-semitism, younger generations are embracing our Jewish identity with renewed vigour. More and more people are actively getting tattoos with some form of Jewish imagery. These tattoos tell stories of empowerment and resilience.
What do you love most about your finished film?
We are not done yet but I am very excited! I think the visuals will tell a powerful story.
What is your advice to filmmakers who are behind you in the process of making and distributing their films? What do you wish someone had told you?
Success in filmmaking is undoubtedly a mix of talent and luck. Don’t be discouraged by rejection—it’s a natural part of the process. Keep putting yourself out there, whether it’s pitching ideas, submitting to festivals, or seeking funding.
Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, even if it means facing setbacks along the way. Remember, persistence often pays off in this industry. Stay true to your vision, be open to feedback, and never underestimate the power of networking. And most importantly, trust in your passion and keep pushing forward, because you never know when that stroke of luck might come your way.
What are you going to do after this and what are your dreams for the future of the film industry?
I am working on another documentary project, “Wandering: Jews of the Diaspora,” which boldly challenges outdated notions of Jewish identity. Against the backdrop of a global landscape, this cinematic film seeks to unravel the intricacies of Jewish identity and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
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