Tau Tau Menghan
Berlin- based writer-director Tau Tau Menghan is previously known as a crime novelist and columnist ,who has published 7 novels and has own 'sex & city ' style columns on newspapers and magazines in China,In addition to her literary achievements, Tau Tau has had a notable presence as a celebrity judge on supermodel shows and guests on talk shows. Her firsthand experiences in the worlds she portrayed in her novels and columns have made her a sought-after authority on fashion, lifestyle, and culture.
After her relocation to Berlin, she started to produce and direct films.From short film 'Angry Fruits Hotel' to 'Open Wound-the Über movie(Aka.Time is Up)' and her feature debut Pinky Swear-Whatever She Wants,she carries on her unique style of 'Fruity Crime' from her novels to her films.Feature film' Open Wound-the Über Movie (aka' Time is up') has won 21 international film awards ,including the best independent Film producer for Tau Tau at HIMPFF to recognize her spirit and talent as a Berlin independent filmmaker.
Your project takes a part in our festival. What is your project about?
PINKY Swear - Whatever She Wants" immerses the audience in a reality-bending thriller where lollipops serve as gateways to extraordinary adventures and unraveling sweet, dangerous mysteries. The film explores the chaos of a gorilla film production set in Berlin, a city pulsating with water towers and creativity.
What were your requirements for actors to take a part of your film?
For our unique production design in "PINKY Swear - Whatever She Wants," we integrated the entire crew into the cast to create a raw and authentic presence in front of the camera. This approach required extensive rehearsals, ensuring that both the cast and crew seamlessly merged their roles, contributing to the film's distinctive and stylish aesthetic.
What's amusing is that destiny seemed to play a significant role in bringing our leading cast, talented Nadine Nourney, Christoph Schulenberger, Chris Angel Walker and Sean Lee together. I essentially knew that Nadine, who portrayed 'Lady Papaya' in my movie, was the perfect fit from the moment we met at a revolving sushi restaurant in Pasadena, L.A. It felt like fate was at work. Likewise, the moment I saw Chris Angel Walker's face during my online Danish language class, I knew he was the ideal choice to embody 'The Treasure King.' This serendipitous connection among the cast and crew added a unique and compelling dimension to our Berlin gorilla film project, enhancing the film's overall appeal.
How did you communicate with the cameraman?
Communication with the cinematographer Damir Muchimov and the whole camera team was a crucial part of capturing the film's unique visual style. We collaborated extensively to balance static and handheld shots, creating a visual language that mirrors the multifaceted nature of the story.Of course,due to the nature of our Berlin gorilla project ,the communication happened a lot while we were having hot pot or spicy Sichuan food together,good food brought good ideas of camera work.
What locations did you choose for your project? And why?
The locations we chose for "PINKY Swear - whatever She wants' were instrumental in achieving the film's stylish and captivating visuals. We faced the unique challenge of shooting during the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled us to think creatively and resourcefully.To maintain control over logistics and timing, we decided to shoot the entire interior scenes in my own Berlin basement. This approach not only offered a controlled and familiar environment but also allowed us to adhere to safety guidelines during the pandemic while maintaining the unique aesthetics of the film. Additionally, the Berlin gorilla project nature of the film provided the flexibility to take full advantage of this unconventional location.For the exterior scenes, we chose to film in front of the Obersee Water tower. The combination of my home basement for interior scenes and the Obersee Water tower for exterior scenes contributed to the film's dynamic and stylish look.
Why should distributors buy your film?
Distributors should acquire "PINKY Swear" because it offers a fresh and daring cinematic experience. It combines innovative storytelling with bold stylistic execution, providing a unique blend of the cute and dark that will captivate audiences seeking a thought-provoking and stylish thriller.
What expression elements did you use in your project? How would you characterize your work?
PINKY Swear" incorporates contrasting elements of cute and dark, symbolized by lollipops and other seemingly innocent objects such as butterfly shoes ,water guns and Barbie dolls , in a surreal, crime-filled narrative. This fusion of elements is an integral part of the film's style and storytelling.
At what festivals have you had success? Has the film already premiered? If so, where?
PINKY Swear - Whatever She Wants" has recently completed production in the summer of 2023. While it has not yet had its world premiere, we eagerly await the notification calls from prestigious film festivals to grant us the destined time and place for this grand unveiling.In the meantime, the film has already received recognition and accolades, having been named the winner at festivals such as the Sweden Film Awards and Cine Paris, among others. These early successes have further solidified our belief in the film's stylish and captivating narrative, making us anticipate its world premiere with great excitement and anticipation
What motivated you to become a filmmaker?
My motivation to become a filmmaker stems from my background as a novelist, allowing myself to explore storytelling in a different dialect while retaining my passion of murder mystery narratives.What sets me apart is my belief that being a filmmaker isn't merely about "telling the audience a story." Instead, I view filmmaking as "playing a fair game of suspense with the audience."
Which movies are your favorites? And why?
My favorite movies include classics of Alfred Hitchcock's, particularly "Vertigo" and "The Birds." Hitchcock's ability to engage the audience in a fair game of suspense, combined with his subtle sense of humor, has always resonated with me. His approach to filmmaking, where he takes the audience on a thrilling and often humorous journey, greatly influences my attitude towards storytelling and style.
Additionally, I have a deep admiration for Robert Rodriguez, who brings a passionate and playful energy to his work. His enthusiasm for storytelling and willingness to push the boundaries of filmmaking align with my own approach. I believe in infusing my projects with a similar sense of passion and playfulness to create captivating and stylish narratives that engage and entertain the audience.
What topics do you like to deal with in your work?
I'm drawn to exploring the contrasting and often unexpected elements of daily life, especially those related to love and hate. I find the interplay between the cute and dark aspects of these universal emotions to be endlessly fascinating. It's in these intricacies that I discover the potential for captivating narratives that challenge conventional storytelling.
What genre do you like to shoot and why?
I have a strong affinity for the thriller genre, which aligns with my filmmaking expertise. As I mentioned earlier regarding my motivation, I strive to craft content that immerses the audience in a thrilling and interactive experience, prioritizing elements such as style, suspense, and the art of engaging in a suspenseful game with the audience. This genre allows me to consistently deliver narratives that resonate with viewers and captivate their senses, ensuring that style, suspense, and audience engagement remain at the forefront of my creative process when shooting a film.
What project would you like to shoot one day, what would it be about?
One project that I'm particularly eager to begin shooting as soon as possible is "Double Double Check." Unlike my previous work, the script for this project came together more seamlessly, but it demands a significantly larger budget and extensive preparation. "Double Double Check" delves into a surprising playground where various seemingly unrelated arts and cultures are interwoven, ultimately seeking harmony and happiness in their coexistence. This unique narrative promises a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, and I can't wait to bring it to life on screen.
How has COVID affected your film life?
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges to our film production. We had to adapt and make innovative changes to our traditional processes. For instance, the pandemic compelled us to shoot the movie in a much shorter time frame than initially planned. It also meant that traditional in-person readings and rehearsals were replaced with Zoom meetings, requiring us to find new ways to connect and collaborate.Furthermore, the limitations on travel and logistics spurred our team to innovate and improvise throughout the production. These challenges, although unexpected, contributed to the film's unique and stylish look
What do you do if you're not thinking about a movie? What are your hobbies?
If I don't think of movies,I do think about what to eat a lot.since I was living in various countries across the world,I adopted some weird food habits, for example I might want some spicy chicken feet to go with my morning coffee, and will cook Spaghetti with pineapples...food can make people love each other,hate each other and kill and murder...well,when I don't think of movies,I still think of movies..haha.Besides food,I dance Salsa and play Ping Pong very well, want to play with me?
What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?
In the immediate future, I will be starting the production of "Pinky Swear 2 - No Bird in the Sky." This project returns to the intimate setting of the 'basement escape game,' allowing me to employ my signature 'cheap, dirty, quick' tricks to create another compelling murder mystery. This sequel promises to be an engaging and stylish continuation of the narrative that began with "PINKY Swear - Whatever She Wants."
After her relocation to Berlin, she started to produce and direct films.From short film 'Angry Fruits Hotel' to 'Open Wound-the Über movie(Aka.Time is Up)' and her feature debut Pinky Swear-Whatever She Wants,she carries on her unique style of 'Fruity Crime' from her novels to her films.Feature film' Open Wound-the Über Movie (aka' Time is up') has won 21 international film awards ,including the best independent Film producer for Tau Tau at HIMPFF to recognize her spirit and talent as a Berlin independent filmmaker.
Your project takes a part in our festival. What is your project about?
PINKY Swear - Whatever She Wants" immerses the audience in a reality-bending thriller where lollipops serve as gateways to extraordinary adventures and unraveling sweet, dangerous mysteries. The film explores the chaos of a gorilla film production set in Berlin, a city pulsating with water towers and creativity.
What were your requirements for actors to take a part of your film?
For our unique production design in "PINKY Swear - Whatever She Wants," we integrated the entire crew into the cast to create a raw and authentic presence in front of the camera. This approach required extensive rehearsals, ensuring that both the cast and crew seamlessly merged their roles, contributing to the film's distinctive and stylish aesthetic.
What's amusing is that destiny seemed to play a significant role in bringing our leading cast, talented Nadine Nourney, Christoph Schulenberger, Chris Angel Walker and Sean Lee together. I essentially knew that Nadine, who portrayed 'Lady Papaya' in my movie, was the perfect fit from the moment we met at a revolving sushi restaurant in Pasadena, L.A. It felt like fate was at work. Likewise, the moment I saw Chris Angel Walker's face during my online Danish language class, I knew he was the ideal choice to embody 'The Treasure King.' This serendipitous connection among the cast and crew added a unique and compelling dimension to our Berlin gorilla film project, enhancing the film's overall appeal.
How did you communicate with the cameraman?
Communication with the cinematographer Damir Muchimov and the whole camera team was a crucial part of capturing the film's unique visual style. We collaborated extensively to balance static and handheld shots, creating a visual language that mirrors the multifaceted nature of the story.Of course,due to the nature of our Berlin gorilla project ,the communication happened a lot while we were having hot pot or spicy Sichuan food together,good food brought good ideas of camera work.
What locations did you choose for your project? And why?
The locations we chose for "PINKY Swear - whatever She wants' were instrumental in achieving the film's stylish and captivating visuals. We faced the unique challenge of shooting during the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled us to think creatively and resourcefully.To maintain control over logistics and timing, we decided to shoot the entire interior scenes in my own Berlin basement. This approach not only offered a controlled and familiar environment but also allowed us to adhere to safety guidelines during the pandemic while maintaining the unique aesthetics of the film. Additionally, the Berlin gorilla project nature of the film provided the flexibility to take full advantage of this unconventional location.For the exterior scenes, we chose to film in front of the Obersee Water tower. The combination of my home basement for interior scenes and the Obersee Water tower for exterior scenes contributed to the film's dynamic and stylish look.
Why should distributors buy your film?
Distributors should acquire "PINKY Swear" because it offers a fresh and daring cinematic experience. It combines innovative storytelling with bold stylistic execution, providing a unique blend of the cute and dark that will captivate audiences seeking a thought-provoking and stylish thriller.
What expression elements did you use in your project? How would you characterize your work?
PINKY Swear" incorporates contrasting elements of cute and dark, symbolized by lollipops and other seemingly innocent objects such as butterfly shoes ,water guns and Barbie dolls , in a surreal, crime-filled narrative. This fusion of elements is an integral part of the film's style and storytelling.
At what festivals have you had success? Has the film already premiered? If so, where?
PINKY Swear - Whatever She Wants" has recently completed production in the summer of 2023. While it has not yet had its world premiere, we eagerly await the notification calls from prestigious film festivals to grant us the destined time and place for this grand unveiling.In the meantime, the film has already received recognition and accolades, having been named the winner at festivals such as the Sweden Film Awards and Cine Paris, among others. These early successes have further solidified our belief in the film's stylish and captivating narrative, making us anticipate its world premiere with great excitement and anticipation
What motivated you to become a filmmaker?
My motivation to become a filmmaker stems from my background as a novelist, allowing myself to explore storytelling in a different dialect while retaining my passion of murder mystery narratives.What sets me apart is my belief that being a filmmaker isn't merely about "telling the audience a story." Instead, I view filmmaking as "playing a fair game of suspense with the audience."
Which movies are your favorites? And why?
My favorite movies include classics of Alfred Hitchcock's, particularly "Vertigo" and "The Birds." Hitchcock's ability to engage the audience in a fair game of suspense, combined with his subtle sense of humor, has always resonated with me. His approach to filmmaking, where he takes the audience on a thrilling and often humorous journey, greatly influences my attitude towards storytelling and style.
Additionally, I have a deep admiration for Robert Rodriguez, who brings a passionate and playful energy to his work. His enthusiasm for storytelling and willingness to push the boundaries of filmmaking align with my own approach. I believe in infusing my projects with a similar sense of passion and playfulness to create captivating and stylish narratives that engage and entertain the audience.
What topics do you like to deal with in your work?
I'm drawn to exploring the contrasting and often unexpected elements of daily life, especially those related to love and hate. I find the interplay between the cute and dark aspects of these universal emotions to be endlessly fascinating. It's in these intricacies that I discover the potential for captivating narratives that challenge conventional storytelling.
What genre do you like to shoot and why?
I have a strong affinity for the thriller genre, which aligns with my filmmaking expertise. As I mentioned earlier regarding my motivation, I strive to craft content that immerses the audience in a thrilling and interactive experience, prioritizing elements such as style, suspense, and the art of engaging in a suspenseful game with the audience. This genre allows me to consistently deliver narratives that resonate with viewers and captivate their senses, ensuring that style, suspense, and audience engagement remain at the forefront of my creative process when shooting a film.
What project would you like to shoot one day, what would it be about?
One project that I'm particularly eager to begin shooting as soon as possible is "Double Double Check." Unlike my previous work, the script for this project came together more seamlessly, but it demands a significantly larger budget and extensive preparation. "Double Double Check" delves into a surprising playground where various seemingly unrelated arts and cultures are interwoven, ultimately seeking harmony and happiness in their coexistence. This unique narrative promises a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, and I can't wait to bring it to life on screen.
How has COVID affected your film life?
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges to our film production. We had to adapt and make innovative changes to our traditional processes. For instance, the pandemic compelled us to shoot the movie in a much shorter time frame than initially planned. It also meant that traditional in-person readings and rehearsals were replaced with Zoom meetings, requiring us to find new ways to connect and collaborate.Furthermore, the limitations on travel and logistics spurred our team to innovate and improvise throughout the production. These challenges, although unexpected, contributed to the film's unique and stylish look
What do you do if you're not thinking about a movie? What are your hobbies?
If I don't think of movies,I do think about what to eat a lot.since I was living in various countries across the world,I adopted some weird food habits, for example I might want some spicy chicken feet to go with my morning coffee, and will cook Spaghetti with pineapples...food can make people love each other,hate each other and kill and murder...well,when I don't think of movies,I still think of movies..haha.Besides food,I dance Salsa and play Ping Pong very well, want to play with me?
What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?
In the immediate future, I will be starting the production of "Pinky Swear 2 - No Bird in the Sky." This project returns to the intimate setting of the 'basement escape game,' allowing me to employ my signature 'cheap, dirty, quick' tricks to create another compelling murder mystery. This sequel promises to be an engaging and stylish continuation of the narrative that began with "PINKY Swear - Whatever She Wants."