Posted by ISA award-winning Kelly Sarri statement (see below) and interview on her award for Best Documentary Short for “Tax Evasion: A Greek National Sport”, a journey of a Greek filmmaker to find the reasons why tax evasion rates in Greece are that high.
Kelly is graduated from Loyola Marymount University with an MFA in Film & TV, in Los Angeles, California, where she currently lives.
ISA: What made you decide to make this film?
Kelly Sarri: I think because this subject is not addressed enough in a film setting. In Greece, it is an issue, especially after the crisis. I wanted though to make a piece that explained both sides of the argument because Greece has that reputation but I guess I wanted to discover what parts of it are true.
ISA: What did you want to tell to the audience with this film?
KS: That there are two sides to every story. I wanted to share my thoughts about Greece and how the latest events affect the country. I do not want to force an opinion but rather present the reasons for tax evasion from another perspective and with lots of humor.
ISA: How difficult is to make the audience feel linked to a documentary film like this one?
KS: I can definitely say a lot. I had multiple interviews so I was not sure if it will be complicated or entertaining. But I believe some of the interviews stand out and people really comprehend the situation and felt for the people in the film. At least that I got from their comments.
ISA: Are you happy with the final result or would you change something?
KS: I can say I am happy with the final result but I think like every filmmaker the more I watch it, the more I want to change some details. But minor things!
ISA: What’s next?
KS: Fortunately, multiple projects! Right now we are in post-production of a short film for which I am doing the animation and the motion graphics. Also, I am in the pre-production of another short film that I will direct. But in the future, I will definitely want to make a documentary again!