In his documentary, the director shows the world of influencers. We talked to her about the right to veto, why the topic is so controversial and what the title of the film means.
Why do you think influencers are so polarized?
Because they sell us authenticity by posting very personal photos and stories and taking their audience with them through everyday life. When they then start smuggling food into their posts, it’s very easy to feel cheated and betrayed.
Before filming, did Leonie and her parents have rules about what they could and couldn’t show?
We had agreements regarding the protection of data, that is, the place of residence and her real name. And the exact figures of their income. Otherwise, I was very free during the filming.
Did the people portrayed have the right to veto the finished film?
No It rarely happens to the main characters of a documentary either. The principle of independent reporting must be preserved. The right to vote would jeopardize this. But I always stay in close contact with my characters and show them the film before the premiere. In this case too. And the family was very happy.
The film is not only about Leonie and her parents, but also about the superfan Melanie. How did you come to them?
It was clear to me from the beginning that I still needed an outside perspective to understand and visualize the phenomenon of Leoni’s deification. So I scoured Leonie’s account for fans, then contacted five girls and filmed with them. But as I edited it, it became more and more obvious that there was only room for one fan story in the film if I really wanted to shed light on that side. And Melanie perfectly represented the fan community in all its manifestations.
How did the other four girls react when you told them they weren’t in the movie?
I told the girls from the very beginning that I couldn’t promise that they would be in the film. They understood it too. Even during filming, I concentrated more and more on Melanie.
Why did you choose the name “Girl Gang” and not “Leoobalys – The Movie”?
I originally planned to make a film about Leonie and her friends. But then I noticed relatively quickly that the dynamics within the family offer extraordinary insight into the current zeitgeist. I was fascinated. However, I kept the name because in the process I realized that today’s girl gangs are no longer girls who roam the streets, but girl groups that form online.
Why should people watch a movie that knows nothing about the world of influence?
The film is an intimate family portrait through which one can observe and understand the actual phenomenon. Family history is universal and plays out on this planet tens of millions of times. It’s a journey into our zeitgeist, behind the scenes of social media. I think the experiences are enriching, no, even important, for young and old alike. The film stops reflecting.
gang of girls will be shown in cinemas in German-speaking Switzerland from October 27, 2022.
Dossier: Interview
Source: Outnow
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.