Exploring bold new works from filmmakers around the world, the 54th New Directors/New Films, our annual festival co-presented with The Museum of Modern Art, is officially underway through April 13. As the festival continues, get to know the filmmakers who speak to the present and anticipate the future of cinema.

Laura Casabé discusses what first made her want to become a filmmaker and what it means to screen her film The Virgin of the Quarry Lake at ND/NF.

What made you first want to be a director?

Since I was very young, my father took me to the movies every Sunday. They were popular children’s films, but the experience left its mark on me forever because I was happy in those theaters. Then I would go to my friends’ houses and put on little plays with them where I would represent what I had seen in the movies. In some way, I never doubted that I wanted that job, that way of life. Maybe it has to do with wanting to always relive that childhood experience. Being a director allows me to reflect on the world I live in and exorcise it, but when I tried to do that through writing, I mean literature, I realized that what I really wanted was a job that involved collective creation. Maybe because of all those things, because I always want to work with friends, with teams, and to be able to keep playing.

Was there a film or director you were inspired by or continue to be inspired by?

Several! But I would say Lucrecia Martel (La Ciénaga and The Holy Girl), David Lynch (Mulholland Drive), Roman Polanski (especially Rosemary’s Baby and The Tenant), John Waters’ Pink Flamingos, John Cassavetes, and Leonardo Favio (his 3 first movies)!!!

In your own words, tell us about your film. What should audiences know?

It is a film about the anguishing and furious experience of being a teenage woman full of carnal desire, in love with his best friend, who discovers that a dark and disturbing power lurks within her and the world that sorrounds her, and how to survive all of this during one of the most terrible crises that Argentina has ever experienced. Something like a coming of rage more than a coming of age

What does it mean to you to show your film at New Directors/New Films?

The feeling is one of enormous excitement, on the one hand because I have known this festival for a long time and it is a dream to be part of this selection, and on the other hand, as there is a feeling of relief, because it was difficult for me at times to be able to carry out this film with its particularities and follow my instinct and trust the decisions I was making, because I knew I was taking risks. Luckily my team supported me, but it was not easy. When such a prestigious festival decides to share our film, there is a feeling of validation and great relief and a push to continue believing in what I do, which is often very difficult on this path.And also is a great platform to connect from my part of the world to the audience of other places, in this case New York.

What was the biggest lesson you learned during the making of your film?

In this particular film, I learned the value of following my instinct despite all difficulties, not cutting the script before filming even though the film is being made in a short time and I am experiencing financial difficulties because later in the editing process that material, even the one that is discarded, is key to the final writing of the film.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I would say there are two: you can’t win all the battles, you have to choose which ones to fight, and perseverance and duration are the greatest allies to navigate change.

What else do you enjoy doing outside of filmmaking?

Read books, go out and travel with friends, and party quite a lot.

What’s a film you saw recently that you enjoyed?

A Real Pain and Fargo.

The Virgin of the Quarry Lake

Laura Casabé’s The Virgin of the Quarry Lake screens on April 3 & April 4. New Directors/New Films takes place April 2-April 13. Explore the lineup and get tickets.