Avant-garde filmmaker Juno Mak answers 6 burning questions

Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Juno Mak

If you could travel back in time, which filmmaker would you choose to have a conversation with?
Stanley Kubrick, as I grew up watching his movies.

If you weren’t in film or music, what would you have been?
A farmer. Growing, cooking or anything to do with food all deeply interests me.

What is one ritual that you must follow during your creative process?
I love brewing coffee on set. I always bring my own coffee-making equipment and it’s my daily ritual before I start a shoot.

Are you more comfortable in front or behind the camera?
There is a stark contrast between who I am in front of and behind the camera. Behind the camera, I am more of a curator. Yet because of my work behind the camera, I've learnt to appreciate my work in front. These two sides are like yin and yang to me.

What is one thing you dread hearing on set?
People whispering. I think hearing conversations unrelated to the film’s plot really affects people’s ability to focus while filming.

Do you consider yourself a perfectionist?
No. I don’t believe in perfection; I think it’s a made-up word. I’ve never chased perfection. Instead, I want to get closer to imperfection because it is unique. Perfection gives us no leverage.

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