Meet Raphael Buisson Enlas | Director and Cinematographer in films

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raphael Buisson Enlas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raphael, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Originally from Paris, my love affair with cinema was sparked in the earliest days of my childhood. In those innocent moments, I held the belief that actors were somehow trapped inside the movie screen. This misconception that fueled my imagination and curiosity. Little did I know then that this quirky belief would kick-start a lifelong fascination with filmmaking that would shape my journey.

On a film set in Paris at the age of 12, I became hooked. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It continued to grow as I wrote and directed my own short films.

Cut to 2015, I found myself at King’s College London, immersing myself in the art of visual storytelling. Terrence Malick’s masterpieces captivated me, and my thesis delved into the intriguing clash between nature and modernity in his films.

In 2016, my fervor for filmmaking reignited during my tenure as a production assistant in NYC on “TIME: The Kalief Browder Story.” Observing the crew, capturing the tragic tale of Kalief Browder, and shedding light on flaws within the justice system, I recognized filmmaking’s potential as a potent tool for social change.

Yearning to refine my skills, I relocated to LA in 2019 to pursue an MFA in Film Production at USC. Collaborating with exceptionally talented peers and industry professionals fueled my passion, resulting in diverse projects beyond the university, including directing feature films like “Stardust” (2019) and “The Optimist” (2023), along with engagement in short films, VR productions, music videos, and commercials.

Wearing multiple hats in the filmmaking process—director, writer, cinematographer, and producer. But also working as a production assistant has been an enriching journey, encompassing the emotional depth of “Kalief Browder Story” in NYC, the humor of a Blanche Gardin show, and the futuristic realm of Gareth Edwards’ “The Creator” in Thailand. Each step, from being a production assistant to directing my own work, has been a lesson in humility and growth.

Why filmmaking? It allows me to amalgamate my passions for history, literature, architecture, music, astronomy, and nature. Cinema, as a medium, integrates all these art forms: architecture, music, astronomy—providing an avenue for boundless exploration. The joy lies in replicating those few seconds of goosebumps, even if just for one person. Reflecting on my journey, one truth endures – I am eager to persist in learning, growing, and contributing to the world of cinema.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My cinematic endeavors delve into themes of existentialism, freewill, loneliness, alienation, and dreams. I craft narratives using fragmented structures, time manipulation, and subjective perspectives, aiming to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences that demand active audience engagement.

Inspired by cinematic luminaries like Claire Denis, Federico Fellini, Terrence Malick, Sofia Coppola, Jean-Pierre Melville, Gaspar Noé, Sam Esmail, Henri-Georges Clouzot, and Michael Mann, my dedication is to collaborate with talented individuals globally.

In 2019, my directorial debut, “Stardust,” filmed in Paris and the Spanish desert, provided invaluable insights into the power of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. This experience fueled my desire for more.

My thirst for learning continues as I undertake the role of cinematographer for an upcoming sci-fi feature. Additionally, I’m excited to present my recent directorial work, “The Optimist,” my second feature, alongside various short films and VR projects where I serve as director and DP.
Beyond these projects, I’m nurturing a slate of ideas spanning post-WWII drama, sci-fi animated adventure, multi-perspective narrative in a nightclub, and a neo-noir film about a hacker fugitive embroiled in industrial espionage.

Amidst these creative pursuits, we closely monitor the progress of several short films I’ve directed, shot, and/or produced, featured in numerous festivals within and outside LA.

Looking ahead, I aspire to bridge cultural divides and contribute to diverse creative environments. My experiences in the US, Thailand, UK, Spain, and France provide me with a broader perspective that I integrate into my written works and collaborations.

In the collaborative tapestry of filmmaking, every individual’s contribution is vital. My aspiration is to humbly contribute to each project, whether through directing, producing, cinematography, writing, or any creative outlet.

Reflecting on lessons and challenges, my filmmaking journey has encountered obstacles, from projects not getting the green light, tight schedule and budget to unexpected elements like broken cameras, dust storms, rain, swarm of mosquitoes… Each setback has been a valuable lesson, offering insights for improvement.

Contemporary challenges include the rapidly evolving industry landscape, with AI, VR, streaming platforms, and shifting audience preferences redefining storytelling. Staying relevant demands perpetual innovation, yet amidst this whirlwind, maintaining artistic integrity remains a steadfast anchor.

Acknowledging challenges as catalysts for advancement is a practice easier said than done. Nevertheless, I remain resolute in viewing every obstacle as an opportunity for refining my craft, both personally and professionally, in the grand scheme of my filmmaking journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

For a weeklong stay in Los Angeles, I would opt for accommodations in the Los Feliz neighborhood. Beginning with the first day, exploring the diverse culinary offerings of Los Feliz would be a priority, as the neighborhood boasts a wide range of dining experiences, from cozy cafes to international cuisine.

On the same day, a hike to Griffith Observatory would provide a panoramic view of the city, offering a serene perspective, especially during the sunset – an experience that captures the essence of Los Angeles.

Moving on to the second day, a visit to the Silver Lake neighborhood would be on the agenda, known for its artistic atmosphere and distinctive shops. Following this, a scenic drive along Mulholland Drive would offer sweeping views of the city and Hollywood Hills, concluding the day with a refined dinner in Koreatown, featuring authentic Korean cuisine.

Transitioning to the coastal scene, the third day would involve a visit to Santa Monica. Followed by a drive on the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, culminating in a sunset along the shores.
Shifting gears, the fourth day would be dedicated to exploring the beaches of Long Beach and Manhattan Beach, with an emphasis on enjoying the laid-back ambiance and perhaps indulging in local seafood delicacies.

The final two days would be reserved for a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, immersing in the surreal landscapes and unique flora. On the return journey, a detour to Bombay Beach would offer a glimpse into the ethereal beauty of the Salton Sea. Passing through Palm Springs would add a touch of mid-century modern charm before returning to Los Feliz.

Concluding the week with a sense of nostalgia, the seventh day would involve a farewell brunch in Los Feliz, providing a moment to reflect on the diverse experiences encountered throughout the trip.

This curated itinerary aims to blend the urban vibrancy of Los Angeles with coastal serenity and the distinctive landscapes of the desert.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to extend my heartfelt shoutout to several pivotal figures who have significantly influenced my journey. Firstly, my parents, who, despite not being cinephiles, instilled in me a profound passion for films and cultivated a sense of curiosity that has been instrumental in shaping my creative pursuits.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my grandfather, whose teachings on history have not only enriched my understanding of the past but have also imparted valuable lessons on patience and resilience.
Special acknowledgment goes to my close friends and collaborators, as their unwavering support and shared creative endeavors have been the cornerstone of my filmmaking ventures. Every beautiful and meaningful moment in this journey is indebted to their contributions.

In terms of literary influences, I want to highlight a selection of books that have played a crucial role in shaping my perspective:

“A Season in the Wilderness”
“The Velvet Queen”
“Une Longue Impatience”
“Heart of Darkness”
“Le Petit Prince”
“Magellan”
“Foundation”
“Brave New World”
“La Société du Spectacle”
“La Horde du Contrevent”
“L’Étranger”
“Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”
“The Rum Diary”
“The Monkey Wrench gang”

Each of these works has left an indelible mark on my intellectual and creative journey, contributing to the multifaceted tapestry that shapes my storytelling approach and artistic vision. This shoutout is a recognition of the collective impact of these individuals and literary works on the narrative of my life and artistic pursuits.

Website: https://raphaelbuissonenlas-cinema.squarespace.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raphael9619/?hl=en

Image Credits
1st pic. The Optimist Directed and shot by Raphael Buisson Enlas 2nd pic Directed by Raphael Buisson Enlas And shot by Dalton Lu 3rd pic Directed by Raphael Buisson Enlas Shot by Warren Elgort 4th pic Directed by Raphael Buisson Enlas Shot by Warren Elgort 5th pic Directed by Raphael Buisson Enlas Shot by Raphael Buisson 6th pic Directed by Raphael Buisson Enlas Shot by Warren Elgort 7th pic Directed by Jack Yonover Shot by Raphael Buisson Enlas 8th pic Directed by Raphael Buisson Enlas Shot by Jefferson Mac Crooner