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Your new movie Exodos
- in a few words, what's it about? Exodos it’s about identity, resilience, and the courage
it takes to leave behind what’s familiar to seek something better.
What were your sources of inspiration when writing Exodos,
and is any of it based on personal experiences?
The inspiration came partly from my own reflections on tough
crossroads in life—moments when you’re forced to choose between
comfort and growth. While I haven’t lived Hayley’s exact
circumstances, I drew from personal feelings of displacement and the
quest to define my own path. Those emotional truths helped shape the film’s tone and depth. To what
extent could you actually identify with Exodos'
lead character Hayley and the ordeal she's going through? I relate to Hayley’s internal struggle, her sense of being
torn between what she knows and what she wants. That feeling of
stepping out into the unknown with no guarantees is something I’ve
experienced as a filmmaker and immigrant of multicultural
background—constantly forging my own way, unsure of what lies ahead.
Her journey resonates with anyone who has ever longed for more than their circumstances.
Do talk about your film's rather unique look and feel! We aimed for a look that balanced gritty realism with moments of
subtle visual poetry. The color palette is muted and earthy,
reflecting a worn-down world, we also played with more neon
colors for the chaotic world of the thieves to evoke tension and
moral decay. Yet, there’s a careful use of light and shadow to
hint at hope and possibilities. The cinematography, production design,
and costuming all work together to create a visually textured
environment that mirrors Hayley’s emotional landscape. A
few words about your directorial approach to your story at hand? As a director, I wanted authenticity at every level. I focused
on the characters’ inner lives, encouraging the actors to find
personal truths in their performances. I also remained open to
collaboration—my crew’s insights were invaluable. Structurally, I
played with pacing and silence to let emotions breathe, trusting the
audience to feel and interpret rather than constantly be told what to
think. What can you tell us about Exodos'
cast, and why exactly these people? Each member of the cast was selected based on their ability to bring
the character to life and play along with it, they each brought a raw
honesty to the table. We chose actors who could convey complex layers
of emotion without excessive dialogue. They were all open, courageous,
and willing to dig deep. The ensemble’s chemistry was crucial, as we
needed to believe in the tense, fraught family dynamic that underpins
the story. And they all were just wonderful to work with.
Do talk about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere!
It was intense. We were still in film school so we had to shoot in
between classes and find ways to create a schedule where everyone
could be on set. Mostly everything was shot at night and then everyone
would go to school in the morning or straight from the set. We did it
in a week and it was hard work, but it felt like we were creating
something meaningful together. The
$64-question of course, where can Exodos
be seen? We’re currently submitting Exodos to a variety of
festivals worldwide, aiming to reach both established and emerging
platforms known for celebrating indie films. As soon as we lock down
festival screenings, I'll announce them on social media. Eventually,
we plan to make it accessible via select streaming platforms, so stay
tuned! Anything you can tell us about audience and
critical reception of Exodos?
So far, early viewers have responded strongly to Hayley’s emotional
journey. People tell us they see parts of themselves in her struggle,
which is incredibly gratifying. Critics who have seen it note the
film’s intensity and authentic performances. We’re optimistic that
as it hits more festivals, the resonance will only grow. Any
future projects you'd like to share?
Yes, I’m currently developing a feature-length project
exploring themes of balance, faith, and mental health—stories that
challenge how we perceive extremes and moderation in our lives. This
next film will be a deeper dive into personal transformations and the
fine line between devotion and self-destruction. What got you into
filmmaking in the first place, and did you receive any formal training on
the subject? I've always wanted to make films, I don't think I recall
a time when I didn't. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling
and the emotional truth that cinema can convey. I studied at the New
York Film Academy for my BFA, which gave me a solid technical
foundation. Later, I earned an MBA from the University of Miami
Herbert Business School, helping me navigate the industry’s business
complexities. Combined, these experiences taught me to balance
artistic integrity with strategic thinking. What can you tell us about your filmwork
prior to Exodos? Before Exodos, I worked on a few short projects,
music videos and whatnots that allowed me to refine my style and
voice. These earlier films helped me understand the kind of stories I
wanted to tell: ones that reflect on human vulnerability, moral
ambiguity, and the universal search for meaning. I have another short
film I wrote, produced, directed and edited called Polaris, which
will be available to the public soon, and another short I produced called
Plutus which is on Vimeo.
How would you describe yourself as a director? I’d say I’m collaborative yet clear in my vision. I value
input from my team because filmmaking is inherently collective. At the
same time, I’m decisive about the story’s emotional core and will
always fight to preserve its authenticity. Filmmakers
who inspire you? I’m inspired by directors who aren’t afraid to take creative
risks and who bring depth to their characters. A few names like Yorgos
Lanthimos, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Kurosawa come to mind, but
I could keep talking for ages about my inspirations. In general, I
like work that often pushes boundaries while also staying
grounded in human emotion to some extent. Your favourite movies? I can never decide and they always change, but I would say
Interstellar, Your Name from Makoto Shinkai and Fight Club are
always amongst them. ... and of course, films you really deplore?
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Any film that feels exploitative, relying on cheap gimmicks or
stereotypes instead of sincere storytelling, disappoints me. I’m not
a fan of movies that underestimate the audience’s intelligence or
rely solely on spectacle without substance. Your/your
movie's website, social media, whatever else? I mostly post on my Instagram - @eledoucas14 - and
TikTok - eledoucas - about my films, latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses,
festival announcements ... You can also find me on IMDb: Eleni
Doucas. Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?
Just that I hope Exodos encourages viewers to reflect on
their own paths. It’s a film about choice, courage, and the
possibility of forging a more authentic life. If audiences come away
thinking about their own identities and the roads they’ve yet to
travel, then I’ve done my job as a filmmaker. Thanks for the interview!
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