“Funeral Casino Blues”, Interview with Director Roderick Warich

We conducted an interview with director Roderick Warich, focusing on his film “Funeral Casino Blues”, which was selected for the Orizzonti section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Warich delves into the profound themes of memory loss and the burdens carried by his characters throughout the film.

The mystery of absence

Warich explains that the themes in “Funeral Casino Blues“, especially disappearances, were influenced by the film “La Ventura“, which had a significant impact on him. He describes how challenging it can be to translate cinematic language into words but emphasizes his interest in exploring the mystery of absence—an element that adds emotional depth to his storytelling.

Ghosts of globalization in Thailand

Choosing Thailand as the setting, Warich aimed to explore the “ghosts of globalization” and shed light on the often invisible working class. He intentionally excluded Western characters to focus on stories of marginalized communities, highlighting their experiences and struggles. This decision emphasizes the film’s focus on local realities within a globalized world.

Money without borders

Warich clarifies that “Funeral Casino Blues” is not solely about Thailand-specific issues but addresses broader themes of economic disparity. The film examines how money can circulate freely across borders while the working class remains restricted and marginalized. While the film contains romantic elements, it also carries strong political undertones, shedding light on these global economic injustices.

The paradox of funeral casino blues

The title “Funeral Casino Blues” comes from the funeral casinos found in rural areas, where mourning, alcohol, and illegal gambling converge. This paradoxical imagery of death mixed with life captures the core essence of the film. The “blues” inspiration draws from titles like “Miami Blues” and “Cowboy Bebop”, aiming to avoid the perception of an overly pretentious art house film while adding a cultural layer.

From writer to director

Having previously written “The Universal Theory”, which competed for the Golden Lion in 2023, Warich expresses his desire to focus more on directing and less on writing. He acknowledges the financial challenges filmmakers face today and questions the relevance of art in a rapidly changing world. Nonetheless, he remains passionate about cinema’s power to provoke thought and foster reflection.

Cinema’s role in a burning world

Warich reflects on the urgency of current social and political issues. While he questions whether cinema can truly keep up with the speed of societal change, he encourages viewers to watch “Funeral Casino Blues”, hoping it will inspire insight and reflection. Despite his doubts, he believes in cinema’s potential to provoke awareness and dialogue.

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