"Tales from the Magic Garden", Interview with Directors Leon Vidmar and Jean-Claude Rozec

At the 75th Berlinale, we sat down with directors Leon Vidmar and Jean-Claude Rozec, two of the creative minds behind "Tales from the Magic Garden". Presented in the Generation section, this European stop-motion film combines multiple storytelling voices to craft a seamless narrative. The Origin of Tales from the Magic Garden The film originated from Czech producer Martin Vandas and director David Sukup, who envisioned a collaborative omnibus-style project. They adapted the works of Arnold Goldflam, inviting international directors, including Leon Vidmar and Jean-Claude Rozec, to contribute. "It was a challenge to unify different stories into one seamless film," says Jean-Claude Rozec. His role was to connect the three individual tales into a cohesive overarching story. A Film About Grief and Storytelling At its heart, "Tales from the Magic Garden" is about loss and imagination. The main storyline follows three children coping with their grandmother’s passing by telling stories—just as she once did for them. Each story within the film is directed by a different filmmaker, reflecting this multi-perspective approach. The Challenge of a Multi-Director Film Creating a consistent artistic vision while working separately was a significant challenge. Leon Vidmar explains: "At first, it was difficult because we each had our own creative ideas. But we had to compromise and trust that everything would come together." Despite the hurdles, the result is a unified film rather than a disconnected anthology. The Magic of Stop-Motion Animation One of the film’s standout elements is its stop-motion animation. According to Leon Vidmar, this technique was the perfect choice: "Stop-motion brings an organic imperfection that makes characters feel human. Puppets, like us, have flaws—and that makes them relatable." Jean-Claude Rozec adds: "It also fits the surreal tone of Goldflam’s stories. There’s something magical about making puppets come to life frame by frame." A True European Production The film's contributions from different countries are a testament to international collaboration. While cultural differences were minimal, Jean-Claude Rozec notes: "I had to adapt to the style of the other directors while maintaining a personal touch." The Ingredients for a Great Story When asked about the key ingredients for storytelling, Leon Vidmar humorously responds: "A globe, a chair, and a shoe!" Meanwhile, Jean-Claude Rozec reflects: "Drama, chaos, and joy—plus the passion to share stories with the world."