Unveiling the Soul of Indie Filmmaking: A Conversation with BERLIN LOOP Writer/Director Emily Manthei
Show Notes:
Independent filmmaking is often described as a labor of love, a journey defined by passion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of story. In this episode, host Farida Rafique is joined by writer and director Emily Manthei, whose debut feature film, Berlin Loop, embodies that spirit in striking and meaningful ways.
Emily’s path into cinema was sparked by an early love of movies and nurtured by a deep curiosity about what shapes human experience. With a master’s degree in theology and ethics, she seeks out the spaces where spirituality meets the everyday and where emotional and ethical complexity shapes the decisions her characters make. She believes filmmakers should have something to say, and that conviction is central to her storytelling.
Set in Berlin and informed by the city’s layered history and subcultures, Berlin Loop is a crime-infused coming-of-age thriller about identity, power, and the struggle for a second chance. It blends genre elements with a thoughtful inquiry into the loops we find ourselves stuck in — and how we fight to break free. The film earned the Audience Award at the Berlin Sci-Fi Filmfest, signaling a resonant and promising debut.
In this conversation, Emily shares what it truly takes to bring a first feature to life: the community you build, the values that guide you, and the persistence required when the path is unclear. She reflects on the importance of authenticity when resources are lean, how to hold onto your creative voice, and why independent filmmaking remains a vital space for truth-telling and cultural reflection.
This episode is both a celebration of artistic courage and a grounded look at the creative process. It offers inspiration to anyone pursuing meaningful work, whether writing a first script, chasing a long-held dream, or redefining their craft in mid-career. Emily’s journey reminds us that within the challenges of independent filmmaking lies a powerful opportunity to uncover purpose, connection, and deeper meaning.
Tune in, take a breath, and slow dive into the soul of indie cinema.
Takeaways:
1. The Genesis of a Filmmaker
Emily Manthei's love for storytelling started at a young age, with a pivotal moment occurring when she fell in love with movies after watching Star Wars at the age of twelve. This sparked a passion that led her to create her own films, involving family members in her early projects. Her fascination with cinema deepened as she explored iconic directors, particularly Wim Wenders, whose film "Paris, Texas" left a lasting impression on her creative vision.
2. The Intersection of Faith and Film
Emily's academic journey took an unexpected turn as she pursued a degree in theology and philosophy, driven by a desire to understand faith beyond what she had been taught. This background informs her filmmaking, allowing her to create stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion. Her decision to study theology was not merely an academic choice but a quest for meaning in her work. Emily believes that filmmakers should have something significant to say, and her own journey reflects this intentionality.
3. Crafting Multicultural Narratives
With a master's degree in theology and ethics from the University of Edinburgh, Emily's films often explore multicultural themes. Her debut feature, "Berlin Loop," is a crime-tinged coming-of-age thriller that navigates the complexities of revenge, greed, and self-reckoning. The film, which won the Audience Award at the Berlin Sci-Fi Film Fest, exemplifies her ability to weave together diverse cultural narratives while addressing universal human experiences.
4. The Indie Filmmaking Spirit
During the podcast, Emily shared her insights into the spirit of indie filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection to one’s roots. She articulated the value of telling stories that resonate on a personal level, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to find their unique voice. Emily's journey from Hollywood to Berlin has been marked by a commitment to exploring the human condition through her films, making her a significant voice in contemporary cinema.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Emily Manthei's journey through the worlds of faith, philosophy, and filmmaking offers a rich tapestry of insights for aspiring creators. Her belief in the power of storytelling to drive meaningful conversations is a reminder of the importance of authenticity in the creative process. As indie filmmakers continue to shape the narrative landscape, Emily's work serves as an inspiration to those seeking to make a genuine impact through their art. By embracing our unique experiences and perspectives, we can create stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
Photo credit Judyta Slomian.
On-set/BTS: Photo credit Sanjeet Singh
ABOUT EMILY MANTHEI
Call to Action: Berlin Loop comes to Vimeo on Demand on December 25; add it to your watchlist now: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/berlinloop
Sign up for my free guerrilla filmmaking guide: https://justmakethemovie.com
Subscribe to my Newsletter for Now: https://emilymanthei.com/subscribe
Emily’s short films and NGO impact documentaries have screened and won audience awards at festivals in the US and Europe, raised funds for charities in Central America and Eastern Europe, and been discussed in workshops with international NGOs in South Asia, where she’s also led writing and filmmaking workshops with locals.
Her first feature film, Berlin Loop, was selected for the Female Filmmaker Festival Berlin’s R-Lab in 2021 and won the Audience Award at the Berlin SciFi Filmfest in 2025.
As a journalist, her work has appeared in The Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, Deutsche Welle, and many other travel and arts publications.
She co-produced the thoughtful podcast series Techno Spiritual Crossings in 2025 and explored the history of Christian apocalypse lore in a longreads piece for Pipe Wrench Magazine in 2021.
@filmsbyemilymanthei (Instagram)
Emily Manthei (LinkedIn)
