“Your film becomes a living thing”: Gabe Klinger and Marina Person on Isabel at Berlin Film Festival 2026

Director Gabe Klinger and protagonist/screenwriter Marina Person joined us at the Berlin Film Festival 2026 to discuss their new film, Isabel. Klinger, known for his previous work Porto, makes a compelling return to filmmaking after a decade, a journey he describes as a “homecoming” to his roots in São Paulo, where the feature is set. His unique path into cinema, originating from programming and criticism rather than film school, informs his distinctive vision. Person, unexpectedly cast in the lead role despite her primary career as a director, brought an authentic connection to the protagonist and her real-life passion for wine. She also contributed significantly to the script, shaping Isabel’s character and adding layers of personal insight to the narrative. Klinger beautifully encapsulates their creative process, stating, “Your film becomes a living thing,” much like the living wines Isabel champions. This reflects their collaborative and organic approach to storytelling, drawing inspiration from masters like Cassavetes, and metaphorically mirroring the challenges of independent filmmaking through Isabel’s ambitious yet often thwarted quest to open her own wine bar.