Mythology, Metal, Merry Christmas Mithras

 
"Metal musicians have long been drawn to the wellspring of mythology...Norse, Greek, Egyptian..."
"The Metal Odyssey: Exploring The Connection Between Metal and Mythology" by Silviya Y.

'"Merry Christmas Mithras" is a dark folktale born from a deep dive into the truly ancient mythology of the Roman mystery cult of Mithras. Our creative process was as layered as the myth itself...' - TRIXSTART

"Mythology offers a vast and varied repository of stories, characters, and symbols, which align seamlessly with the dramatic essence of heavy metal...These ancient stories introduce archetypal heroes, formidable deities, and moral tales..."
"The use of mythology and fantasy in heavy metal"

Question 1: In your cover letter, you wrote: "I believe the subject matter is particularly resonant, prompting curiosity and conversation about the nature of belief systems, the weight of doctrine, and the terrifying lengths to which individuals will go to secure power and prosperity under the banner of faith." The intersection of power, prosperity and faith is a volatile topic. Why risk censorship when you could pick "safer" subject matters that do not venture into mine-field domains (mine-fields such as the pagan roots of some religious holidays)?

"The synergy between mythology and heavy metal lies in their shared characteristics. Both are inherently dramatic, dealing with themes of conflict, triumph and the struggle against adversity. Mythological stories often feature larger-than-life characters and settings, mirroring metal's bold and theatrical nature."
"The role of mythology and fantasy in shaping metal's iconic themes"

Question 2. Your creative risk paid off in that within a month, Merry Christmas Mithras had won awards and had been offered profit share anthologies and distribution deals. What is it about this unconventional short that you think resonates with audiences and "the powers that be"?

"Many bands use mythology to reconnect with their heritage. This not only enriches their music but also offers fans a deeper cultural connection." - The role of mythology and fantasy in shaping metal's iconic themes

(Below is an excerpt from the Metal Embassy Interview of Kenyan metal band "Chovu" - African Traditions, War Paint, Positive Ethnicity)

"Myths often address universal human concerns - life, death, and the quest for meaning. These align seamlessly with metal's introspective and sometimes dark lyrics." - The role of mythology and fantasy in shaping metal's iconic themes

Question 6. Your director statement is cryptic yet intriguing. What do you mean by: "All I have experienced, known, believed and lived is simply an exquisite collection of star dust and electrical impulses."

Question 3. Again, to quote your cover letter, you wrote that your film Merry Christmas Mithras was "conceived, written, directed, produced, shot, and edited entirely by TRIXSTART, who also handled the AI, graphics, animation, and all practical FX, art/handcrafted props, every element of production, from script, storyboarding, cinematography, editing, lighting and sound to practical effects, intricate handcrafted props, and final VFX, forging a truly singular creative vision with extremely limited resources." Aren't you a people person? Aren't you a team player? :-) In other words, why go the "solo auteur" way when you could collaborate? After all, the common adage is that film is a collaborative sport...

Question 4. If you had unlimited resources, what would you add to the film?

Question 5. You fuse "ancient craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology." What would you say are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these two methods? If you had to pick only one method, which one would you go with and why?

Question 7. Advice for anyone wanting to venture into: a) horror filmmaking b) solo filmmaking c)controversial films ?

WATCH THE (very creative!) TRIXSTART INTERVIEW HERE