Filmmaker and friend of OC Chiara Clemente premieres the Paris chapters of her ongoing series "Beginnings" this evening at 8 pm on the Sundance Channel. Featuring Charlotte Gainsbourg, Christian Louboutin, Benno Graziani, Frederic Malle, Marjane Satrapi, and Sylvia Whitman, the short films delve into the beginnings of these Parisians' creative lives. Chiara sent over these sneak peeks of the Marjane and Sylvia segments, and we asked her a few questions about the project.
Why 'Beginnings?' What do you find interesting about examining people's early inspirations?
Chiara Clemente: A beginning is a time that I feel most people can connect to. No matter what background we might have, artistic or not, we can all reminisce back to our beginnings. It is amazing to see how time and time again people's beginnings began so early on in their life. With some it is more literally connected to what they do today, with others it comes across as a more elaborate path. But with all, it is clear that they were both determined and inspired and believed in what they had to do. It does take time and hard work to make dreams come true.
How did your own beginnings as a filmmaker come about?
CC: I was first inspired to start telling stories because of my grandfather on my father's side. He would tell the most amazing bed time stories which were a mix of war stories and fairytales and his own memories. Because of these I started imagining my own stories and would spend hours making them up in my head especially when we traveled, which was a lot. From my head they went to paper but then one day, at the age of 12, I realized I wanted to find a more visual way to tell these stories. So I asked for a video camera and started filming, and I guess I have never stopped since.
What was the most surprising story you encountered in this group?
CC: With each subject I portray there are always surprises and this remains one of my favorite parts of making documentaries. Specifically in regards to this season, I would have to say Sylvia Whitman, because I felt connected to her in many ways. Also, we were able to spend the time both filming her environment and details, as well as truly capturing her story which was both moving and powerful.
Which city would you like to tackle next for the 'Beginnings' series?
CC: Next I dream of doing Tokyo because to have New York, Paris and Tokyo feels as though I will have captured three worlds and within them the creative force with which each place overflows. Of course there are so many cities that could work beautifully, and I am not sure in which order yet, but I dream of doing them all. And then I think back to New York City and the truth is I could keep filming characters here for what seems like forever.
What are your favorite Parisian spots?
CC: Le Petit Marché, Rose Bakery, La Perle, the flea markets, and of course Shakespeare and Company.
![]()
Sylvia Whitman
![]()
Chiara
![]()
Chiara on set with cinematographer Shane Sigler and creative director Nathaniel Kil
Why 'Beginnings?' What do you find interesting about examining people's early inspirations?
Chiara Clemente: A beginning is a time that I feel most people can connect to. No matter what background we might have, artistic or not, we can all reminisce back to our beginnings. It is amazing to see how time and time again people's beginnings began so early on in their life. With some it is more literally connected to what they do today, with others it comes across as a more elaborate path. But with all, it is clear that they were both determined and inspired and believed in what they had to do. It does take time and hard work to make dreams come true.
How did your own beginnings as a filmmaker come about?
CC: I was first inspired to start telling stories because of my grandfather on my father's side. He would tell the most amazing bed time stories which were a mix of war stories and fairytales and his own memories. Because of these I started imagining my own stories and would spend hours making them up in my head especially when we traveled, which was a lot. From my head they went to paper but then one day, at the age of 12, I realized I wanted to find a more visual way to tell these stories. So I asked for a video camera and started filming, and I guess I have never stopped since.
What was the most surprising story you encountered in this group?
CC: With each subject I portray there are always surprises and this remains one of my favorite parts of making documentaries. Specifically in regards to this season, I would have to say Sylvia Whitman, because I felt connected to her in many ways. Also, we were able to spend the time both filming her environment and details, as well as truly capturing her story which was both moving and powerful.
Which city would you like to tackle next for the 'Beginnings' series?
CC: Next I dream of doing Tokyo because to have New York, Paris and Tokyo feels as though I will have captured three worlds and within them the creative force with which each place overflows. Of course there are so many cities that could work beautifully, and I am not sure in which order yet, but I dream of doing them all. And then I think back to New York City and the truth is I could keep filming characters here for what seems like forever.
What are your favorite Parisian spots?
CC: Le Petit Marché, Rose Bakery, La Perle, the flea markets, and of course Shakespeare and Company.
Sylvia Whitman
Chiara
Chiara on set with cinematographer Shane Sigler and creative director Nathaniel Kil