From Cannes to Community: What Filmmaker Rhym Guissé Can Teach Us About Creativity, Persistence, and Telling Stories that Matter
What does it take to “make it” as a filmmaker today? Is it awards? Festival selections? Millions of views? Or is it something deeper, like the ability to tell stories that move people, challenge perspectives, and create true community?
In this episode of the Make It Podcast, acclaimed filmmaker Rhym Guissé opens up about the triumphs and trials of a filmmaking career that spans continents, genres, and the evolving landscape of independent film. Whether you’re a seasoned director, an ambitious screenwriter, or someone holding a camera for the first time, this conversation is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and the kind of unfiltered honesty all filmmakers crave. Within the next few minutes, I'll share the episode’s best moments, lessons, and behind-the-scenes gems—and invite you to watch or listen to the full episode for the big-picture takeaways you won’t want to miss.
Why Storytelling—and the Filmmaker—Matters
Long before we had blockbusters, streaming platforms, and algorithms, humanity’s oldest technology was storytelling. Sitting by fires, in bustling marketplaces, and under open skies, we passed on wisdom, warnings, and hope. Today, filmmakers like Rhym Guissé are the inheritors of that legacy—but with new challenges and new opportunities.
As Rhym explains, film isn’t just about what happens on a screen. “I am a multi-hyphenate,” she says, “an actor, filmmaker, director, producer—and everything is rooted in filmmaking being a passion and a tool for change.” For her, storytelling means amplifying the stories that don’t always make headlines, spotlighting marginalized voices, and building empathy across communities divided by culture or history.
The result? Work that not only entertains, but endures.
From Algeria to LA: Rhym Guissé’s Cinematic Journey
Rhym’s story reads like a global filmmaker’s dream. Born in Algeria, she’s lived in Mali, Paris, Louisiana, and Los Angeles—each place adding a layer of richness to her creative identity. Those international roots inform everything she does, from the themes she chooses to the way she approaches her characters and crews.
Her projects demonstrate a commitment to both the personal and the political—a rare blend in today’s movie industry. There’s her festival-circuit short, "Cartes," about an undocumented young immigrant in LA facing heartbreaking choices, and her acclaimed documentary-style podcast "Charlie's Place," which tells the true story of a Black couple running a juke joint in Jim Crow-era South Carolina. “It’s more than just drama,” Rhym reflects. “It’s about resilience, about communities coming together in the hardest of times. Those are the stories I live to tell as a filmmaker.”
Highlight: “Charlie’s Place” — Music, Memory, and Legacy
If you want a masterclass in turning real-life history into compelling film/podcast content, look no further than "Charlie's Place." The series dives into how a small club became a beacon for music, racial progress, and resistance in the segregated South. Legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday performed there; the Ku Klux Klan attacked it.
What sets Rhym’s approach apart? Respect for the truth, empathy for the community, and the discipline to avoid sensationalism for easy views.
“When you tell real stories—especially those involving trauma or marginalized people—you have an ethical responsibility,” she shares. “I had to ask myself: Will this detail move the story forward, or just stir up gossip? Am I honoring the community that trusted me enough to share their wounds?”
Her work on "Charlie's Place" is a case study in storytelling ethics—a lesson any filmmaker, especially those entering documentary or biopic territory, would be wise to heed.
Crossing Genres—and Smashing Boxes
One of the podcast’s best debates revolves around genre and the creative pigeonholing that too often happens in Hollywood.
Why do filmmakers (especially directors from underrepresented backgrounds) get told to “find their lane”—as though one’s imagination can only exist within a single box? Rhym pushes back:
“Genre expectations can be limiting. Some of the greatest filmmakers, like Jordan Peele or Bill Hader, have jumped from comedy to horror to thriller with tremendous success. Why shouldn’t more filmmakers have that freedom?”
It’s a call to arms for all creators: don’t let external labels stop you from experimenting, surprising yourself, or building new skills. Rhym’s own journey—moving from acting to writing to producing, even scheduling time for joy and creative recharge—shows that “making it” means making your own rules.
The Role of Joy in Creativity (Even for Workaholics!)
Early career creatives often get the advice to “grind harder.” But as both the hosts and Rhym openly admit, burnout is real—and joy is essential.
“Joy isn’t escapism,” Rhym notes. “It’s resistance. Oppressive systems want to crush joy because that’s how they control a narrative. But when we center joy, community, and self-care, our creativity becomes sustainable—and our work more powerful.”
For all the filmmakers who’ve lost their spark in the hustle, this part of the episode is a needed reminder: refueling your creative spirit is not optional; it’s the only way to stay in the game for the long run.
True Crime and the Ethics of Storytelling
Why is true crime, both in movies and podcasts, so addictive? The hosts discuss audience polls showing its dominance over genres like biography, politics, and nature—sometimes at the expense of the victims’ humanity.
Rhym shares that she avoids stories that glorify criminals or focus solely on evil. “The real power lies in telling stories from the perspective of the victims and communities. As filmmakers, we have to be conscious of what (and who) we choose to center in our narratives. Otherwise, we risk amplifying pain rather than healing it.”
The message? Popularity shouldn’t dictate purpose. If your movie, short, or series can shift the culture toward empathy and empowerment—even better.
Audience Questions, Trivia, and Lighter Moments
Yes, the episode tackles big issues, but it’s also fun, relatable, and full of those “I’m so glad somebody said that!” moments:
- Favorite Movies & Guilty Absences: Rhym’s picks include "The Matrix," "Parasite," and "The Piano Teacher," while confessing (to much banter) she still hasn’t seen "There Will Be Blood."
- Cheat Day Meals: The debate over best pastries and portion control will have every film set’s craft table buzzing.
- Travel Cities: Love Paris? Wait till you hear which cities Rhym actually prefers.
- Storytelling vs. Mathematics: The panel weighs what shapes a thriving society more—numbers or narratives (spoiler: storytelling wins, but the math folks make a strong case!).
These moments don’t just humanize the guests—they remind filmmakers that every artist has quirks, blind spots, and guilty pleasures. It’s all part of the creative life.
Lessons in Resilience, Community, and Staying Authentic
By the end of the episode, a clear picture emerges: filmmaking today isn’t just about getting a script greenlit or racking up views. It’s about shaping culture, preserving memory, and building resilience.
Rhym’s core advice for filmmakers (and, honestly, anyone):
- Make work that matters to you, not what trends dictate.
- Embrace your background—even if it means you feel like an outsider at times.
- Care for your joy; your best creativity depends on it.
- Hold yourself to high ethical standards.
- Value collaboration, community, and the people who make your career possible.
- Keep learning—there’s always a new city, genre, or story to discover!
One of her most powerful points is about aligning her projects with her moral compass and family legacy. “I ask myself: Will my ancestors be proud of this work? Am I helping move the needle forward?’”
That sense of purpose—combined with humor, grit, and humility—is exactly what elevates a filmmaker from good to great.
Why This Episode Is a Must-Watch (or Listen)
There are filmmaking podcasts that rehash the same career advice or Hollywood gossip—and then there are conversations like this one, which go deeper, challenge you, and remind you why you picked up a camera in the first place.
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, chances are you’re craving more than networking tips or “how to break in.” You want real talk about ethics, joy, risk, burnout, work-life balance, and the changing face of the film community. This episode has all that and more, framed by unforgettable stories and moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
It doesn’t matter if you’re directing your debut short, prepping your second feature, producing podcasts, or supporting creative friends—you’ll walk away energized, informed, and inspired to tell the stories only you can tell.
Ready to Level Up Your Filmmaking Journey?
Don’t just take my word for it—experience the energy, laughter, and hard-earned lessons yourself.
👉 LISTEN to or WATCH this full episode of the Make It Podcast with Rhym Guissé, available now on your favorite podcast app or on YouTube. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation sparks new ideas or recharges your creative drive!
Your next great story is waiting. Get inspired, get informed, and keep making it.