Filmmaker Profile: Kyle Kuchta
Kyle Kuchta
Kyle Kuchta is a filmmaker born, raised and currently based out of Southeastern Connecticut. He graduated from Syracuse University’s (VPA ‘13) with a BFA in film and his first documentary feature Fantasm. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Los Angeles and remained working in the documentary world. 2018 saw the release of his feature-length documentary Survival Of The Film Freaks, a documentary about cult cinema co-directed with Bill Fulkerson. Later that year, Kuchta returned to Connecticut to focus solely on directing narrative work. His 2022 short “The Woodsman,” which has been recognized for Editing, Acting, and overall Best of the Fest(s) around the world. His most recent short “Ouchie” premiered at the 2024 Chattanooga Film Festival.
This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
How do you want people to feel after they see your film?
We hope that there is grace and self-love discovered by our audience members; an opportunity to love yourself and be gentle with yourself in the face of any Ouchies you might be dealing with.
What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?
Lots of body horror, queer horror, films that had some levity while also dealing with some gnarly stuff.
What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?
We cultivated a very empathic and caring set for all parties involved, which is something we pride ourselves on. We also shot a scene at a local pharmacy, and the pharmacist surprised us by buying our lunch that day. Truly special.
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
I've always been a social storyteller which, to me, means stories have involved other participants. So filmmaking is the storytelling medium that really lends itself to this. I love the camaraderie and collaboration that goes into making a film. It's a medium that so deeply requires an audiences' participation, too. It's an all-hands-on-deck art form, and I dig that.
What’s the last film you watched?
VHYes
Early bird or night owl?
Early Bird
Kyle Kuchta’s Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
