M. Night Shyamalan on His Beyond Fest Retrospective, Why He Still Wants to Self-Finance His Films and Bruce Willis

M. Night Shyamalan treasures his museum of movie memorabilia, a testament to his three-decade-long filmmaking career. When he walks through the 17-movie-filled space, he feels an overwhelming sense of awe and humility, knowing that each film could be his final project. Shyamalan's drive to continually innovate stems from his fear of not being given the chance to direct again, a mindset honed throughout his career. His 18th film, "Remain," is set to release in February under Warner Bros.

The filmmaker emphasizes the importance of beauty and positivity in his life, drawing inspiration from the environment he surrounds himself with. He believes that beauty and positive energy have the power to sustain him through the various ups and downs of his career. Shyamalan prefers Los Angeles for its lack of judgment and cultural significance, but he admits to feeling uneasy about its lacrosse-playing culture.

Shyamalan will be participating in Beyond Fest, a retrospective of his work playing at American Cinematheque. He will be present for Q&As and introductions, but he won't be participating in the screenings at the Los Feliz 3 theater. Nevertheless, he believes that the films playing there, such as "The Village," "Old," and "Lady in the Water," encapsulate his diverse range of work and the myriad facets of his creative vision.

Shyamalan has recently shifted towards self-financing his projects, allowing him to explore unconventional themes and create films free from the constraints of executive interference or studio notes. This newfound freedom has fueled his creative instincts, resulting in unique and innovative films that have positively impacted the genre.