BARK Film Interview: Reuben Van Tankeren
Inside Ipswich’s New Independent Short & Its Crowdfunding Launch
Reuben Van Tankeren on Making His First Independent Film in Suffolk
Following the BARK fundraiser, we sat down with filmmaker Reuben Van Tankeren to talk about the film, the process, and what it actually takes to make something when you’re starting from scratch.
Q: So, how was the fundraiser?
Reuben: Yeah – it went really well. I was definitely a bit stressed leading up to it. I had loads of people saying, “You’ve got nothing to worry about now, it’s in the hands of the artists,” which weirdly made me more nervous.
It’s that loss of control, I think – that’s what gets me.
But on the night, it ran smoothly. The turnout was great, the performances were incredible… just really talented people. And knowing it was all in support of the film made it feel even more meaningful.
Reuben, the cinematographer and 1st AC doing a recce around Suffolk (Photo: Hal Waghorn) Photo from Ipswich.co.uk article Ipswich short film fundraiser unites local artists
Q: How do you feel Ipswich supports young creatives like yourself?
Reuben: I actually feel really fortunate. Over the past year and a half, I’ve worked with a few established organisations – like DanceEast and SPILL Festival – and when you’re around people who’ve been doing this for years, you start to understand how the scene works.
In Ipswich, it’s very community-driven. It’s for the community, by the community. That mindset kind of seeps into you – you naturally want to do the same.
So when we started developing the film, it just made sense to build it that way. We wanted a Suffolk-based crew, local artists involved… because honestly, the only way I know how to make something like this happen is through community.
Q: Is that why you chose to do a music fundraiser?
Reuben: Exactly. It’s not just about raising money -it’s about bringing people in.
We had local artists performing, and Brighten The Corners helped us secure the venue. It becomes this shared thing.
The goal is to make the film- but how we make it matters just as much.
Q: Was there any resistance when reaching out for support?
Reuben: That was a concern at first. I thought people might question it -“What is this? Who are you?”
But actually, everyone was really open. I think because the intention is clear- we’re making art, and we’re doing it here.
That goes a long way.
Q: Tell us about the film itself- what’s the story here?
Reuben: It’s about three huntsmen who go out in search of food. But their conversation takes a darker turn, and there’s this growing tension between them.
It’s not based on any specific Suffolk folklore or anything like that, but the landscape plays a huge role in it.
Q: The film is very rooted in Suffolk visually- where did that come from?
Reuben: That came from leaving, actually.
I studied in Bristol, which is completely different- hilly, dense, full of movement. When I came back to Suffolk, I noticed how flat it is. Open. You don’t really know where the horizon ends.
And I think I became more appreciative of that the longer I was away.
So I wanted to bring that into the film. The countryside isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a character in itself.
Q: When is the film set? Is there a specific time period?
Reuben: We’ve actually tried to avoid pinning it down.
Partly for practical reasons -costumes, production, all of that- but also because it doesn’t really serve the story. If you define the time too clearly, people start attaching it to a specific moment.
Whereas this is more about something ongoing. It’s about people, about now.
Q: Where did the idea for the film start?
Reuben: I had this image in my head- a burning effigy in the woods. That was the ending.
But I didn’t know how we got there.
So I worked with my producer Hal, and we developed the story together. Then we brought in our friend Jacob, who comes from a completely different background- more industrial, more urban – and he brought in these ideas around instinct, nature, and environment.
It became this mix of perspectives.
Q: Do your own experiences influence the story?
Reuben: Definitely.
Since leaving university, everything’s changed. You go from having structure – deadlines, equipment, support – to suddenly having to create that for yourself.
Now I’m freelancing, juggling jobs, trying to fund a film… and at the same time, figuring out what I actually want to do.
That sense of having to build your own path- that’s in the film.
So I worked with my producer Hal, and we developed the story together. Then we brought in our friend Jacob, who comes from a completely different background- more industrial, more urban – and he brought in these ideas around instinct, nature, and environment.
It became this mix of perspectives.
Q: You said this film was inspired by the closing image of this burning effigy in the woods. What do you want your audience to take away from it?
Reuben: That’s a really good question. Honestly – I don’t want to tell them.
I think the best films are open to interpretation. I remember watching 2001: A Space Odyssey when I was younger and being frustrated that there wasn’t a clear answer.
But now I get it. It’s more powerful when people decide for themselves.
If people walk away talking – even if it’s just “I don’t know what that meant, but I liked it”- then I’ve done my job.
Q: I can agree with that. We know you’re shooting the film this summer, what are the biggest challenges you’re facing right now?
Reuben: Funding, mainly. And resources.
At uni, you have access to everything – cameras, kit, support. Then suddenly, it’s gone. So now it’s about finding ways to make it work with what we have.
That’s also why we’re using our own equipment where possible – it keeps costs down, but it also shows what we’re capable of.
Q: Where do you see the film going once it’s finished?
Reuben: We’re hoping to screen it locally – there’s been interest from King Street Cinema – and then take it onto the festival circuit.
That’s really important for emerging filmmakers, just to get the work out there.
After that… you just keep going. One project onto the next.
Q: I like that. So final thoughts -what keeps you going through all of this?
Reuben: I think it’s the fact that we all want the same thing.
Everyone involved is in a really similar position – we’re all working jobs to pay the bills, and using that to fund the thing we actually care about. So it becomes collaborative. Everyone’s got each other’s backs.
There’s a shared understanding there. We all know what it takes just to get something off the ground.
At the end of the day, it’s not really about waiting for the right moment – it’s just about getting on with it.
We look forward to catching the action over the summer. Ipswich Underground will be following the film’s journey closely – from early production right through to its first screenings.
There’s something incredibly special about seeing a project take shape from the ground up, and even more so when it’s rooted here. We’ll be right behind it, supporting Ipswich, and the creators pushing it forward.
Thanks so much for your time, Reuben. We’re looking forward to seeing BARK come to life.
And now it moves beyond conversation.
BARK’s crowdfunding campaign launched today – opening the next step in getting this film made, properly and independently.
If you’ve read this far, you already understand what’s behind it. This isn’t a polished production with everything in place. It’s being built the only way most art is – through effort, collaboration, and people’s support.
We love this town. Keep its heart alive.