John Schmidt

John Schmidt’s name pops up in indie film circles for a reason—his body of work isn’t just varied, it’s got some real bite. Let’s start with “Leaves of the Tree” (2015). This isn’t your typical feel-good flick; imagine a tangled, emotional journey set in the Italian countryside. The movie spins around a dying man, his family, and a mysterious tree that just might be the answer to more than one kind of healing. Religion, regret, hope—it all gets tossed together, and honestly, you’re left wondering what’s real and what’s just wishful thinking. Schmidt has this way of shooting scenes that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on actual lives, not just watching actors. Now, “The Forest Is Red” (2012) goes in a totally different direction. Dark, moody, a little bit weird in the best way. It’s a psychological thriller, drenched in symbolism and suspense. The forest isn’t just a backdrop—it’s almost a character itself, swallowing up secrets and messing with everyone’s head. If you’re into movies that leave you uneasy and chewing over every little detail, this is your jam. And then, wild card—Schmidt also worked on Coldplay: Up & Up (2016). Yeah, the music video. It’s surreal, trippy, packed with mind-bending visuals. He’s got a knack for weaving together the beautiful and the bizarre, whether he’s telling a story in ninety minutes or three. So, if you like filmmakers who don’t play it safe, Schmidt’s your guy.