Filmmaker Profile: Searching For Satoshi by Paul Kemp
Welcome to the Bushwick Film Festival Q&A series, where we introduce you to the incredible filmmakers behind this year's lineup. Each of these talented storytellers has crafted a unique vision, reflecting diverse perspectives and powerful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences today. In this series, you'll get an inside look at what inspired their work, the challenges they faced, and the creative processes that brought their films to life. Through candid interviews, they share their thoughts on the impact of their films, the themes they explore, and their hopes for how audiences will connect with their stories. Whether you're here for drama, comedy, documentary, or experimental films, these filmmakers are sure to inspire you with their dedication and passion for the craft. We hope you enjoy getting to know the voices behind this year's festival as much as we have enjoyed bringing their films to our screens. Let’s dive into their stories!
About This Film
A worldwide investigation into the bizarre vanishing of Bitcoin’s billionaire creator, the secretive “Satoshi Nakamoto”
Q&A WITH DIRECTOR PAUL KEMP
Paul Kemp, director of Searching for Satoshi: The Mysterious Disappearance of the Bitcoin Creator
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
So why did I want to follow this story? From my perspective, when I heard of Bitcoin in 2009, 2010, 2011, it was in the media but I didn't really know what it was. I thought it was like Monopoly money. I thought it was just some crypto-weirdness that I didn't think had much-staying power. But as the decade went on I started to realize people are still working on this thing and the name, Bitcoin, is everywhere. I saw ATM machines selling Bitcoin. I saw vendors or stores accepting Bitcoin. So I started paying more attention to it around 2018, 2019. Then I discovered that there was a guy named Satoshi Nakamoto who actually created Bitcoin. Everyone who knows anything about Bitcoin realizes he's the greatest mystery in technological history because nobody knows who Satoshi Nakamoto is. All they know is he could possibly be the richest person in the world in the years to come--because he’s vanished. He creates Bitcoin in 2009 and by 2011 he vanishes with a million Bitcoins, but no one has really asked the deeper questions about who he is and why he did do this? And so this is what this documentary sets out to do.
Why does this story need to be told now?
Because Bitcoin has become the 5th largest currency on Earth and is only growing. Its value has exploded--and with it so has the mystery of the guy who created it and vanished with extreme wealth
Describe who you want this film to reach.
Anybody who has heard the word "Bitcoin", but has no idea what it is or why its origin story is perhaps the greatest Tech mystery of all time.
What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?
That this is AN INCREDIBLE UNSOLVED MYSTERY that will only grow in mystery as time goes on.
How do you want people to feel after they see your film?
That Bitcoin is not only real, but that they need to know more about it--and that the founder of it was perhaps one of the most forward-thinking people of all time. A Nobel Prize is next I bet.
What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?
Uncovering the genius of something that few understand and telling that story simple but with a human touch.
What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?
Traveling and learning that my presumptions of who Satoshi Nakamoto was, were all wrong--and being intellectually honest about what the facts were telling me.
What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?
Getting people to talk!
Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.
My film is a doc, so the key was finding people who could articulate crazy difficult ideas simply.
Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?
A passionate mystery that keeps people guessing.
Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?
Errol Morris
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
I didn't pursue it. It found me.
Why is filmmaking important to you? Why is it important to the world?
Because great stories and grand narratives matter.
What role does technology play in your filmmaking process, and how has it evolved over the years?
Small crews. High production values. On lower budgets
What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?
Get the story clear--BEFORE YOU SHOO|T. I see doc makers blowing their brains out and their budgets because they can't make hard choices on what they are trying to say.
Films are lasting artistic legacies; what do you want yours to say?
In 50 years, I want my film to the "THE FILM" about this historic mystery and journey.
If you weren’t a filmmaker, what would you be doing?
Likely a track coach or politician...something I have done before.
How do you approach storytelling in your films? What’s your process for developing a script or concept?
Find stories and ideas before others do. Then write an amazing pitch deck and ACT structure, and then pitch, pitch, pitch to convince network execs or funders that I am their best choice as the filmmaker to do this story.
What’s the last film you watched?
Liberty: Mother of Exiles (odc on The Statue of Liberty)
What’s the last book you read?
Revenge of the Tipping Point (Malcolm Gladwell)
One thing people don’t know about me is _____.
I was a national level track athlete, and used to be a political reporter
Early bird or night owl?
Neither...I hate mornings but seem to do better in life by going to sleep earlier (which I hate)
What three things do you always have in your refrigerator?
Pale Ale, Smoked cheddar, Greek Yogurt
BIOGRAPHY
Paul Kemp is a multiple award-winning TV series and documentary Director, Writer, Show Runner, and Producer with over 100 projects under his belt. His films and TV series have been seen in over 160 countries, including: “Searching for Satoshi: The Mysterious Disappearance of the Bitcoin Creator”; “The Pretendians”; “Nike’s Big Bet”; “The Rise of Jordan Peterson”; “GOING NATIVE” (39 x 30m); “Transformer”; “Village of the Missing; “Searching for Winnetou”; “Infestation” (4 x 60m); “Oh My God!” (20 x 30m) “The Science of Sin” (4 x 60m); “Secrets of the Dog Park” ; “The Plastic Fantastic Brain”; and "I Bet My Life". Paul also works with TV distribution companies ALL3 Media, Gravitas Ventures, Abacus Media, Sideways Films UK, and ZDFE of Germany.
Thank you for joining us for this special Q&A with the filmmakers of the Bushwick Film Festival. We hope this conversation has given you insight into the artistry, dedication, and heart that went into bringing their films to life. Each of these creators represents the spirit of independent filmmaking—fearlessly telling stories that reflect the complexities of our world and the personal experiences that shape us. As you continue exploring this year’s lineup, we encourage you to dive deeper into these works and discover the powerful messages, emotions, and perspectives they offer. Whether you're a long-time supporter of indie films or a newcomer to the festival, your engagement and curiosity make all the difference in uplifting these voices. Stay tuned for more filmmaker spotlights, and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s screenings. Let’s continue celebrating the magic of storytelling together!
