5Q's w/: Anthony Ma "God & Buddha Are Friends" Director, Writer, Producer

QUESTION#1: What excited you the most when making this film?: Back in 2013, I swore off filmmaking. I had a falling-out with my high school crew—a group I’d been making films with for years. Egos were bruised, friendships fractured, and in my melodramatic fashion, I declared, “Never again!” Instead, I decided to focus on acting, determined to prove to everyone who spited me that I didn’t need them. Spoiler alert: I totally did.

Fast forward to 2023. God & Buddha Are Friends became my comeback tour. Older, wiser, grayer, and grappling with crippling imposter syndrome, I decided it was time to face my fears and get back behind the camera. But this time, it wasn’t about proving something to anyone else—it was about proving something to myself.

This film became my way of mending fences, rebuilding friendships, and tackling my inner demons head-on. It wasn’t just a movie; it was therapy (and, honestly, probably cheaper than actual therapy). More than anything, it was about reigniting the passion and proving I still had the capability to create something meaningful. Accomplishing this reminded me that even in my darkest doubts, I could push through and conquer. That’s what excited me the most—this film wasn’t just about the story we told; it was about the story I was living.

QUESTION#2: What was the most significant film you've seen AT THE THEATER in 2024, and how did it influence your filmmaking?: Okay, at the theater makes this tricky because I don’t get out much these days (kids, deadlines, existential crises—you know the drill). But the film that truly inspired me was Saturday Night. Jason Reitman is a genius, and tonally, his films are my North Star. Saturday Night hit all my sweet spots: my obsession with Saturday Night Live, my love of showbiz history, and my need for a good true story. Watching this film was like a personal pep talk. The way it juggled so many characters, layers, and chaos felt like a reflection of every director’s nightmare (or dream, depending on the day). The stress in the film was palpable, but the final product—both the movie and the real-life event—was magical. It reminded me that, yes, this process is insane, but if you push through, something beautiful can emerge. Also, it gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, my own behind-the-scenes chaos might one day look just as cool on screen.

QUESTION#3: What's an obvious and not-so-obvious question someone might ask about your film?: The obvious question: “What parts of this film are true?”
Answer: About 90%. Sure, we took some creative liberties, but the broad strokes are straight from my seven-year-old self’s real-life drama.

The not-so-obvious question: “Why revisit childhood trauma for a comedy?”
Answer: Because laughing at your pain is cheaper than therapy, and it turns out audiences love a good existential crisis wrapped in a feel-good package. But beyond that, this film isn’t just about my childhood—it’s about the universal tension of balancing cultural identity, generational conflict, and faith. It’s a story that feels more relevant than ever, especially as we continue to navigate diverse perspectives and belief systems in today’s world.

QUESTION#4: A magic movie genie is giving you an unlimited budget for your next production! However, you're only allowed to use it on either "above line" or "below line" resouces. Which do you choose and why?: Below the line, 100%. I was fortunate to work with an incredible crew on God & Buddha Are Friends, and their talent and dedication elevated this project far beyond what our budget could ever promise.

If I had the chance, I’d give them the pay they truly deserve and provide the kind of tools, equipment, and resources that would let their creativity shine even brighter. Watching what we accomplished with a small, scrappy team was awe-inspiring—imagine the magic we could create if they had everything they needed at their disposal.

The heart of production lies with the people who are in the trenches, making it all happen.

QUESTION#5: What is it about your current movie that will influence your next film?: This film has been a masterclass in collaboration. It showed me exactly who I can trust and rely on—the partners and teammates who truly understand my voice and elevate it in ways I could never do alone.

It also pushed me to refine my creative process. I learned the importance of condensing and crystalizing a screenplay into its sharpest, most efficient form. Storyboarding? Yeah, that’s non-negotiable now—it’s a tool that brings clarity and confidence to every decision on set.

But the biggest lesson? Budgeting. Turns out, when you’re broke, you get creative—and creativity wins every time. I’ve learned how to stretch a dollar so far it could probably qualify for the Olympics. My next film will be sharper, leaner, and just as heartfelt. But maybe this time, I’ll splurge on an extra boba run for the team—priorities.

Social media tags to share with our readers: instagram: @anthonyma