Daniel Roher Cracks the Code Behind His Thrilling Debut Drama 'Tuner

Daniel Roher Reveals "Secret Weapon" Behind Narrative Debut 'Tuner' TORONTO - After earning a 2023 best documentary Oscar for Navalny, Daniel Roher has made the leap to scripted storytelling with Tuner, a high-concept drama about a piano tuner drawn into safecracking. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Roher revealed that he faced a steep learning curve with his narrative debut. Roher's transition from documentaries like Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band and Navalny to scripted storytelling was not without its challenges. "Everyone really understood that this was my first movie and they had seen my previous work," Roher said. "They were very supportive, but I think it was a bit of a risk for them." Roher's "secret weapon" in navigating the transition from documentaries to narrative filmmaking was his willingness to learn and take risks. "I've always been drawn to complex characters and stories that are full of twists and turns," Roher explained. "With Tuner, I wanted to create a film that would keep audiences on the edge of their seats." Tuner premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews from critics. The film's cast, which includes Dustin Hoffman and Leo Woodall, also praised Roher's direction. "I was blown away by Daniel's vision for Tuner," said Hoffman in an interview. "He brought a level of sophistication and nuance to the story that I think really paid off." Woodall added, "Working with Daniel was an incredible experience. He created a safe and supportive environment on set, which allowed us to take risks and try new things." Roher's decision to pivot from documentaries to narrative filmmaking has been met with both excitement and skepticism within the industry. Some have praised his willingness to experiment and take on new challenges, while others have expressed concerns about his ability to adapt to a different genre. Despite these mixed reactions, Roher remains confident in his abilities as a filmmaker. "I'm thrilled to be working in narrative filmmaking now," he said. "It's been a steep learning curve, but I feel like I've found my footing." As for what's next for Roher and Tuner, the film is currently seeking distribution and will likely hit theaters in 2024. With its unique blend of action, suspense, and romance, Tuner has the potential to become a breakout hit. In the meantime, fans of Roher's work can look forward to seeing more from him in the future. "I'm excited to see where Daniel goes next," said Woodall. "He's got a lot of talent and I think he's just getting started." *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*