| . DIRECTOR'S INTERVEW . |
What was the initial inspiration for the movie? Where did the plot come from?
I am a “movie person” and ever since college I have identified with production design and have dedicated to that. The idea came when I read a life story told in form of fiction about an intelectual and emotional encounter between a girl and a bookshop manager, and their first kiss in the back room of the shop. It made me want to create a “before and after” for this story. A love story in the first place- for books and literature and about the unexpected encounter of two women crossing the thin line between life and art. Ingrid, a young student and book lover, and Silvia, a mature woman who briefly left her life in Paris and is just passing by this little town in the countryside of Brazil.
Why is the movie set in the 50’s?
I am very much attracted to the mood in the 50’s. The movie had to be timed, because I had Edward Hopper’s paintings in my mind and wanted to give them movement. I wanted the colors and textures in their furniture, walls, clothing, the aesthetic appeal of a decade, and also to represent a time when Brazil was living an economic and cultural boom, with industry and communications in full development. The aesthetic production of the decade attracts me visually. Besides, the encounter of two women has much more importance in the 50’s than nowadays or even in the 70’s or 80’s. The social barriers were much stricter then.
What was it like for you to write and then direct a short movie, knowing that you have experience as production designer?
It was all very natural, because it took a lot of time. Five years went by from the first words to the set. I made many movies with different directors and teams; I have met many people who became friends and later, partners in the project. As production designer, I have to run a crew, approach a theme, develop a project, organize, exchange information, listen, communicate... I had good support from experienced professionals of this new generation in movie making, real partners who brought loyalty and talent to the project.
How was the fund raising? Did the theme of the movie somehow help or got in the way? Were there obstacles?
I was a litlle apprehensive at the time when I started to look for a sponsor, but that was it, because I found many people in favour of art and cinema along the way. But yes, many people did not answer to me because it was a short-movie, and not for its topic. On the other hand, the sponsors (Lupo and São Paulo State’s Culture Secretary) understood how deep the Project was and its possible reach, aesthetic appeal and innovation. Brazil is worldly known today for two extremely violent feature-films, which show some of the social reality, but at the same time we have sensititive short movies telling stories that are uplifting (eg. Café com Leite, by Daniel Ribeiro, Crystal Bear in Berlin). Mine falls into this category, a sensitive story about love and about reaching for your goals.
How was the crew chosen?
Through the years, working in cinema, I have met and identified with many people, and in the conversations in between takes we talked about this short movie. Many of them were interested in the idea and the topic, others came through friends. From the beginning I wanted women heading each team, and naturally it happenned in most areas. I was very pleased with the cast and crew choice. And that’s how the movie was made, sincere and well elaborated; each one of us was working with a smile on their face.
What was the most difficult and most pleasant part in directing?
I found pleasure in saying “Action”, knowing that I was surrounded by people that were happy for being there. The rehearsals and the sound mix were very new experiences, since the art department is never really a part of these moments. The hardest part was, maybe focusing in directing, once I had our short budget in mind when we were in the set, but at the same time all the great professionals around me, I knew it was a matter of time. The six days we spent in the set were the most fun of my professional life and made me sure that there will be others.
What are your intetions for the movie right now?
First of all, short-movie making is for passionate people. I intend to have it seen, reviewed, discussed. It is also a movie about women, made in Brazil, with fresh theme and format (the encounter of two women with aesthetics appeal and inspired in fine arts). A beautiful picture, poetic and optimistic. Our recent Brazilian cinematography needs diversity in themes and aesthetics. Film festivals are the first step, along with the DVD copies that are being distributed to entities and NGOs that approach that topic. Our production company, Filmes de Abril will be also promoting video sessions in community film schools and NGOs.
