AIC Student Film wins Best Art Direction in Canada

2024-10-22 20:53:00

The film Bolo cherryproduced as a Filmworks graduation project by student Laura Reis, it won the award for Best Art Direction at the HORROR Underground Film & Screenplay Festival, Canada. The artistic direction was handled by former students Camilla Aguiar And The Zigla Martins

The plot follows a rabbit-headed girl trying to escape her reality when she discovers a group of colorful girls hungry for inclusion. However, the apparent sweetness soon reveals a dark side. We talked to Laura Reis about creating this pink horror universe.

1) How did the idea for the film come about?

The idea for the film came to me when I decided to make an environmental warning in cinema format. Growing up in a time where the planet is not doing well, I wanted to use my voice and worldview to create this post-environmental apocalypse fantasy. Building the radiantly colored universe of Bolo cherrywith his satires on human hunger and greed, he also wanted to explore the universe of horror films, bringing a new perspective to the genre.

2) What was it like creating this pink horror universe?

It was extremely fun. Having loved horror films since I was little, I was able to have a broad view of the genre. I wanted to break down everything I know about these films and create something unique and personal. Today I am proud to say it Bolo cherry is the first “pink horror film”, with its astonishing aesthetics and narrative.

3) How did your creative process develop?

My creative process starts with what I consider visually appealing. I’ve always escaped reality by drawing quirky characters that explore the duality of “cute and dark.” The idea of ​​the girl with the rabbit head has always fascinated me, and it was she who inspired me to bring this universe to life. The film also reflects on childhood abandonment and resistance to facing the real world, something I experienced at the age of 19, facing existential crises.

4) What was the role of the AIC and its colleagues in the production of the film?
My great wish was this Bolo cherry was led by women, both behind and in front of the cameras. I found my dream team at AIC. I sincerely thank the cast, made up of students of acting courses: Castelluni, our eternal Rabbit’s Head, Gabi Slompo, Manu Macedo, Roberta Lisa, Ana Beatriz Venga, Júlia Martins And Milena Pintari. From our first acting class, we knew we were destined to create something special together.

I can’t help but mention Manu Reis (Director of Photography) e Sofia Borghi (Supporting Cast and 3rd AD), my cinematic soulmates. Manu knew how to translate my drawings to the screen and was incredibly dedicated, even recording in the rain and getting fake blood. The icing on the cake was the artistic direction, led by Camilla Aguiar And The Zigla Martinswho perfectly understood what the film needed to become a visual feast. I also thank you Lais Piragine (Editing and Editing), who captured the essence of the film with subtlety and attention to detail.

Without AIC we would not have been able to record in the ideal location nor would we have had the necessary equipment. I thank all the teachers who followed the project and shared their experiences. As I always say: this is just the beginning! What we create together will never end.