2024-08-30 03:53:31
He Guatemalan short film “Casa Paraíso” has stood out internationally, demonstrating the wide reach of the talent from Chapin. What a joke! Directed by the young filmmaker Mateo Siciliahas a cast and production team mostly Guatemalan, including the famous actress Maria Mercedes Coroy. We give you more details below.
Guatemalan cinematography: “Casa Paraíso” shines internationally
“Casa Paraíso” is a short film that has won several international awards, including the Los Angeles Film Awards (LAFA). Recently, it was presented privately to sponsors and special guests who supported the project. It was an evening full of emotion, where the director demonstrated his pride in creating a work worthy of recognition in some of the most important spaces for cinematography.
Mateo Sicilia, the young director and writer of “Casa Paraíso,” began the project as a thesis for his Film Making degree at the New York Film Academy in 2022. The Guatemalan explained: «I’ve always been a fan of slasher movies and I wanted to do something that combined mystery, dark comedy and, above all, that showed the talent we have in Guatemala.»
During the event, there was an opportunity to express special thanks to each of the people who contributed to the creation of the short film. Sicilia said: «This film is a collective effort. It was not only my dream, but that of all the people who believed in this project. To all of them, I say thank you! Without you, Casa Paraíso would not be a reality.»
Short film synopsis
The 20-minute work fuses suspense and comedy In a story where the protagonist is Clara —played by María Mercedes Coroy—, who works as a manager in a hotel and faces multiple challenges when trying to impress a family interested in buying the establishment. The situation is complicated by the appearance of a masked killer, raising the tension and mystery.
You can watch the movie trailer here:
The short film was shot in the Lake Atitlan and Antigua GuatemalaCasting and filming began in July 2023, taking about two weeks. The post-production process lasted about eight months.
Project that demonstrates the true talent of Guatemala
Karen Sicilia, the director’s mother, also played an important role in the project, as she was the film’s general producer. Regarding the making of the short, she mentioned: “When Mateo decided to film in Guatemala, I offered to support him. I never imagined I would end up as a producer, but it was an incredible experience to see my son make his dream come true and to be able to be a part of it.”
On the other hand, Carmen Bartolomé, the director’s cousin, was in charge of editing, turning the project into an exciting family collaboration between Guatemalan professionals.
In addition to the participation of the acclaimed actress María Mercedes Coroy, the list It was made up of talented actors such as: Karen Martínez, known for her work in La Jaula de Oro and Cadejo Blanco; Andrea Henry, from Pólvora en el Corazón; Guie Cuyún Figueroa, from In the Fire; Ernesto Molina; Rochy Arce; and Paola Tirado.
International recognitions
«Casa Paraíso has been awarded in several international festivals, winning prizes such as Best Student Short Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards, Dark Side Award at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival, and the Excellence Award for Best Comedy Short Film and Best Student Short Film at the Indie Short Fest.
This success opens the doors for the young director to continue growing professionally in the film world. In the near future, he has plans for “Casa Paraíso” to become a feature filmwhich will allow us to continue sharing the beauty and cultural wealth of our country. Sicilia also explained: «The short film ends with an open ending, leaving the audience wanting more. My dream is for Casa Paraíso to become a feature film that further demonstrates the talent we have in Guatemala.»
Congratulations to all the Guatemalans who were part of this project! They are a real source of pride for the national film industry.