Leonardo Brzezicki: Yaddo Residency for “Oh Captain” Film

Leonardo Brzezicki Awarded Yaddo Residency to Develop New Feature,”Oh Captain. Oh Captain”

A prestigious fellowship will allow the acclaimed director to further develop a poignant story of survival and resilience amidst economic turmoil.

Director Leonardo Brzezicki has been selected for a residency at Yaddo, a highly respected artistic community in Saratoga Springs, New York. This opportunity will provide Brzezicki wiht dedicated time and space to refine the script for his upcoming feature film, “Oh captain. Oh Captain.” The film promises a deeply human exploration of life’s struggles and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Did you know?-Yaddo has hosted six Pulitzer Prize winners, a National Book Award winner, and multiple Academy Award nominees since its founding in 1900.

A Story Rooted in Argentinian History

“Oh Captain. Oh Captain” is set against the backdrop of 1989 Argentina, a period defined by rampant hyperinflation. The narrative centers on Jony, a ten-year-old boy navigating a turbulent childhood marked by family instability and the challenges of school bullying. The arrival of his uncle, Facundo – a complex character described as enigmatic, tender, and self-destructive – dramatically alters Jony’s life, offering an unexpected companionship and a glimpse of freedom. however, this intense bond is foreshadowed by an impending and devastating loss.

The film delves into themes of survival,heritage,and the quiet strength of those who persevere in the face of adversity.It aims to portray a constellation of vulnerable lives seeking meaning and refuge in a world undergoing profound emotional and economic upheaval.

Pro tip-Hyperinflation in Argentina during 1989-1990 reached a peak of 3,072% *per month*, drastically eroding purchasing power.

Yaddo: A Haven for Creative Artists

The Yaddo residency program is renowned for its commitment to fostering the creative process. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, Cloth provides a supportive and uninterrupted surroundings for professional artists across a diverse range of disciplines, including literature, film, music, and visual arts. Artists are selected through a competitive application process judged by a panel of peers, with financial need not being a factor in the decision.

Reader question-Yaddo provides artists with room and board, but does *not* offer stipends or funding for project costs.

Building on Past Success with “Wandering Heart”

Brzezicki’s selection for the Yaddo residency comes on the heels of his critically acclaimed 2021 film, “Wandering Heart.” This co-production, involving Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and the Netherlands, explores the fractured relationship between a man, Santiago, and his teenage daughter, Laila. The film, scripted by Brzezicki himself, stars Leonardo Sbaraglia, Miranda de la Serna, and Eva Llorach, among others.

reflecting on “Wandering Heart,” brzezicki expressed a desire to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. “My hope is that in some viewers this film can touch some internal chord,” he stated. “If you are going through some type of internal crisis, you are not alone.” He further elaborated that cinema, for him, has always been a source of solace and understanding, offering a sense of shared experience during arduous times. “It is indeed a film about desire, the pain of living and loving. I think it’s something that concerns us all.”

Brzezicki’s work consistently demonstrates a commitment to exploring the complexities of human emotion and the search for connection in a challenging world. His upcoming project, “Oh Captain.Oh Captain,” promises to continue t