February 1, 2014 US/Pacific
Luiso Berdejo's Q&A
on filmmaking and his newest directorial feature, VIOLET.
Los Angeles, CA -
When this year's Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced that Writer, Director Luiso Berdejo's second feature film, Violet, would be screening, there was quite a buzz.
It's common knowledge that Berdejo has garnered a solid horror/thriller fanbase with his [Rec] franchise; but, what may not be as well known is that amongst hardcore movie buffs, Berdejo is considered a rockstar for his deft use of storytelling.
SYNOPSIS: Alex is a Spanish boy living in Santa Monica, California. One day he finds an old Polaroid picture of a girl he falls madly in love with and sets out to find her, despite having no clues as to
who she is or when the picture was taken.
The search will bring him closer not only to the grandfather he loved so much - dead now for many years - but also to the darkest corners of his soul.
We were first introduced to Berdejo last year when his Voice Over was brought to our attention. So, when asked if we would like to ask Luiso some questions, we had to say, "Yes!"
What inspired you to get into filmmaking?
Storytelling. I have been always drawing, writing, sculpting, painting, telling stories... I loved it so much that turning into a filmmaker was a natural path for me since it brings together al the arts I always loved.
I should give some credit to my granddad Luis as well, he had a Super 8mm camera and a small moviola and when he retired he devoted his time to painting and filming.
How did you come up with the premise for the film?
After going through some personal experiences that made me realize that we all have an amazing and infinite inner strength I felt like telling a story about it.
As a writer I work a lot on genre films and I believe that 'Violet' somehow satisfies my needs of offering a more personal and optimistic vision of life. I write horror films constantly but I do love, smile and express my gratitude for being alive as well.
What changes were made that differed from the film shown at the San Sebastian International Film Festival?
Not a single frame has changed from San Sebastian to Santa Barbara. 'Violet' was completed and kept in the same shape for good.
What prompted you to use Santa Monica as the backdrop of your film?
I moved to Santa Monica 6 years ago and I love it as much as I love my hometown San Sebastian in Spain. I located the story of the film in Santa Monica from scratch. Even the title of the film itself is based on the violet sunsets that many times per week embrace our city...
What, if any, personal experiences did you bring into the film?
None that I could point at specifically. The film is full of references to what we could call "my own world" but none of the things that happen on screen are based on true personal events.
Was it difficult making a film exploring the journey of a tortured soul?
Oh, wow! Really? I don't think there's any tortured soul on the film. There's a guy deeply in love of a girl he hasn't met yet, we can call that "unusual," but no tortured soul would do what Alex does for love.
What would you like the audience to walk away with from the film?
I respect the audience so much that I cannot think about their possible reactions while I'm making or screening a film. I just hope they will feel they have invested 90 minutes of their lives properly. That's a huge responsibility for a filmmaker!
As a filmmaker, what advice would you offer other aspiring filmmakers?
Couple of things: 1) Embrace your uniqueness. Don't try to copy anybody, just connect with yourself and listen to your own way of telling a story. 2) I have always envisioned myself as an icebreaker. Sometimes you'll find thin ice, sometimes you'll have to be full throttle to break the thickest one, but you will always be moving forward without thinking about stopping at all.
Where can people find out more information about you and the film?
Internet, imdb.com, and I will be more than happy to answer to anyone's questions
Berdejo's VIOLET is set to have its World Premiere Screening on Friday, February 7th, 2014 (10:30pm) at the Metro Theater 4 (618 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101). Two additional screenings have also been announced and they are set for
Saturday, February 8th (8:00pm) and Sunday, February 9th (4:00pm). If you can make it to the SBIFF, we strongly suggest you make it a point to see it.
Film: Violet
Director: Lusio Berdejo
Writer: Lusio Berdejo
Cast: Junio Valverde, Miriam Giovanelli, Leticia Dolera, Ricardo Darin, Carlos Bardem, and Erik Palladino
World Premiere: February 7, 2014
Total Running Time: 90 minutes with Spanish Subtitles
PR: Sunshine Sachs
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