As the seasons repeat, can we repeat something already lived? Or what we already live would indelibly influence us, not being able to return to the memory of the past? If we can never go back in time, when we get back to the starting point, we would not relive the memory, for we ourselves would no longer be the same.
It is our pleasure to interview Carlos Coelho Costa for L.A. Indies Magazine about his new film.
What inspired you to make Quatro Estacoes?
The film Quatro Estações was inspired by Vivaldi's four seasons, which also works as a tribute to the work of this composer. In addition, this film is also a way to expose my concern about climate change as an attempt to raise awareness of what most characterizes each season. Its end, in a burnt and destroyed forest, represents a message of hope. The ability of a phoenix, after chaos, to rise from the ashes and restore balance.
When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
In reality, being a film director was not a pretense. Throughout my professional career in the cinema area, which started in 2000, I went through different departments and performed various functions, such as soundtrack composer, sound director, camera operator, among others. It was in 2007 when I made my first short film, entitled Bling Blind, that I discovered that being a director was my passion.
What was your first film project?
My first film project as a director was called Bling Blind. It was an experimental film, in which it related to social networks and technology where a politician met a teenager on the internet and
fell in love with her avatar.
Which directors have been influential in your work?
There are several directors who have been an inspiration for me in my professional careers, such as Christopher Nolan, Tarkovsky, and even Lars Von Trier. As a result of the influence of different authors, I have always tried to create my own identity and assign a personal stamp to the projects.
What genre of filmmaking do you like to work on?
The genre I enjoy doing most is drama. I have had the pleasure of having worked in several films of this genre throughout my 13-year career. Despite having a huge taste for this genre, I recently discovered a new passion: the documentary
What is the most challenging aspect of making an independent film for you?
There are several challenges in making an independent film such as:
Challenge 1 - to be able to transmit the vision of achievement with reduced budgets;
Challenge 2 - Maintain the director's vision, without sacrificing creative freedom and, without giving in to commercial pressure;
Challenge 3 - In this type of film, all departments actively contribute to their vision, with the film not being so conditioned exclusively to the director's vision. On the one hand, this aspect is an asset that enriches the project. On the other hand, sometimes this sharing of ideas and contributions is a real challenge in order not to compromise the director's vision.
What is your plan for distributing your indie film further to a greater audience?
At this point, I will continue to present my film on the festival circuit. And, in the future, I will distribute my film on streaming platforms.
How can cinema change the world and have an impact on society?
In my view, cinema can be highly transformative and, in that sense, influence the way people think about the world, about fracturing issues in society, and even how they relate to each other. In addition, it has the ability to communicate universally, through a set of globally understood signs, making it easier to spread your message.
What is your next film project?
My next film project is a thriller called Requiem for a Flower. It addresses the lack of compassion that exists among humanity, in addition to focusing in a mystical way, the possibility that the genetic memory of a flower can connect several people.
How was your film received on the festival circuit and what is your plan for creating more exposure for your film?
Although this film is still on the festival circuit for a short time, it is gaining acceptance
and, for now, it has won 12 awards. Future plans for getting more exposure include joining brands and getting sponsorships, not only to get the film to participate in a greater number of festivals but also to be able to be physically present myself.