THE MARIAS (AS MARIAS), 17min., Brazil
Directed by Dannon Lacerda
Within a conservative society, triplets share heartfelt narratives of their lives in a small Brazilian town nestled along the border with Paraguay.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

During the pandemic I decided to return to the region where I was born and during this period of isolation I thought about planning to make a new film. After some time writing fiction scripts – I directed 6 short films and 1 feature-length fiction film –, I was motivated to make a documentary with people from my city. That's when the idea of filming the triplets and showing some of the costumes from a small Brazilian town located on the border with Paraguay came about.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The idea for this documentary came up in May 2021, during the pandemic, and we filmed it two years later, in May 2023, because we needed to raise money, as the film was made without sponsorship from companies or the government (as is common in Brazil) , that is, it was made entirely with its own resources.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Affection and discovery.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Without a doubt the biggest obstacle was the budget as the film was made with the money I managed to save during the pandemic, working as a screenwriter.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was very happy because I make films for people and it's incredible that, even though they're from another country, they managed to have a connection with the story. Cinema really is universal and I was immensely happy with the feedback.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

My passion for cinema began when I was a child and I would go to the cinema trash can to collect pieces of film to stick with tape and then project them with a flashlight on the wall at home. I loved everything about it and always went to the cinema on the weekends. At that time, small towns had cinemas, unfortunately this is no longer a reality in Brazil. There I realized that I wanted to make films, but it was only after I moved to Rio de Janeiro and took a film directing course, twenty years later, that I decided to make my first short film.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Central Station, by Walter Sales, a Brazilian film that was a finalist at the Oscars.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

The idea of recording a video with feedback is incredible. I think other festivals could do the same, as it helps filmmakers reflect on their works. Another issue that I think is fundamental is holding meetings with filmmakers from different countries and cultures to discuss their creative processes.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

This platform is very good and easy to use. However, I have noticed that a large number of festivals have been charging registration fees that are expensive for independent filmmakers, who like me make their films without a budget.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Arroz carreteiro, a typical dish from my region that mixes rice and meat.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

In 2024 I will carry out two important projects. The first is a short fiction film about an indigenous man who lives in an urban village near Campo Grande, capital of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, which is a region of farmers, of agribusiness people who do not respect the original peoples. The second is a short film festival. I also have a feature film project in development.