I WAS HERE, 5min., Portugal
Directed by José Crúzio, Martin Gerigk
The short film I WAS HERE is part of the Portuguese I WAS HERE project, a series of short videograms conceived as records of visits to “non-places” and “places”—transitional or passing points, whether circumstantial or intentional. Through a process of revision and additional composition, these locations are given new value and meaning, incorporating sound and interpretations from different sources while simultaneously revealing their main references. The project ultimately takes the form of a collaborative work, particularly through the co-production of sound.

https://www.instagram.com/josecruzio/

Get to know the filmmaker José Crúzio:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

On one of my walks along the seashore, I caught a glimpse of this machine at work replenishing the sand on one of the beaches along the Portuguese coast. As I've known that beach since childhood, I thought about how thankless this work must be on a beach that is constantly losing sand. That sea has always been fickle and devours that beach day by day. And that machine tries to replenish the lost sand.

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

It took some time, it's true. I had to let the idea of incorporating this film sequence into the I WAS HERE project settle. I thought of Martin Gerigk and suggested he join me in this world. I told him about my summer walks by the sea, on those very same beaches. I spoke of the camera and the work I was doing there. That, upon seeing it, I was reminded of D.H. Lawrence's poem. That it would be a wonderful challenge. In other words, just over a month. That's how long it took us to make this film.

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

Man/Nature

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

The biggest obstacle? It would be best not to regard it as an obstacle, but rather as a rewarding creative act: the merging of three worlds – the visual, the poetic and the auditory – into a single cinematic work.

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

It was a pleasant surprise and quite a shock to see our film being the subject of comments and reactions. To be face to face with members of the audience who have seen the film and are sharing their thoughts with us.

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

Although my work is mainly focused on still digital images, I have always been interested in the visual recording of movement. Alongside photography, I have worked with video. It was a natural progression from capturing images to experimenting with tools and creating potential narratives and visual worlds.

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

I've seen plenty. Each one had its own distinctive features and details that made an impression on me.

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

I think it's a very well-rounded festival. To be honest, I can't think of anything else that could make the festival any more 'well-rounded'.

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

It's been good. It's even more rewarding when we find out we've been selected, of course.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Hmmmmmmmm...........I'm still undecided about which one to choose, and I always will be........

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

The continuity and expansion of the visual universe of the I WAS HERE project – as with other projects – is of great interest to me and is my main focus.