Shot inside an apartment in São Paulo during quarantine, "THE HUNGER ARTIST" is a really short film based on the book "A Hunger Artist" by Franz Kafka, produced, directed and edited by the Brazilian creative duo MUTO. Read our interview with the filmmakers below…
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FILMMAKING BACKGROUND:
We are MUTO, a brazilian independent filmmaking duo based in São Paulo, formed by Bruno Alves (Screenwritter, Director and Editor) and Pedro Ferrarezzi (Photographer, D.O.P and Colorist). We come from a D.I.Y background rooted in several projects for brazilian independent music scene’s bands and labels. We are self taught so our work is constantly evolving in its visual language and we are constantly struggling to find our own approach to filmmaking as we make our way through several different projects, from music videos to personal shorts, docs and some advertising.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR FILM? + WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BRING THIS FILM TO LIFE AND WHAT OBSTACLES DID YOU OVERCOME ALONG THE WAY?:
The inspiration behind "The Hunger Artist" actually came from several days in quarantine during the social isolation period due to the Covid-19 pandemic here in Brazil. During the first few months of lockdown we talked a lot about the future of filmmaking for us independent filmmakers here in Brazil and decided to face the endless limitations by trying to come up with ideas that were actually possible to shoot with 0 budget. On top of that, we had to face an even bigger challenge, mainly because each of us live in different apartments here in São Paulo so the whole process had to be made at a distance. But the thing is that we somehow drew inspiration from these limitations and decided that Pedro would shoot a few things in his apartment with his girlfriend as our actress. He sent me the footage and I started researching like crazy until I bumped into a version of Kafka's "A Hunger Artist" audiobook and it matched perfectly, especially with the visual concept we had in mind. I was actually reading Kafka's "The Trial" at that moment so it was a big surprise when it all started to come together. With that last part of the book as our "guide" I pitched some ideas to Pedro, who managed to shoot it beautifully and in a few days we had a small movie in our hands.
DID YOU HAVE ANY CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR CREATING QUALITY CONTENT ON A MINIMAL BUDGET AND DURING LOCKDOWN:
We've been working together as a duo for almost 7 years now, so our ideas and our work really complement each other even in the most surprising situations. But, sadly, our country is facing the pandemic in the worst possible way, so we are now headed towards almost 6 months in a kind of quarantine. We were really bummed throughout the first few months where it seemed like we had no inspiration at all to create anything. We felt really worried and sad (still feel, actually) but then one random day we started talking about things and realised that it was really up to us (and only us) to work our way through this creative rut. We realised we were actually privileged to have a nice camera, tripod and a few lenses and that combining that with a bit of creativity was all it took for us to create something. It is actually possible to shoot and create stuff, even with no budget and locked in our apartments. At this moment we managed to shoot 2 short films and a music video, all during quarantine. Turns out we feel really glad.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE FILMMAKING PROCESS:
Editing, I think. Throughout the years we got used working in almost every part of the filmmaking process (from pre to post production). We usually work with small crews or just the two of us, really, so we kinda love every aspect of the whole process but sometimes the writing/concept/shooting period can be kinda stressing. So, yes, when it comes to the editing part I think it's really when I can calm down, take my time and gladly work my way trying out different approaches when it comes to making the whole thing a finished product.
ANY FILM RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WE CAN WATCH TO KEEP US BUSY WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING:
Oh, sure. Watching films is one of the main things that kept me sane through the last few months. Rewatching Rod Serling's original Twilight Zone series is something I always recommend. Almost every episode is a true gem. To name some, "Eye of The Beholder", "Five Characters in Search of An Exit" and Ida Lupino's "The Masks" are a few cool examples. Besides that, what really got me through was my somewhat new addiction of Buster Keaton movies. If you are looking to cool things off you can really find true magic in those films, especially "Sherlock Jr." it's a new favourite of mine. It's amazing. But, if you are looking for something more impactful, the new 4k restoration of Elem Klimov's "Come and See" is something you should put on your list.
Interested in getting your work selected as Short of the Week?