Chandler International Film Festival 2019 – Emotional Disease
In a near future, emotions are considered to be a disease by society. The government and the media are running an informative campaign against the pandemia. In this context, Atlas is struggling to keep his secret.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Marieta Caballero
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film because I wanted to raise the question of what role do emotions play in our society. I once read a quote (I can’t remember whose it was) which enunciated: “In the future, everything will be automated, except human emotions.” That got me thinking: if something is subject to automation, it also means that it is predictable and reliable. In other words, it is safe. In what position would that leave human emotions? Consequently unpredictable, the lack of control would have them be considered dangerous by society, possibly with a desire for eradication. In this context this is where I placed my characters, in a vulnerable situation of trying to overcome who they truly are to fit in.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film will put you in the situation of asking, “what would you do if you were the main character?” Every day, but especially on certain days, we face decisions that tempt us into doing good or working for our own interest. But, what happens when the right or wrong decision isn't obvious? What happens when what you consider to be the right option is not what most people think it is? This film will open up interesting moral conversations about how we fit into society and who we really are.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film touches on universal topics because everyone (except possibly psychopaths) feels emotions. The way we handle our emotions is the evolution of our socialization. I wanted to explore up to what extent emotions can be repressed or modelled to fit into society’s standards; as well as to raise the question of what these standards should be.
Another main theme is “what is a disease?” If you think about it, this is an anthropological question, because its answer evolved over time. In the past, certain personal traits that were considered to be disorders now aren’t (such as being gay); as well as other traits that weren’t considered to be disorders are now being medicated (such as hyperactivity). What is a disease and what isn’t is a definition that society gives certain things to distinguish the pure vs. the impure, or acceptable vs. unacceptable. I also wanted to explore how stretching definitions is a product of society’s beliefs to model itself.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The idea struck me suddenly. I wrote it in three days. It did evolve a little bit in the script phase: for example, I added a secondary character to facilitate showing the prejudices of people of the fictional society. But overall, what changed most in contrast to what I had imagined, was the ending: there is a monologue at the end that was supposed to run for an extended time, but then Diego Pantoja, the editor, suggested that we do a parallel montage. This way, we show how the character feels without anticipating events. I think it was a very appropriate move because it helped the story gain rhythm by the end, as the intensity of the story rises.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
When talking to those who have seen it, we engage in interesting conversations regarding emotions, disease, and society. Frequently, there are mixed interpretations of Indigo, the female character, because of a choice she makes. Some people see her as an evil character, but others understand that what she does is what she thinks is best for everyone.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really, because I think my role as the creator wasn’t to deliver answers, but rather to raise questions.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
It’s always exciting when someone is interested my artwork, my point of view as a creator and my motivations behind it. I also believe that it is very positive to promote “new voices” in this craft, as there are many creators around the world contributing to shaping society’s views through stories.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
As of today, journalists can help a lot by spreading the message. I am also open to hearing from buyers because I think they will be interested in a capsulated story which holds itself, told in an easy to watch fashion and talking about a topic which is a current concern in our society.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like for people to go beyond the story and question the main themes that are shown in Emotional Disease.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
"Are emotions a form of disease?"
"What role do emotions take in society?"
Would you like to add anything else?
You can find more information about my projects as a director, writer and producer in www.talkoofilms.com/portfolio.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently working on publishing a book in Spanish called Instinto Cineasta (meaning Filmmaker's Instinct). It is a guide for filmmakers to get their careers kickstarted in the Spanish context: it includes interviews of students from several film schools, a crowdfunding guide and resources to find money to fund your project, how to start freelancing, the contracts that you should keep in mind when starting a production, etc. I talk about things that go beyond film school. For more info check www.instintocineasta.com/libro.
I am also writing other stories, in particular a branded content that I plan to shoot during March.
Interview: January 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
EMOTIONAL DISEASE
In a near future, emotions are considered to be a disease by society. The government and the media are running an informative campaign against the pandemia. In this context, Atlas is struggling to keep his secret.
Length: 11:37
Director: Marieta Caballero
Producer: Marieta Caballero
Writer: Marieta Caballero
About the writer, director and producer:
MARIETA CABALLERO is a director, writer and producer from Madrid, Spain. Throughout her life she has lived in Madrid, California, New Jersey and Barcelona. Despite not going to film school, Marieta surrounded herself with wonderful mentors and filmmaking collaborators when she began shooting short films, at age 16. It was then when she created a production association with some friends. It grew into becoming a formal production company called Talkoo Films www.talkoofilms.com focusing on content creation aimed to the digital audiences. Emotional Disease is her second short film as a director. With the first one, La Colección, she obtained the Community of Madrid Award to the Best Young Creator in 2016.
Key cast: Simone Gonzalez-Nagy (Indigo), Cai Peña (Atlas), Corinna Seiter (Jenny)
Looking for: journalists, film festival directors, buyers, sales agents
Facebook: Emotional Disease
Twitter: @eigengrauvlogs
Instagram: @marietaeigengrau
Website: https://emotionaldise.wordpress.com/
Other: IMDB
Funders: Kickstarter
Made in association with: Talkoo Films
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Chandler Film Festival