Amy shares everything she has learnt about the Argentinian culture since dating her girlfriend, Eugenia: the interesting, the odd and the uncomfortably sexy.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Marina Bonofiglio

Watch The Uncomfortably Sexy Rules of Truco on Vimeo

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

After leaving my home country, Argentina, and working extensively in the Australian film industry, I thought it was time to write, direct and produce my very first English spoken short film. It was a great challenge as all my previous films were in my first language, Spanish, and because I had never written comedy before.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Because you'll have a good laugh! Hopefully you'll learn a little bit about Argentinian culture too.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This film tackles misunderstandings in multicultural relationships, which in my own experience, usually end up in amusing anecdotes. However, these misinterpretations are not only limited to multicultural experience - I believe anyone in any kind of relationship (romantic, friendship, family) will be able to relate to this story.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The short had a natural evolution from the moment I came up with the idea to the final product (I believe we went from script to edited short in 3 months which is fast compared to my other films). The main decision made in pre-production was having the two main characters be in a lesbian relationship instead of a heterosexual relationship (as I originally planned). I wanted to make sure that the short would feature female characters in the main roles.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

It has only been screened to a group of friends that loved it and to industry people who helped fine tune the editing. It will be screened for the first time at the Setting Sun Film Festival (in which it's nominated for 3 categories) so we'll see there!

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I don't think feedback has challenged me so far but I love every single time someone says they felt they identified with the story as "the same thing happened to [them]". However, my favourite comments came from queer friends who said they loved that the film showcases a lesbian couple but doesn't make the story evolve about them being queer.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Spread the word! A film is a project that takes a lot of time, energy and emotion from you, so once it's done I love, love, love getting as many people as I can to watch it!

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Film festivals directors - it's always great to know that a director wants your film in their festival.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Mainly, I want people to have a good time! If the audience laughs and has a good time during the movie, the mission is accomplished!

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

As an Argentinian, this short film was an opportunity for me to introduce a bit of my culture to Australia. In the United States, South Americans (and specially Mexicans) are a large minority and unfortunately often depicted in the media in unfortunate, stereotypical ways.

I feel that Australia doesn't have a big Latin American minority so there's a lack of representation - and especially a lack of understanding - that the many countries that are thought of as "Latin American" have their own unique personality, history, people, music, flavours, narrative and culture.

This short is only a light hearted introduction to some common customs of Argentinian culture. And even though it's not meant to be a flag for Argentinians, it is nice to be able to showcase people like myself (an Argentinian living in Melbourne) in an Australian-made short.

Would you like to add anything else?

If you watch it, let me know what you think!

Interview: April 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. 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

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The Uncomfortably Sexy Rules of Truco

Amy shares everything she has learnt about the Argentinian culture since dating her girlfriend, Eugenia: the interesting, the odd and the uncomfortably sexy.

Length: 04.28mins

Director: Marina Bonofiglio

Producer: Marina Bonofiglio

Writer: Marina Bonofiglio

About the writer, director and producer:

Marina Bonofiglio is an Argentinian photographer and director based in Melbourne who thrives at creating striking and captivating visual story telling in film and photography.

Key cast: Stacey Ando, Fiorella Cordella Pamparana, Alejandro O., Gabriela Heinz

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Film Festival Directors

Other: www.marinabonofiglio.com

Where can I see it in the next month? Setting Sun Film Festival (27th and 29th April)