Mammoth Film Festival - El Astronauta (The Astronaut)
Beto, a sophisticated man, returns to his remote hometown with the goal of bringing his senile father to a care home in the city. But his father, Don Alfredo, does not want to leave home until he fulfills his only desire: to reach the moon to say goodbye to his beloved and late wife. With great difficulty to understand his father's desire, but touched with the ingenuity, Beto must find the way to become “The Astronaut".
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Manuel Trotta
Watch El Astronauta (The Astronaut) on Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I had the need to tell this specific story. To convey the message we portray in the project.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think it's a very important subject for people around the world regardless of your age. The team behind this project believes it's a very moving story.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The theme works in both ways. It's a very personal story that can be understood in any part of the planet. I think that's one of the biggest accomplishments of the screenplay.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
It started out with a big idea, and many drafts later became simpler and simpler, something very hard to do. I went from many characters and locations to only one location and two characters. I wanted a very intimate piece.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I think the most common feedback is that people connect. I've seen people crying in four different parts of the world and to me that's a gift as a filmmaker.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has surprised me because a big portion of the audience relates to the story in a way.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To have a bigger audience. I believe this story has to be seen.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
As independent filmmakers we need the support from as many people as possible so anyone is not only welcomed but needed too.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
If people are attached to their chair from the first minute to the last I will be more than happy.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is the screenplay based on a real event?
Would you like to add anything else?
The Astronaut is a story about disconnection and rootlessness narrated through two characters, a father and a son, united by the family bond but separated by the opposing visions of life. I wanted to show a closer look at the interpersonal relationships and the complexity of the emotions in the modern world through an emotional and intimate piece. This project took over 5 years to make, constantly driven by the desire of delivering this message.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
My biggest goal is to make this short into a feature film and explore the characters and the possibilities.
Interview: March 2018
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, 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
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EL ASTRONAUTA (THE ASTRONAUT)
Beto, a sophisticated man, returns to his remote hometown with the goal of bringing his senile father to a care home in the city. But his father, Don Alfredo, does not want to leave home until he fulfills his only desire: to reach the moon to say goodbye to his beloved and late wife. With great difficulty to understand his father's desire, but touched with the ingenuity, Beto must find the way to become “The Astronaut".
Length: 18 minutes
Director: Manuel Trotta
Producer: Dennis Casali, Manuel Trotta
Writer: Manuel Trotta
About the writer, director and producer:
Key cast: Manuel Trotta and Luigi Sciamanna
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: elastronautafilm
Instagram: @elastronautafilm
Made in association with: Omar Montor and Rodrigo Vega