ANHEDONIA, 2min,. Italy
Directed by Paula Alarcon
Anhedonia explores the contrasts and thin lines that are presented to us in life. It takes the audience through a visual journey of how Nara, the protagonist, explores her limits in how quickly pleasure can become pain and vice versa. Nara´s journey makes the audience very aware of their senses and makes them question their limits and whether they are easily blurred.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

This film started as my final for fashion school but very quickly became so much more. Studying art direction in Polimoda means exploring a lot of different mediums of expression. When planning this video and exploring the world of fashion film and production I fell in love with video and was able to delve very deep into my concept. I have always been fascinated with thin lines and contrasts. For me the world of video allows you to feel something no other medium can. It can take you back to places and feelings that a photo can't and for me this also has a lot to do with the music and sound a video can have.

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

It took me around 9 months from the initial idea to the actual screening.

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

Alluring and Raw

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

Producing this film was one of the biggest learning experiences I have had. Because we had to play every role there is. I was the director but also the cast director, the stylist, the editor, the production team and so on. Of course a lot of people helped me and I was very grateful to have people to collaborate with but exploring all the roles by myself really made me learn a lot.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was regarding my model. My model canceled on me the day before filming. She had been confirmed and she backed out at the last moment. This felt like the end of the world. It made me have to push back one day my filming and look for another model that maybe was not my first choice. In addition I had to learn to do all the hair and makeup myself because my makeup artist could not work the next day. However the model I found was great, maybe even a better fit and everything turned out fine. Everything can go wrong. I learned that you always have to have backup, and when dealing with models especially in a film with scenes that are intimate you always have to have a contract!!

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

It was very surreal. I was in shock. I could not believe they were talking about my work. My film was literally getting out there and moving people. It was an incredible feeling. I don't think I can put it into words.

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

I think looking back I have always liked videos in general. I would spend hours looking at past videos in my camera roll and editing them and adding music to them because they were the closest thing to take me back to a certain moment. However it was only when producing this fashion film I discovered my passion for video on the creative and fashion field. After this I learned that video was one of my favorite mediums to work with.

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

This is a very hard question to answer. I would not know. But the first one that came to mind was "The sound of music". I love that movie. The music, the costumes, the composition of the shots and the story line.

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 had a great experience with my film festival submissions. Maybe for students the budget is a bit of a limiter but apart from that I really enjoyed the whole experience.

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

It was very easy. It was my first time submitting films anywhere and it can be an intimidating process but the website is very easy to navigate.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I would have to say that at the moment Poke it my go to. But of course I am Mexican so tacos will always be my favorite food.