THE IMAGINATION OF A CHILD, 14min., Italy
Directed by Cesare Catania
The movie, mainly in black and white, completely without dialogue and interspersed with moments of reflection for the viewer in front of the written thoughts of the "narrator", analyzes the psychological evolution of an artist who develops ideas and beliefs linked to the world of art.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

What motivated me to create "The Imagination of a Child" was a deep belief in art’s power to unite diverse experiences and emotions. To me, art represents a non-verbal language that transcends cultural, generational, and personal barriers. This film allowed me to explore this belief through visual storytelling, where I could represent two distinct identities: an experienced Italian artist and a young girl originally from Sri Lanka. These characters symbolize two parts of a single human experience, blending the wisdom of age with the boundless creativity of childhood. I believe an artist should maintain both perspectives: the analytical insight of adulthood and the pure imagination of childhood. My motivation was to show how art can bridge such dualities, creating a shared and inclusive space where age, culture, and personal history harmonize to reveal our common humanity.

2. From the initial concept to the finished product, how long did it take to make this film?

The actual making of the film was quite fast. In fact, everything seemed very clear in my mind at the time of creation. However, the journey that led me to develop the artistic convictions expressed in the film was long. It all began in 2015 with a drawing (The Embrace), which then became a painting and inspired an entire collection. From this collection of artworks, I developed a broader socio-cultural artistic project, The Embrace Project. Likewise, NFTs and the Metaverse opened my eyes to the possibility of bringing my artwork to life through dynamism and kinetic energy. I also created the Manifesto of Democratic Art around the same time as the Democratic and Phygital Art Project, presented at the Venice Biennale in 2024, and eventually decided to venture into filmmaking. So, while the creative process was rapid and focused, the emotional and inspirational journey behind this film was long and complex.

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

"Visual poetry." Each shot and sequence was meticulously crafted, like a painting or sculpture, to evoke emotions beyond words and engage the viewer in a reflective experience.

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

The biggest obstacle was translating my visual language into a dynamic cinematic format. My background is in static visual art (paintings and sculptures that evoke stillness and reflection), though I have experimented with movement and dynamism in my artworks through NFTs. Translating this into a medium that inherently relies on movement, sound, and time required me to rethink my approach. I had to learn to balance the pace, allowing the audience to fully absorb each moment without lingering too long or losing momentum. Another challenge was working with multiple cultural perspectives, which required a respectful and careful approach to accurately represent elements from both Sri Lanka and Italy.

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

Hearing the audience’s reflections was deeply moving. Viewers identified with the duality and universal connection within the story, precisely what I had intended. Many commented on the film’s focus on unity and creativity, showing that these values resonate deeply with people from diverse backgrounds. Seeing the audience interact with the film’s subtleties—its minimalism, black-and-white palette, and emotional layers—confirmed that art indeed has the power to communicate beyond cultural and linguistic barriers. This response validated my chosen approach, encouraging me to continue this artistic journey into film.

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

The transition from visual art to film was natural as I continued exploring themes of unity and imagination. Over the years, I used sculpture, painting, and even digital art to explore these ideas, but cinema offers a unique capacity to convey movement and a broader narrative. I realized I wanted to make films when I saw that my artistic vision could come to life through stories, creating immersive experiences for audiences. The process of transforming static images into motion was challenging but fulfilling, proving to me that cinema could become another profound outlet for my art.

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

There are several films I often revisit for their narrative and compositional mastery. I am drawn to classics by directors like Federico Fellini or Stanley Kubrick, especially for how they balance storytelling with visual impact. I appreciate how these directors use minimalism and symbolism to evoke deeper meanings, something I also strive for in my work.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Festivals offer essential opportunities for emerging filmmakers, so more interactive sessions—like in-depth Q&As and discussions with directors—would be extremely helpful for artists like me who are new to cinema. A space for collaborative workshops where filmmakers can exchange insights with experienced directors and experts would also be invaluable. Lastly, creating initiatives that connect filmmakers from diverse cultural backgrounds aligns with my commitment to inclusive art, adding layers to the global storytelling network.

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

FilmFreeway has been an excellent tool, especially for someone like me, new to cinema. The ease of navigation and intuitive interface simplify the complex process of submitting to festivals. It also provides a broad overview of various festivals worldwide, offering an inclusive access point to a global network for filmmakers. Overall, it has streamlined the logistical aspects of festival submissions, allowing me to focus more on the creative aspects of my work.

10. What is next for you? A new film?

The success of "The Imagination of a Child" has certainly inspired me to explore cinema further. I plan to develop another film that continues to delve into themes of unity, diversity, and creativity, perhaps incorporating new perspectives. Alongside cinema, I will continue with my artistic projects, such as The Embrace Project, which promotes global understanding through sculpture. Art, for me, will always be a way to explore new forms of expression, and I’m excited to see where this path in cinema will lead me.