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Dive deeper into the creative process of filmmaking. Explore the inspirations and challenges faced during production, and gain a richer understanding of some of the films selected for this year's festival.


These candid conversations not only shed light on the artistry and technical expertise that go into filmmaking but also provide a glimpse into the personal stories and motivations that drive these talented creators.

In this conversation, directors Alexandra Ramires and Laura Gonçalves share an in-depth look at the creative journey behind their new short film Percebes, which offers a fascinating look at life along Portugal's Algarve coast through the unique lens of the goose barnacle, or percebe.


The filmmakers discuss how working together shaped the film’s direction, especially compared to their individual work, and the role of limitations in enhancing the creative process. They also share insights into how capturing audio only helped capture a more open and authentic perspective of the region, and the reception of their film and its message beyond the place where it is set.


Image Credit: Percebes © 2024 BAP - Animation Studio. All Rights Reserved.


SPEAKERS


Alexandra Ramires, Laura Gonçalves

Directors // BAP - Animation Studio

(Percebes, Água Mole, The Garbage Man, Elo)


 After graduating from the Fine Arts University of Lisbon, Alexandra and Laura begin working in animation film in 2009.


Since then, their paths have always been intertwined. They've been part of the technical teams on various films, directed together and separately, and recently started producing.


They both believe in the power of collaboration. They are 2 of the 6 founding members of BAP- Animation Studio, a Cooperative of animation authors, which since 2013 has been their nest for developing and making films, alongside other internationally recognised authors.


Together they made the films Água Mole (2017) and Percebes ( 2024). Individually: Alexandra directed Elo (2020) and Laura directed Three Weeks in December (2012) and The Garbage Man (2022). These are films with a strong festival path as well as national and international recognition.


Website // Instagram // Vimeo


MODERATOR


Marina Antunes

President // Spark CG Society


Marina has been writing and discussing film for over 15 years, first on a personal blog, followed by a decade-long tenure on the now retired Row Three. In 2008, she joined the writing staff at Quiet Earth, becoming Editor-In-Chief in 2014, a role she still holds. Over the years, she has also produced and hosted a number of podcasts including Before the Dawn, a long-running podcast on the Twilight franchise, Girls on Pop, a podcast on film and popular entertainment from women’s perspective and After the Credits, bi-monthly film podcast with nearly 300 episodes.


Marina is a member of ACM and ACM SIGGRAPH, the Online Film Critics Society, the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and the Visual Effects Society. She is the President of Spark CG Society and the Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH chapter. She has also served on juries for several film festivals including DOXA, St. Louis International Film Festival, and the Whistler Film Festival. She joined the Spark CG Society in 2014.


Website // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn