Interview with filmmaker Camila Moreira Marques (FAT)

I recently chatted with director Camila Moreira Marques, who made her short film “FAT” at the Vancouver Film School. We showed her film at our festival in August 2015 to rave reviews from the audience.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of FAT:

Interview with Camila Moreira Marques:

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Camila: All my life I’ve been fighting eating disorder without even being knowledged about it. In my case, I was fat just because I liked to eat and I wasn’t stronger enough to control my eating desires. At least this was what everyone used to tell me, because most of the people don’t know anything about eating disorders. They don’t understand how someone who suffers about this condition feels. That’s why I decided to make a film showing what looks like to have a monster of compulsion inside of you.

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

Camila: It took me approx. 5 months to do everything with a really crazy schedule of 18-hours work a day.

Matthew: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Camila: Love Yourself

Matthew: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Camila: It was really difficult to do this project because I’m talking about a condition that I have and about I am still suffering. But I received a lot of support from my friends and from some VFS teachers. They helped me letting me think about what the movie represents, they showed me how the project was bigger than my own problems and that it’s an important and true message. In the end, I knew it was important to show to the world how it feels being a person with an eating disorder.

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city and country?

Camila: I am from Recife, Brazil. My city has a lot of film festivals as well and I am applying for some of it.

Matthew: What were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Camila: I am really happy. First of all, because the audience could understand the feelings that I wanted to convey through my movie and second reason because my animation style also was praised. I am amazed and happy.

Matthew: What film have you seen the most in your life?

Camila: I always have been an animation movies addicted. I Especially love the Disney ones.

Matthew: What is next for you? A new film?

Camila: I am going back to Brazil now. My home town, friends and family are waiting for me there. I also plan to apply for jobs in some animation studios in my country and here in Canada. But for sure, I already have some ideas for my next movie as well.

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