Interview with Filmmaker Marino Baciga (DIMITRI)

DIMITRI played to rave reviews at the January 2020 LGBT Film Festival in Toronto.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Marino Baciga: In 2017, during promotion of our previous short film (“Vissi d’Arte”) at Cannes Film Festival and Jecheon International Music & Film Festival, we received very good feedbacks from critics who invited us to come back on set and produce a new short film soon.

Luckily, we already had in our file script ready with this project and thought it was the right moment to produce it.

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

It took 4 months to finalize the script and arrange the production. Shooting was done in 1 week. We then spent 5-6 months of post production. Overall, from the idea to the premiere it took approx 1 year.

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

Voracity and loneliness.

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

Biggest obstacle was casting, in particular for the main actor. The role is very challenging and we needed someone convincing.

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

I was surprised and pleased because I heard lot of comments from people who created a great connection with the story and tried to get answers, which are intentionally left blank in the plot.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

The big city, Rome, and the constant bustle of people suggested me to find in this mess a focus on the peculiarity of casual encounters and the loneliness behind them.

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

I love European cinema, I find it very close to my cinematographic taste. I particularly appreciate Almodovar, Ozon, Noé.

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

I entrusted promotion of the film to a well experienced company specialised in festival promotion, which did an excellent job.

9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

I am very passionate about classic music, I could go to Opera theatre every day. My biggest inspiration is La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi.

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

Of course! We are ready to shot our new short film. This is a big step forward for us and we are very thrilled to start.