Project Statement: "Ilaria"
Project Overview: "Ilaria" is a compelling and thought-provoking short narrative film, with a runtime of 20-30 minutes, set in the enchanting backdrop of the South of Italy. The film explores the transformative journey of Ilaria, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, as she grapples with her past actions and navigates the intricate web of her emotions, ultimately leading her to a profound realization about the interconnectedness of her personal experiences with broader societal issues.
Synopsis: Ilaria, our protagonist, embarks on her last summer of adolescence with her closest friends as they bask in southern Italy. The narrative takes a poignant twist as we learn about Ilaria's troubling childhood habit of casually stepping on ants, a manifestation of her youthful ignorance regarding the sanctity of life.
As she matures, Ilaria confronts her past cruelty towards ants by channeling her remorse into photography, aiming to make amends for her previous actions. One fateful evening, following her birthday celebration, Ilaria and her friends stumble upon an eerie natural phenomenon – an ant mill. Here, they witness ants caught in an endless cycle, following one another's pheromones in a futile loop, eventually succumbing to exhaustion.
Ilaria's internal world becomes increasingly dominated by her nostalgic yearning for her childhood and her attachment to her past. This fixation becomes an obstacle, preventing her from embracing her impending departure for college and charting her future. Her sense of being trapped mirrors the plight of the ants in the mill and serves as a metaphor for the immigrants who are marooned at sea due to restrictive European policies.
The film poignantly weaves together these themes, presenting Ilaria's perspective as the lens through which we observe the world. Her emotional journey unfolds in parallel with the unfolding immigration crisis at sea, where immigrants are stranded, gasping for freedom and opportunity as they are denied access to the shores of European countries.
The interconnectedness of these narratives becomes evident as Ilaria grapples with her sense of entrapment, reflecting on how the ants are ensnared by their innate instincts, and immigrants are ensnared by geopolitical policies. Through Ilaria's lens, the film invites viewers to question societal indifference to the plight of the immigrants, paralleling her past cruelty towards ants as a child.
In a hauntingly powerful conclusion, Ilaria is seen photographing the lifeless bodies of immigrant children who have drowned at sea, symbolizing society's apathy towards their plight, much as she once treated ants callously as a child. "Ilaria" challenges us to reflect on our past actions, our capacity for change, and our collective responsibility towards those who seek refuge and opportunity.
Themes:
Transformation and redemption
Nostalgia and its impact on personal growth
The cycle of repetition and entrapment
Societal indifference and its consequences
Visual Style: The film will capture the beauty of the South of Italy while juxtaposing it with the harsh realities of the immigration crisis.
Impact: "Ilaria" seeks to engage viewers in a profound exploration of personal growth, empathy, and the consequences of indifference. It aims to inspire meaningful conversations about our responsibilities toward others and the power of self-reflection in effecting positive change.
Target Audience: "Ilaria" is intended for a diverse audience with an interest in thought-provoking narratives that delve into the complexities of human nature, society, and personal transformation.
Conclusion: "Ilaria" is a compelling and socially relevant narrative film that intertwines the personal journey of its protagonist with broader societal issues. Through its evocative storytelling and captivating visuals, it invites viewers to reflect on their own actions and the collective responsibility we bear towards those in need.
Artist Bio
Veronica Fahs is passionate about creating narrative-styled films. The roles that she enjoys pursuing in the film industry pertain to directing, screenwriting, color grading, and editing. At the University of Connecticut, the major she is studying is Digital Media and Design, concentrating on Digital Film/Video Production, consisting of working on film projects with other filmmakers, working independently on personal short films, screenwriting for upcoming projects, and creating advertisements for businesses. Veronica is intrigued by films revolving around cultural themes, social issues, and innovative stories. She is striving to pursue a career in the film industry by utilizing her passion for creating stories that spread important messages to the world.
