Kickstarter

As a woman, I am very intrigued to portray the complexity of women. To others, we may appear to be difficult, lacking confidence, or even neurotic to a certain extent. But let it be clear, we ourselves struggle to remain sane and balanced within the constant emotional dance we dwell with in our day-to-day lives. We wake up everyday, and even if we do so with a joyful mind, life is there to remind us that it is not going to be easy! So we roll up our sleeves and tackle the day. Single, in a relationship, mother or not, young or no longer, rich or poor, every situation bears its own pain, its own past and lastly its own present.

But I am not interested only in the pain we live; even though it is a rich source of emotions, at the end of the day, I believe in hope. And the film is about that, a dedication to the next generations! This film is a brief portrait of emotions we face in our lives. Regardless of our roots, struggles, and obstacles, the outcome will be beautiful if you believe in it. It may not be exactly what you had in mind but if you just let go, it will be wonderful!

I have had the chance to travel a lot in my life. I have lived in very poor areas, and it has always fascinated me that I have met happier people in those places than I have in big cities. I, myself often get trapped in this material world, where possessions would define my happiness but then I realized that I had to go back to how I felt when I met those wonderful people. Happiness is all around us; we just need to be willing to see it!

I chose to portray everyday scenes and words in different eras in this short-film. I find it fascinating to place stories in a visual context. Needless to say that a short-film gives you that freedom! I am drawn to short films as the perfect accessible vehicle for a creative mind! But it is only possible with an amazing team, which I am fortunate to work with. Be sure to check out the talent behind this piece- you won’t regret it.

The visual side of filmmaking defines me, and I am confident that you will easily realize this about my films. I think of a situation and instantly the whole scene comes alive. It is so precise, that every detail is in place; position of a hand, fabric, the sounds, the framing, the expression, the editing, the tones, the spark in the eye, the word, the décor, … Precise to the point that until it is not concretely in the can, it drives me mad! Like the mute who wants to shout to the world to be heard! Well, I guess this is why I am a filmmaker.

The Surrendering is all about sensuality and the profound meaning and beauty behind a woman offering herself to her partner. I thought that there was no better world than the one of the 20s; the fabrics, tones, shapes of this era calls for love in its most lushly way.

The Separation speaks by itself, I wanted to show that it is not a black and white situation and pain resides within both partners.

The Support reflects on friendship and its immeasurable value.

The Satisfaction well I cannot give it out all completely, I guess you will have to watch the film to see what I mean by it!

How will viewers react when they see my film PORTRAITS? I hope that they will leave with a beautiful image in their mind and a strong feeling of hope!

Kenhalo Bernet-Millán, director of PORTRAITS.

For more info on Kenhalo Bernet-Millán or Volcano Smoke Productions, please visit:

www.volcanosmoke.com