Wescley Di Luna
Wescley Di Luna is a film and TV director, producer, screenwriter and actor, born in Campina Grande in Paraíba, Brazil. Graduated in History (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), cinema (International Film Academy) and postgraduate degree in TV direction for television drama (Casa das artes de Laranjeiras). His short film "EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT" was pre-selected for the Student Academy Awards student competition, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscar). Wescley is CEO of the production company Di Luna productions, which operates in the area of music videos, cinema and advertising.
Your project has entered in our festival. What is your project about?
My short film is a motivational drama, which makes us reflect on how quickly life passes and how important it is to live, challenge yourself and do what moves your heart.
Your project has entered in our festival. What is your project about?
My short film is a motivational drama, which makes us reflect on how quickly life passes and how important it is to live, challenge yourself and do what moves your heart.
What are your ambitions with your project?
My biggest ambition is for this work to be shown to the maximum number of people everywhere, that it touches the public's feelings.
Tell us something about your shooting? What pleasantly surprised you?
My shoot was done in 3 days. 1 day in the square, 1 day in the apartment and another day at the beach. The cast and crew were well aligned, bringing harmony to the set. There was even a little dog that was rescued from the street during the recording of one of the actresses, who named it after her character in the film.
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
I was concerned that this film would speak to the general public, people who don't have access to cinema, children and the elderly. It's a film for the whole family.
Why should distributors buy your film?
It's a film that everyone can identify with in some way, we have three generations of women telling this story. Without a doubt, it takes place in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro, with beautiful and original photography.
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
I consider it to be an art film, independent and with the characteristics that I believe in as a beginner filmmaker. It is authentic and subtle, just as I thought when I wrote the script.
Why did you decided to become a filmmaker?
When I was a child I recreated films in my house, using dolls, rooms and furniture. Then I started writing stories and was enchanted by what I saw in cinemas and on TV and tried to reproduce. I think my childhood would be the answer for deciding to be a filmmaker.
Who is your role model?
My influence came from the Japanese superhero series from the late 80s and early 90s. I also received influence from Hollywood. But over the years I've reconnected with Japanese cinema and great masters like Yoji Yamada, Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Yasujiro Ozu.
Which movies are your favorites? Why?
Inglorious Basterds by Quentin Taratino is a film that I have watched 10 times and never tire of watching with the same enthusiasm, but films like Good Morning (1959) and A Family in Tokyo (2013) are films that inspire me. I like talking about family relationships and exploring the humanization of its characters.
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
I always look around my life, in stories that I have lived or witnessed, whether mine, friends or family.
Which topics interest you the most?
I really like telling stories about children, elderly people, artists and stories that take place in authentic places. I really like thinking about stories that take place across the country, or in favelas in big cities, I prefer to talk about the people, about normal people who have normal lives.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?
I'm still on the way, there's a little bit to go (laughs)
What do you consider most important about filming?
The team that is with me on the recordings, a cohesive, motivated team that loves what they do. Without a good team, the film will not be made in the best way.
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
I like a little bit of everything and I always try to wear something new to me on set. I've been enjoying more and more the dialogues between the characters and their pauses, accompanied by smooth camera movements.
How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking?
Current cinema is constantly evolving, following all these changes in audiovisual. But I watch films like Oppenheimer, Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon and I see that cinema is stronger than ever. I'm from a country (Brazil) where cinema was not democratic, the only people who produced cinema were white and rich people, over the last 15 years this has been changing and less privileged people are making cinema, women, black people, people indigenous people, LGBT and poor people. Brazil has been training qualified cinema professionals all over the world and producing films in large quantities, of exceptional quality for the whole world, with beautiful, captivating, fun and original stories.
What can disappoint you in a movie?
Poorly written script, poorly directed film
Who supports you in your film career?
All my family, friends and people who work with me.
What are the reactions to your film? (opinion of spectators, film critics, friends and family)
A lot of people find themselves between the stories of the character Esperança and Dona Bené, I can't say much about why, otherwise I'll end up not delivering the film (laughs), but it enters a place of life choices and not giving up on your dreams. The public loves the film's direction and photography, which features beautiful places in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Have you already visited any of the prestigious film festivals?
Yes, here in my country, Rio Festival and São Paulo International Film Festival
What are your future plans in filmmaking carriere?
I'm now focused on my first feature film, which is in development and I hope to film it in the next few years.