Zero Gravity in the Animation Cosmos

Hi Matisse! First things first: How did you discover your love for animation?

It was not an overnight discovery. It took me some time to notice my passion not only for animation in general, but also for writing and directing animated films.

First of all, in a country like Bolivia, it is very difficult to grasp that there are professions like the one of the animator. It was not until I turned 18 and attended an animation workshop that I found my love for this art. For a long time, I wanted to draw storyboards, but little by little, as I found out who I am and what I like, I realized that I wanted to write and direct my own stories: goodbye to my dream of only drawing storyboards, hello to my dream of becoming an independent film director.

It was pretty curious. I applied to several German universities. After the acceptance letters arrived, I really realized how lucky I was to end up studying at one of the best animation schools in Europe. With my admission to Animationsinstitut, I was also able to apply for a scholarship.

Without getting too personal, GRAVEDAD is based on an existential crisis I had at the end of 2016. I felt like there was nothing in the world that balanced me out and kept me "grounded." I looked at the rest of the world and wondered how everyone was so happy.

At the time, I was reading a book by Kurt Vonnegut called "Slapstick," in which gravity changes randomly. I thought that was the perfect metaphor to describe what was going on in my life. It then took me almost two years to perfect the story, find an ending, and make this personal film accessible to a wide audience. It is very hard to use filmmaking as therapy—and yet, I continue to do so.

In the beginning, I aimed for a realistic style. I wanted to portray the characters' feelings in as much detail as possible. Gradually, though, I realized that, firstly, I am very bad at realism, and secondly, the more abstract and minimalist the drawing, the easier it is to express strong emotions. Humans can identify much better with two dots and a line because those do not limit our imagination. The style reflects the heart of the audience rather than dictating it.

The milkman had to hold on to something. What is better than a couple of udders to keep himself grounded?

After GRAVEDAD, I was able to make a pilot for my own series on Cartoon Network Latinoamerica. The pilot is called ERA SOLO UNA ROCA QUE SE PARECIA A ALGUIEN (It was just a rock that looked like someone) and is about two astronauts who go crazy and start hallucinating. You can see the film here.

Right now, I am developing a feature film called CONDENADITOS (Cursed Children) about a Bolivian family and the effects that the past has on the present.

We are very much looking forward to it, Matisse. Thank you!