A DISTRAÇÃO DE IVAN

What does it mean to live in an poor neighborhood of Rio when you’re a teenager? This is the starting point of A DISTRAÇÃO DE IVAN, Gustavo Melo and Cavi Borges’ film, two filmmakers who have already co-directed Vidigal (2008), a documentary sequence-shot whose very rich soundtrack recalled the popular culture of Rio which accompanied the directors’ childhood. In this fiction, Ivan, the young hero, is torn apart by his loneliness in his grandmother’s courtyard and his desire to belong to a group. He might find his way out, escaping on his own, climax of this harsh and tender film.

Interview with Gustavo Melo and Cavi Borges directors of the short film "A DISTRAÇÃO DE IVAN"

1. What made you first want to make films (a film, an actor, a place, an anecdote?)?

Gustavo Melo:
I used to live in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro and all the street Cinemas were closing, being turned into churches. I was self-taught by watching video rentals and luckily I watched the cult films of Coppla and Scorsese. I began to write and I learnt script writing techniques by myself, and then I wanted to make movies of the stories that I had written.
Cavi Borges:
I was a professional Judo fighter who was going to the Olympic games at Alanta in 1996 I injured myself on the eve of the journey and consequently I decided to open a video rental shop. I became very interested in art films and got to know some of the directors who came to my video rental shop. I decided then to make my first short film, influenced by these new friends.

2. Choose three words which best describe your view on cinema. Why?
Gustavo Melo:
Illusion, Emotion and Influence. Cavi Borges: Emotion, References and Language.

3. Where did you get the idea for this film? Was it difficult to shoot?
Gustavo Melo:
The idea came from the what is was like growing up and living in the surburbs as an adolescent. and belonging to a close knit group with its advantages and disadvantages that that can bring. Filming is always difficult. To avoid obstacles, the best way is to prepare your team and the actors as soon as possible.
Cavi Borges:
The script spoke of Gustavo´s childhood (the other director). It showed the viewpoint of a boy who lives in a poor area of Rio. He showed the script to me, I found it very good and we decided to work together on it.

4. How did you feel when you found out your film had been selected by La Semaine de la Critique?
Gustavo Melo:
A reward. Grateful for the recognition after twelve years of hard work and effort. A selection like that helps you to maintain a good relationship with your family and friends and also gives you a boost professionally.
Cavi Borges:
I was very happy. A sensation of duty fulfilled. A gift for all the work we had done.