BARRAGE, 43min., Italy
Directed by Emanuele Filiberto D’Andrea
The red thread linking Thailand and 1980s Colombia is formed by the blood spilled by bullets. Between past and present, Kitt will face difficult choices to survive, but perhaps in the smoke of battle he will find a family.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I truly love these characters, and the concept emerged during a very delicate time for my family. That emotional core drove me to challenge myself with a high-energy action narrative, exploring how physical tension and choreography can actually power emotional storytelling. Ultimately, my motivation was to fuse that personal heart with a visceral, fast-paced experience that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The entire process took about Three years. We spent around 11 months in pre-production, focusing heavily on action choreography and storyboarding, followed by four days of intense shooting, and the remaining time in post-production to fine-tune the editing, sound design, and visual effects.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Visceral ride!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Managing the action logistics on a tight indie budget was definitely the biggest challenge. Ensuring choreography looked impactful on camera while maintaining absolute safety for the cast and crew required meticulous planning and a highly dedicated team. E hat made it even more challenging—yet incredibly rewarding—was that our lead actress and several other cast members had absolutely no experience with screen fighting or action choreography. We dedicated a significant amount of time to training and preparing them from scratch. Watching them transform and push their limits to deliver those intense sequences safely was an obstacle turned into one of our greatest achievements.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was incredibly rewarding and surreal. As a filmmaker, you spend months to see the story/imagine how they grow up in your head but before you live it with these silent images inside…Staring at the screen in a closed room before anyone else sees them is just astonishing but hearing the audience connect with the pacing and energy of the film was both validating and deeply moving.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I think the definitive realization came when I understood that filmmaking was the only way to give life to the characters living inside me. For this project, I knew exactly what message I wanted to communicate to the world, but as the process began, I chose to step back and give the characters their total freedom.

In the end, they are a reflection of different parts of myself, and my deepest desire was simply to watch them run free. When you realize you have stories and characters inside you that demand to guide you and speak for themselves, that’s when you know you have to be a filmmaker.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

That would probably be Once upon a time in the west. Every time I watch it, I study its pacing, camera movements, and editing choices—it’s a constant source of inspiration for my work.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Giving filmmakers the opportunity to connect directly with producers, distributors, and fellow creators is crucial for building the foundations of future projects.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

FilmFreeway has been an excellent, streamlined tool. It simplifies the entire submission process, making it incredibly easy to discover international festivals and keep track of deadlines.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A Margarita! Simple, classic, and the perfect reward after a long day on set.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Yes, absolutely. I am currently in the development of my first film script. Now I want Barrage in cinemas as soon as possible but with a different story. New elements and a new world. This festival success and many others has given me a lot of momentum, and I can’t wait to get back on set.