Pierpaolo Poggi
screenwriter of "Cringe"
Could you briefly describe your project for our audience?
In essence (and in form) we have created a short film entitled "Cringe" which addresses the issue of eating disorders or more properly definable disorders of eating behaviour, a cause not only of discomfort and pathologies of those who are victims, but also and above all of prejudice and discrimination on the part of a society increasingly linked to the false myths of physical and aesthetic perfection. The girl protagonist of our film, a victim of these disorders, is a real rebel and through this short story she claims her role within our society. The term "Cringe" is very widespread among young people both in verbal language and in social media language and essentially refers to what is "embarrassing and out of place".
What were your main aspirations or goals when creating this project?
I felt the need to give voice to those who are apparently marginalized by the frenetic everyday life, by the unstoppable flow of modernity. I believe that being embarrassing today, being in the way, to use a grammatical term being "commas", opens up important reflections, the awareness that life is a gift from everyone and for everyone. The protagonist of this short seeks visibility and personal redemption in her own way.
Share some memorable moments from the shooting process or any pleasant surprises.
A really nice moment was when we shot the scene in a public park in the city center. Everyone present, including the children, stopped to observe in silence, not a fly flew. Then at the end they exploded in loud final applause, congratulating our protagonist on her expressive skill.
Who is the primary target audience for your film, and what do you hope they will take away from it?
I believe that films can help open up reflections on ourselves and the world around us, in this sense they can be improving, as an awareness and opportunity for knowledge of reality. Then there are films that can simply make us dream, fall in love, cry or scare us: in one sentence they can refresh our senses, revive our feelings.
What makes your project an appealing choice for potential distributors?
The topic discussed is highly current.
How would you define your unique filmmaking style, and what distinct qualities characterize your film?
As a screenwriter I wrote a story based on the observation of reality, trying to bring out a question mark in the viewer, that is, leaving the viewer free to find the answer or answers on their own. I suggested to the director a visual narrative as close as possible to the dry observation of everyday life in terms of verisimilitude, i.e. non-participatory.
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
I feel the visual communication tool is close to my goals as a writer. But I believe that an author in general should write only if moved by the urgency of telling facts and people, in a word "stories".
Do you have a filmmaker or source of inspiration who has influenced your work?
The mere observation of reality has influenced my work.
Share a couple of your favorite films and what resonates with you about them.
I love all genres of films. However, if I really have to indicate a favorite film, I would put above all "The Sky Over Berlin" by Wim Wenders, a hotbed of reality, dreams, spirituality and pure feelings. In a word, "visual poetry".
Where do you typically find inspiration for your film projects?
"Life" is the only great inspiration behind all my film projects.
Could you briefly describe your project for our audience?
In essence (and in form) we have created a short film entitled "Cringe" which addresses the issue of eating disorders or more properly definable disorders of eating behaviour, a cause not only of discomfort and pathologies of those who are victims, but also and above all of prejudice and discrimination on the part of a society increasingly linked to the false myths of physical and aesthetic perfection. The girl protagonist of our film, a victim of these disorders, is a real rebel and through this short story she claims her role within our society. The term "Cringe" is very widespread among young people both in verbal language and in social media language and essentially refers to what is "embarrassing and out of place".
What were your main aspirations or goals when creating this project?
I felt the need to give voice to those who are apparently marginalized by the frenetic everyday life, by the unstoppable flow of modernity. I believe that being embarrassing today, being in the way, to use a grammatical term being "commas", opens up important reflections, the awareness that life is a gift from everyone and for everyone. The protagonist of this short seeks visibility and personal redemption in her own way.
Share some memorable moments from the shooting process or any pleasant surprises.
A really nice moment was when we shot the scene in a public park in the city center. Everyone present, including the children, stopped to observe in silence, not a fly flew. Then at the end they exploded in loud final applause, congratulating our protagonist on her expressive skill.
Who is the primary target audience for your film, and what do you hope they will take away from it?
I believe that films can help open up reflections on ourselves and the world around us, in this sense they can be improving, as an awareness and opportunity for knowledge of reality. Then there are films that can simply make us dream, fall in love, cry or scare us: in one sentence they can refresh our senses, revive our feelings.
What makes your project an appealing choice for potential distributors?
The topic discussed is highly current.
How would you define your unique filmmaking style, and what distinct qualities characterize your film?
As a screenwriter I wrote a story based on the observation of reality, trying to bring out a question mark in the viewer, that is, leaving the viewer free to find the answer or answers on their own. I suggested to the director a visual narrative as close as possible to the dry observation of everyday life in terms of verisimilitude, i.e. non-participatory.
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
I feel the visual communication tool is close to my goals as a writer. But I believe that an author in general should write only if moved by the urgency of telling facts and people, in a word "stories".
Do you have a filmmaker or source of inspiration who has influenced your work?
The mere observation of reality has influenced my work.
Share a couple of your favorite films and what resonates with you about them.
I love all genres of films. However, if I really have to indicate a favorite film, I would put above all "The Sky Over Berlin" by Wim Wenders, a hotbed of reality, dreams, spirituality and pure feelings. In a word, "visual poetry".
Where do you typically find inspiration for your film projects?
"Life" is the only great inspiration behind all my film projects.
Pierpaolo Poggi, professional television and theater writer, director of national shows (present at the Versiliana Festival for years), has collaborated in the creation of over 20 video clips with the major Italian and foreign artists (e.g. Francesco Gabbani, Audio 2 etc.), author of films (latest release: Michelangelo, a genius in the Apuan land), web TV series, docufilms, television commercials, etc.
www.pierpaolopoggi.it
www.pierpaolopoggi.it