Auteur cinema outside the capital: challenges and opportunities

Can you make auteur films far from the capital? An online talk about the challenges, and the cracks, for those who make cinema on a shoestring outside the big cities.

What it was

An online conversation about audiovisual production outside the capital, focused on auteur and low-budget films. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of producing away from the major centres and shared tips and strategies for making auteur films on a low budget, in an interactive debate between participants and the host.

When and where

• Date: Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 8–10 pm (Brasília time)
• Where: online, on Google Meet (link sent to registered participants)
• Age rating: 16+

Who it was for

• filmmakers and audiovisual producers;
• film and communication students;
• culture and arts enthusiasts;
• anyone wanting to know more about auteur cinema.

On the table

Challenges

• Funding: hard to raise investment, few funds aimed at the countryside, money concentrated in big-city production companies.
• Equipment and infrastructure: few rental houses, high purchase and maintenance costs, limited internet.
• Skilled crews: young talent moves to the capitals and training is scarce in the interior.
• Distribution: few cinemas outside the big cities and difficulty reaching audiences.

Opportunities

• Decentralised cultural policy, with regional calls and training.
• Digital platforms that reach audiences without traditional gatekeepers.
• Appreciation of cultural diversity: audiences and festivals want films that reflect other realities.
• Online editing and collaboration tools that make production cheaper.
• New business models such as crowdfunding and VOD.

Cost and support

Free activity funded by the Paulo Gustavo Law (Brazil’s Ministry of Culture), supported by Pupilo, Rachadura Visual, the Campo Mourão Cultural Foundation and the City of Campo Mourão (Paraná).

Host

Rudolfo Auffinger holds degrees in Film and Video and in Advertising. As a freelancer he works in audiovisual production and editing. As a director he has made music videos, documentaries and video installations. He founded Pupilo, a film streaming platform for schools, and is part of the Rachadura Visual collective. More at rudolfo.art.br.

Want this conversation in your town?

The talk can become an in-person meeting, an open class or a post-screening discussion. Write to oi@rachaduravisual.com.br.