AFI FEST: Screening of 'Medusa' - Hollywood (November 13, 2021) Watch the trailer 
Interview with filmmaker Anita Rocha da SilveiraPT: What inspired you to write the story? Why did you choose the title Medusa? Silveira: In 2015, pictures and videos of a young paramilitary group surfaced on the Internet. They were young men in uniforms saluting in front of an altar, screaming command words, saying they were prepared for the Lord's battle - they called themselves the Gladiators. Over the last few years, we have witnessed a significant growth of the Evangelical bench in the Brazilian Congress, as well as the birth of new influencers: young youtubers who are charismatic and use the Internet to defend an ultraconservative lifestyle. However, what really prompted me was seeing part of Brazilian society advocating the return of the demure female - one who is devoted to her man – as well as several reports in the news about violent attacks on teenage girls, carried out by other girls that attack in a group, in most cases because they regard the victim as promiscuous. Sometimes the victims hair was cut off, and the face slashed, which was essential to make the victims look "ugly". The reason claimed for such violent acts ranged from believing the victims were "too beautiful", to them "hitting on" a boyfriend of one of the attackers, to "showing off" with provocative clothes, "getting too many likes" on their Instagram pictures, or being perceived as "easy" or "slutty" – all in a world where social networks have become the primary surveillance tool. When I read this news, I instantly thought of Medusa. Medusa was described as a beautiful maiden, a priestess of the temple of Athena. But one day she gave in to Poseidon's advances (or was raped, depending on the version of the myth), angering Athena, the virgin goddess, who transformed Medusa's beautiful hair into snakes, and left her face so horrendous that those merely gazing into it would be turned to stone. Medusa was punished for not being "pure". By combining myth and reality, it occurred to me that, even with the passing of the centuries, women wanting to control each other became part of the very foundation of this civilization. And perhaps, it is a way for us to keep control of ourselves. PT: What genres and subject matters interest you as a filmmaker? Silveira: As a filmmaker, I'm interested in films with complex female characters, no matter the subject. Growing up in the 80's and 90's that was not something I was used to seeing often on the screen. As for genres, I like working in a universe with fantastic tones, and mixing up genres like horror, comedy and even musicals. For Medusa, in that matter, David Lynch was a big reference, especially because of the incredible way he is able to works across genres, create an alternate universe but incredibly similar to reality, and even makes uses of humor to expose the flaws in the sought-after American dream. PT: Can you talk about the challenges that you faced as a female director? Your debut feature Kill me Please received global critical acclaim. However, it took over 6 years to make your second feature. Why is it so hard for a filmmaker in Brazil to get funding for a film? Silveira: As a female director, for me it's important to create a set where everybody feels safe and comfortable. I had some bad experiences when I used to work as an assistant director, in sets where people where constantly harassed, so it's something that I made a commitment to myself to change. Regarding Brazil, after Dilma Rousseff impeachment in 2016, the right took power, and later the ultra-right. They perceived cultural incentives as a waste of money, and people that work with arts as "vagabonds", so the funding incentives basically stopped since then. And for the private investors in Brazil, Medusa was not perceived as a film with commercial potential. So, it was a struggle to finance it. PT: The soundtrack is great. Your film is full of surprises and there are lots of emotional moments. Did you make this film to entertain the audience and at the same time make a social statement? Silveira: Yes. "Get Out", by Jordan Peele, was a big influence in that matter. Medusa is a film written during the rise of the ultra-right in Brazil, so I was inspired by things I saw in the news and on the Internet, and I really want to address what was happening here and make a statement and also use this opportunity as something cathartic. But speaking to an audience is fundamental to me. PT: You have said that you were influenced by David Lynch and Dario Argento. Which other films/directors have influenced you as a filmmaker? Do you have a filmmaker mentor that gives you advice? Silveira: I don't have a mentor, but I have friends with whom I've worked together since my college years, and we help one another. David Lynch and Dario Argento are big influences for me, but also Lucrecia Martel, Claire Denis, David Cronenberg, Bob Fosse, Brian De Palma and Tsai Ming-Liang. PT: How did you approach directing Medusa? What did you like most about making this film? Silveira: Medusa is a very low budget film, even for Brazil. We shot it in 28 days, sometimes 7 scenes in a day, so I had to be prepared to go to set. I spent a long time in rehearsal with the cast, so they would feel very comfortable and knowing everything by heart by the time of the shooting. What I liked most was getting to know all these young women and men that played in the film. For most of them Medusa was the first time in a movie set, so we had a lot of fun and they became friends with one another. PT: What was the casting process like for Medusa? Silveira: Mari Oliveira was in the cast of my first feature,"Kill me please". While developing Medusa I always had her in mind. She is an incredible actress, an amazing person, and she managed to add several layers and nuances to the character. To put together the rest of the cast, I had the help of cast producer Giovani Barros, and together we made open calls through social media. We received over 600 portfolios and auditioned around 250 young men and women. Some had previous experience in TV and cinema, like Lara Tremouroux, Felipe Frazćo, and Joćo Vithor Oliveira, but the vast majority of the young cast was formed by students from local drama schools who had their breakthrough on the big screen with Medusa. PT: What has been the general reaction to your film in Brazil? Silveira: The film only played in festivals in Brazil. It will be commercially released in Brazil probably in the second semester of 2022. So far, the reaction has been great and it's still on the radar of the ultra-right. PT: What is in the future for you? Silveira: I have no idea. I'm developing a new feature project, but so far, it's still very complicated to get a film financed here in Brazil. Maybe I will have to go to work for TV. But I think it all depends on the result of the next general election that will take place in October 2022. I really hope for some change. MEDUSA (2021 Brazil 128 mins) Language: Portuguese Directed By: Anita Rocha da Silveira Producers: Vania Catani Executive Producer: Tarcila Jacob Screenwriter: Anita Rocha da Silveira Cinematographer: Joćo Atala Editor: Marilia Moraes Production Designer: Dina Salem Levy Music: Bernardo Uzeda, Anita Rocha da Silveira Cast: Mari Oliveira, Lara Tremouroux, Joana Medeiros, Felipe Frazćo, Bruna G Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Anita Rocha da Silveira has written and directed three short films: THE NOON VAMPIRE (2008), HANDBALL (2010) and THE LIVING DEAD (2012). Her first feature KILL ME PLEASE (2015) screened at AFI FEST and the Venice International Film Festival, among others. Her sophomore feature MEDUSA played in the Cannes Directors' Fortnight and screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. Synopsis Today, Brazil. Mariana, 21 years old, belongs to a world where she must do her utmost to keep up the appearance of a perfect woman. In order to resist temptation, she and her girlfriends try their best to control everything and everyone around them. And that includes the town sinners. At night, their girl squad put on masks, hunt & beat up all women who have deviated from the right path. However, the day will come when the urge to scream will be stronger than it ever has been..
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