From the Brazilian city of Juiz de Fora, filmmaker Luciano de Azevedo has recently released his new short film Cabrito on Vimeo. The 19 minute short film stars Samir Hauaji, Sandra Emília Costa, Pri Helena, and Nino de Barros.
”And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the Lord thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straightness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee: Deuteronomy 28:53”
Cabrito tells the horrific story of a cotton candy salesman who lives with his insanely religious mother in their small Brazilian town. When a woman ends up impregnated with scandalous circumstances, it causes a rift between the mother and son. His devilish nightmares take over and end up making the worst of him. This film has made it to every corner of the world, garnishing itself with a Popular Choice Award at Primeiro Plano 2015. With a budget of only $750, this film is more than just cheap scares. This is an intense story with truly horrific graphics and astonishing production value. That budget, by the way, includes gas, make-up, food, scenery, and actors pay.
Luciano’s use of lighting and color give the film a depth that can only be nuanced by the best types of filmmakers. Not to mention the demented nightmare scenes of the man wearing the pig face are enough to make you lose some sleep. Metaphors and symbolism run rampant in this film, and every detail of this film seems incredibly thought out and deliberate.From the cotton candy representing the last of the innocence in this man to the lighting and candles in brothel representing his hellish deeds.
It is not too often you get to see a great short film that is so thoughtful and terrifying. This is a great short film, and leaves us here wanting to see more from Luciano de Acevedo. The beauty with telling a short story is all in the display. There is a much greater story at work here, but we only get to see the last few moments of it. This unsettling feeling leaves us to fill in the blanks, and makes for a great conversation. After all, the best part of any film is getting to discuss it afterwards. The conversation warranted by Cabrito leads to an intelligent and analytical discussion of metaphor and symbolism in a dark and twisted world.
Overall this film is hauntingly wonderful. We’ve talked enough, now give Cabrito a watch below and let us know what you think. If it leaves you wanting more too, just know that there is a Tumblr page with a ton of behind the scenes images and more!
