Sanfic Industria Winner ‘Una Luz Negra’ Ponders the Mysteries of Memory and Grief

Chilean writer-director Alberto Hayden explores what has almost become an obsession with him in his feature debut at Sanfic Industria’s 2022 Work in Progress strand. Hayden questions whether people continue to exist beyond their physical selves through their memories, photos, possessions, and social media imprint in this digital age, inspired by South Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han and his French counterpart Deleuze. The Chilean industry forum, Sanfic Industria, will present “Una Luz Negra” among 10 Work in Progress titles.

A story of two people ponders these questions. Josefina and Jorge. Four years ago, she lost her son who bore his exact name, Jorge Ferrer Burrard. There is an uncanny physical resemblance between the two people, and the surname Buriard is uncommon in Chile.

As Jorge is transfixed by the photos of Josefina’s son, Jorge begins to investigate online and through his social media accounts. Josefina’s son’s presence, manifested through sounds in the house, grows increasingly unnerving. A graduate of the Chilean Film School, Hayden has made several short films and a documentary, “Pangea,” which premiered at the Guadalajara Film Festival.

Produced by Brisa Films and Benja Pinto, “Una Luz Negra” is directed by Joaquin Echevarria.Variety spoke to Hayden about the shoot, why he shifted points of view, and what he’s working on now: Something that shines despite its darkness, something that emits a presence despite its absence inspires the title. It also deals with what lies in the shadows, what is not revealed.

Above all, I link that to death. The film gradually became darker in visual terms by making it more chiaroscuro. The first part focuses on Jorge’s attempts to investigate whether they were related through social media and online searches. As Josefina feels her son’s presence in the house, the movie shifts to a genre film.

A possible loss of family ties becomes more about mourning and the relationship with death. There are unexplained sounds but no ghostly appearances. It remains grounded in reality. We had a small group, which made us more flexible.

Among the actors, there were just a few, and there were only two main locations in Santiago. It was a truly collective effort, and everyone’s input was welcome, from costume designers to art directors. Last year, we shot in 11 days so we still had to follow COVID-19 health protocols.

Despite receiving some support from Chile’s audiovisual fund for micro-budget projects, we still need post-production and distribution support, as well as a sales agent. In “Glaciers,” an elderly couple decides to thaw their seven-year-old son whom they had cyber frozen 40 years ago – with no special effects. Reflects the human desire to maintain life at all cos

Dakota Cameron

Dakota Cameron is a seasoned web content writer and covers the Hollywood movies for the MovieThop Website
Ms. Cameron began his professional life as a freelance blogger. Later, he worked for Witbe as a content writer for two years. His interests include blogging, reading, movies and travel.
Ms. Cameron graduated in Journalism and Mass Communication from University State of Georgia University. He is fluent in French, Spanish, and other languages.