September 30, 2024

Germán Jiménez: Crafting impactful stories of survival through film

by

What are the most formidable challenges inherent to the profession of filmmaking?

The biggest challenge has been not giving up in the face of production challenges. It’s essential to keep creativity alive and stay focused on the goal. Having a great team is crucial. I’m grateful for the contributions of the incredible team I collaborated with for this short film.

Could you elaborate on the wellspring of your creative inspiration for this particular short film?

The story is inspired by the idea that things are not always as they seem. It’s influenced by Bogotá, a city where many people struggle to survive, especially children who are often seen begging on the streets. This issue inspired the story of Yellow Skulls.
Hide and Seek | Poster
Karolina Belka

Could you elucidate on the central thematic underpinning of your film?

The story depicts extreme violence as characters fight to survive. Children are forced to grow quickly. The instinct for survival conflicts with maternal love and characters are motivated to survive, prioritizing their own survival or driven by the need to ensure their children’s survival.

How do you navigate the task of strategizing cost-effective promotional efforts when operating within a constrained budget?

This is a 100% independent project. It’s a very personal project that we have managed with a lot of effort and love because we believe that its story needs to be told. Our promotion strategy has been focused on social networks. We are trying to make our work known through organic interactions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In today's dynamic marketplace, how pivotal do you consider the role of film distribution?

Distribution is crucial in the film industry. Each part of the industry should focus on their expertise, as all professionals are essential for project success. However, financing projects can be challenging. Sadly, you need to cut some crucial parts like distribution to reach the goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For individuals contemplating the path of self-distribution, what counsel or insights can you offer?

When self-distributing, I think it could be helpful in identifying your project’s category and researching previous selection processes. Utilize festival platforms to find relevant festivals. Remember that everyone’s path is different. If budget allows, consider hiring a distributor when needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In your estimation, what level of significance do short films hold for aspiring filmmakers seeking to embark on a career in directing?

Creating short films is crucial for aspiring directors. It provides room for mistakes and improvement, much like exercising to strengthen muscles for athletes. Many great filmmakers started with short films before moving on to feature films.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflecting on your professional journey thus far, could you share an instance of the most formidable challenge you encountered and how you surmounted it?

The main challenge was animating the characters and connecting with the audience. I took on the task of animating it myself with a small team, aiming to give the animation a personal and coherent style.

What, in your view, are the critical factors that contribute to the creation of a cinematic masterpiece?

Creating a masterpiece involves subjective factors, including a talented and committed team. Luck and timing also play a role. For me, the foundation of a masterpiece is the script. Stories connect us, and honesty, telling a story that truly matters to you, and enjoying the process is crucial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you could revisit the inception of your career, are there any aspects or decisions you would choose to alter in hindsight?

I am 49 years old and have extensive experience in the audiovisual industry. I have encountered both challenging and rewarding experiences. Each project brings its mix of highs, lows, and lessons, but I wouldn’t alter any part of my journey as it has shaped me into who I am today.

KAAFFILM is an international network of distribution, production, and promotion of short films. #Kaaffilm

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *