Animatriz Studio, a 2D animation studio located in Goi芒nia, has released its latest short film titled Balada para Raposo Ten贸rio. The story, set in 1850, follows Raposo Ten贸rio, a gold prospector whose mind is crumbling due to loneliness and greed. After surviving a massacre by faking his own death, Raposo remains in a desolate settlement, where he is haunted by visions and obsessed with finding the gold stolen by his deceased friend, Serapi茫o Tavares, also known as Quixirix谩.
A Journey Between Reality and Fantasy
As Raposo delves deeper into his delirium, the line between the real and the fantastic begins to blur. It is here that the specter of a Xerente woman named Guai谩 appears to guide him towards a legendary golden lagoon. This psychological and spiritual journey becomes the heart of the narrative, exploring profound themes such as madness, guilt, and the search for redemption.
The Voice that Brings the Character to Life
The voice of Raposo Ten贸rio is provided by actor Nival Correia, originally from Tocantins. During his characterization process, Correia drew inspiration from characters like Skeletor from He-Man, known for their high-pitched voices and difficulty communicating. This vocal choice helps convey the character's mental fragility and desperation, adding a layer of emotional intensity.
A Dark and Immersive Aesthetic
Visually, Balada para Raposo Ten贸rio takes influences from the dark iconography of films like There Will Be Blood and Shakespearean tragedies like Hamlet. This influence gives the short film a somber and captivating tone, reinforced by the desolate and remote atmosphere. The work, created during the pandemic, reflects the sense of isolation and hopelessness that defines the protagonist.
International Recognition for Independent Animation
The short film has been selected for several international festivals, such as First-Time Filmmaker Sessions in the UK and Moonlight Short Film Fest in Italy, where it received an honorable mention. These recognitions highlight the quality of the production and the originality of the narrative, establishing Animatriz Studio as a reference in the field of independent animation.
A Team Committed to Artistic Creation
The production of Balada para Raposo Ten贸rio is handled by Animatriz Studio, with Samuel Peregrino as director and screenwriter. Rildo Farias leads the art direction, while Fabr铆cio Rodrigues is in charge of the main animation. Rafael Ferreira and Paulo de Siqueira Garcia Jr. are assistant animators, and Paulo Garcia and Pablo Rocha collaborate as drawing assistants. This talented team has managed to create a piece that fuses a profound narrative with a unique visual aesthetic.
A Reflection on the Human Condition
Beyond being a visually striking piece, Balada para Raposo Ten贸rio invites reflection on the human condition. Through Raposo's story, the short film offers an immersion into a world where reality and madness intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer.