INTERVIEW with ANTONIO MACIEL AND SOFIA BAQUEDANO

How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?

ANTONIO: I decided to start making films because it was a necessity that I learned when I was 19. At this age I was in my second semester of Law and was hating it, so I started looking for different options and writing my own film ideas in the only way I knew at that time. While searching on the internet on how to become a director, I found out that film school was a possibility, so I worked towards changing colleges and finally found myself. From that time on I learned so much on how to work on developing projects and haven't stopped since.

SOFIA: I have been doing movies for about three years. I started film school in 2021 in Brazil, and directed my first short film in 2023, still in university. Then in 2024, me and Antonio co-directed our first short with government funding, called “Coffee with Milk.” In 2025, we founded our production company Souvenir Filmes and co-directed “Mischief.” What first made me want to start making movies was my love for writing. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved writing, and I even wrote and published a novel in 2024. I don’t want to be “only” a writer though because of my love for movies. I have always loved them, from a very young age. I can’t think of one specific movie that made me want to do this, but I remember spending entire afternoons watching movies alone or with my cousins, and I’ve always loved stories. I’m passionate about the power of words and storytelling, both on-paper and on-screen.

Why did you do this project?

We had the idea at the end of 2024, because we wanted to try to make our first horror movie. We were brainstorming ideas, and came to the conclusion that in Brazil, the first horror stories we hear as children come from folklore, which made us want to revisit those stories. The story of the Cuca caught our attention because there is a very popular lullaby that is sung to children in Brazil that mentions her, and says that if the child doesn’t sleep, the Cuca will get them. It’s sung as an innocent children’s song, but if you pay attention to the lyrics, it’s pretty eerie. We took that and started building a script. After a while, we realized that our references were moving more towards children’s films than horror, so we switched from strictly horror to fantasy. Of course our film can be enjoyed by all ages, but the primary audience is older children. After we had a pretty consolidated idea, we applied for financing and started working harder on it.

(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?

We had 10.000 euros.

Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?

The project was funded by an incentive law in Brazil that allows companies to give a percentage of their taxes to cultural projects. We submitted our film for approval, got approved, then found a company that wanted to support our project.

How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?

It took about one year and a half from the initial idea to the release.

Are you happy with the result?

ANTONIO: For sure. It definitely surprised me, because during the pre-production and on production many things evolved to create this piece. Everyone who worked on the project brought something unique to it.

SOFIA: Yes, I believe the entire crew put their hearts into this movie and the result shows this. We were all very connected, and everyone knew exactly what result we wanted. Everyone in the crew and cast was so excited to see the final product, and I think it will be even more exciting when we first show at a festival.

What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?

We are in the initial phase of sending our film to many festivals. We’ve had a couple of small screenings in the town where we filmed, but haven’t yet released it in festivals.

How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?

We have had a great experience with festivals so far. Some of them could improve on communication, because sometimes results come out on dates much different than they say on the website and don’t let the filmmakers know. However, we’ve had mostly positive experiences with some amazing festivals.

Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals?

We use FilmFreeway, Short Film Depot, and Festhome.

Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.

Our main references for “Mischief” were fantasy films made for children that also carry a bit of the horror element. For that, we took inspiration from Tim Burton films, as well as Henry Salick’s “Coraline”. We also took a lot of inspiration from the imagery in Brazilian folklore, and representation of witches in paintings and art.

Your favorite movie?

ANTONIO: Adaptation by Spike Jonze.

SOFIA: Les Demoiselles de Rochefort by Jacques Demy.

Favorite series?

ANTONIO: Bojack Horseman

SOFIA: I love series and love many of them, but if I have to choose one from recent years, it would perhaps be Succession.

Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?

ANTONIO: Yes, because this is what I'm supposed to do, I know it in my heart. In 5 years I will be doing movies that make me feel things and that will make me proud.

SOFIA: Yes, I see myself working in the film industry as a director and screenwriter. I also plan to release my second book by that time.

Do you have any other projects in mind?

ANTONIO: Yes, I’m studying a Masters in Film Directing and developing a couple of short films for this year. I am also developing my first feature film with Sofia at Souvenir Filmes.

SOFIA: Yes, I am currently doing a Masters in Film Directing, where I will be directing two short films during this year. I am also developing my first feature film project with Antonio.

What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)

ANTONIO: I will always ask for the best team possible, because I love working with new people and seeing them put a bit of themselves in the project.

SOFIA: I ask for beautiful experiences with the actors. My favorite part of directing is working with actors, and I love how we create things together, so I definitely hope for more great actors in my films like I’ve always had so far.

Your best experience in a movie theater?

ANTONIO: One of the most memorable movie theater experiences was being able to watch Oppenheimer in 70mm IMAX in LA. That was one of the most purely cinematic experiences I was able to experience.

SOFIA: I have many, but the first that comes to mind is when I saw Barbie in the movie theater back in 2023, and everyone was so connected throughout the film, laughing and being surprised at the same time. It felt like every person in the theater was sharing the same experience, and it wasn’t only fun, but beautiful.