“Laguna”, Interview with Director Sharunas Bartas

Sharunas Bartas, the visionary director behind “Laguna“, engaged in a compelling conversation with Fred Film Radio during the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Presented as a Giornate degli Autori Evento Speciale, “Laguna“ is a poignant exploration of memory, grief, and the enduring power of personal stories. Bartas’s willingness to intertwine his own experiences with the narrative creates a film that resonates with raw emotion and genuine authenticity.

The Heart of Honesty in Cinema
For Sharunas Bartas, honesty is the foundation of filmmaking. He believes that a filmmaker must be entirely open, without self-protection, to truly connect with the audience. This approach is deeply embedded in “Laguna“, where Bartas boldly exposes his vulnerabilities, allowing his personal experiences to shape the story. He avoids relying on past successes, instead treating each project as a new beginning. This mindset brings fresh perspectives and authentic emotion to his work, steering clear of imitation and striving for genuine expression. As Bartas states, “You must be open, absolutely open, without any protection.”

Reflections on Loss, Connection, and Remembrance
One of “Laguna“‘s most compelling aspects is its deep connection to nature, particularly the Mexican Pacific Coast. This location holds personal significance, as it was where Inna Maria, Bartas’s late wife and a talented actress, first visited during a student film project. Bartas vividly recalls their shared journey to a small lagoon during travels—an experience that initially inspired a film about the local people. Tragically, Inna Maria was killed in a car accident, forever altering the film’s direction and transforming it into a deeply personal meditation on grief and remembrance.

An unhealed Wound and the Need for Expression
Bartas does not view “Laguna“ as a cure; he emphasizes that some wounds can never fully mend. Instead, he considers the film a necessary act of sharing Inna Maria’s story and highlighting the profound impact of her loss—especially on his daughter. In his words, “You never can heal it.” For Bartas, filmmaking is a way to respond to overwhelming emotions that demand release. It’s about expressing the “fire” within, regardless of the subject. This raw, unfiltered emotion permeates every frame of “Laguna“, creating a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film is a testament not to closure, but to enduring love and remembrance.

From Writing to Image: The Power of Visual Storytelling
Initially drawn to writing, Bartas discovered that images, sound, and music offer a more profound means of expressing his inner world. He makes films when an overwhelming need to communicate arises, driven by genuine emotion yearning to be shared. This intrinsic motivation gives “Laguna“ its resonant and lasting impact. The images evoke memories and emotions, creating a sensory experience that transcends traditional narrative boundaries. This approach makes “Laguna“ a unique and profoundly moving work of art.

The Mexican Pacific Coast as a Character
The setting of the Mexican Pacific Coast is more than a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. The sprawling landscape mirrors the vastness of grief, while the beauty of the lagoon symbolizes life’s enduring beauty and memory. Bartas masterfully uses the environment to heighten the story’s emotional weight, crafting a visual and emotional tapestry that resonates deeply with viewers.

For more in-depth insights into Sharunas Bartas and his notable contributions to cinema, consider exploring resources like Fred Film Radio and other major film festival platforms. These sources often feature exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and critical analyses that deepen understanding of Bartas’s artistic vision and the profound influence of his films.