10 · 19 · 26

Axel Bertha y Jonathan Zarate presentan en el 24° FICM su película CONTRA LA NATURALEZA

Brisa Naomi R. L.

At a press conference, filmmaker Axel Bertha and actor Jonathan Zárate shared key details about the creative process behind the filming of Contra la naturaleza, a film that seeks to capture a timeless and profound dimension of the human condition, and which took five years to complete.

In Contra la naturaleza, Jonás returns home and begins working as a stonemason. Little by little, he finds himself immersed in a drama that seems to arise from nature itself and is swept toward an inevitable outcome from which humanity, since its origins, has been unable to escape.

The director explained that the decision regarding the story’s temporal setting stems from a desire to reflect permanent and almost archaic aspects of humanity, linked to cyclical or apocalyptic processes that constantly reappear. To bring this vision to life, a methodology was used that allowed for an organic and hyperrealistic depiction of the changing seasons, the impact of adverse weather, and the protagonist’s gradual physical transformation. “The difficult thing about filmmaking is that you’re forced to connect with reality.”

While speaking about the film, Zárate revealed that this was his first acting experience. He noted that, before joining the project, his main profession was in retail. Axel Bertha explained that the casting decision was purely intuitive, as he was looking for someone who would retain their own essence and rhythm, rather than construct an artificial performance.

Zárate confessed that he never imagined he would venture into the film industry. He said that enduring long shooting days posed a considerable physical and mental challenge, which he overcame largely thanks to the unconditional support of his family, especially his mother and wife.

On the technical side, Bertha explained that the film was shot in 35mm analog format. With a limited amount of film stock available, the team worked under strict demands for precision on set, followed by detailed post-production work focused on color grading.

The immersive experience is rounded out by a soundscape that integrates Ariel Guzik’s music and Ela Minus’s analog synthesis, fused with the film’s audio.

At the end of the presentation, Jonathan Zárate voiced his interest in continuing his acting career. Meanwhile, the filmmaker reflected on the importance of valuing the art of cinema, which is capable of capturing, through the camera, people’s inner worlds.