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A Critical Look at the Artistic Community: Nicolás Pereda Presents LO DEMÁS ES RUIDO at the 24th FICM

Brisa Naomi R. L.

As part of the 24th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM), a discussion was held for the film Everything Else Is Noise, featuring its director, Nicolás Pereda, alongside his creative and artistic team. Also in attendance were actress Rosa Estela Juárez, producer Catalina Pereda, and co-screenwriter Francisco Maldonado, who shared insights into the filming process and the dynamics of their collaboration.

Director Nicolás Pereda began by expressing his gratitude to the festival for providing the platform to present the film in Morelia. He also spoke of the long-standing collaborative relationship he has maintained with his team over the years, noting that this project is part of a broader body of collective work that began two decades ago.

The film explores the world of classical and contemporary music in Mexico through an approach that weaves together fiction and personal anecdotes.

The story unfolds in an apartment in Mexico City, where the composer Rosa gives her first television interview—conducted by the journalist Lázaro and hosted at the home of her friend and colleague, Tere.

The screenplay explores the complexities and contradictions within this artistic circle with a satirical and humorous tone. It organically weaves together social contrasts, comedy, and reflections on gender roles and *machismo*, juxtaposing lofty pretensions against the crude chaos of everyday life.

Furthermore, the story’s atmosphere is built both through the intimacy of the characters and through its sound design, which incorporates the actual noises and sounds of Mexico City to mirror the chaos in which the plot unfolds.

Rosa Estela noted that the production offers a subtle, unpretentious reflection on *machismo* and traditional roles within the arts, highlighting female characters who defy classic, stereotypical depictions of masculinity.

The discussion also touched upon the challenge of filming in the exceptionally noisy environments of Mexico City. The team integrated real ambient street sounds to craft a sonic and atmospheric narrative, prompting questions about "the hierarchy of sounds—which sounds belong in certain places, and which do not."

To conclude the session, the cast members revealed the close and playful dynamic shared by the director, the screenwriters, and the actors. They stressed that, despite the challenges of filming amidst the constant bustle and noise, the creative process was a deeply rewarding and collaborative endeavor.