Video Interview with director Yulene Olaizola and cinematographer Sofa Oggioni on Tragic Jungle

Tragic Jungle ( Selva Tr gica ) is set in the early 1920s on the Mexican/Belize border where one of the most powerful forestry industries emerged: the rubber tree exploitation. Everything changes when a group of Mexican rubber tree farmers cross paths with Agnes, a mysterious Belizean woman.

Director Yulene Olaizola and cinematographer Sof a Oggioni explore boundaries between fiction and reality. For their challenging journey through the Central American jungle, the ARRI ALEXA Mini was chosen as the crew's reliable companion.

Produced by Malacosa Cine & Varios Lobos and coproduced by Manny Films, Contravia Films, Zoolog a Fant stica, and Barraca Producciones, the film was selected by ARRI's International Support Program. Camera and lighting equipment was serviced by CTT EXP & Rentals, Mexico City.

Director Yulene Olaizola. Photo Sof a Oggioni

Yulene Olaizola, born in Mexico City, drew attention with her first film, the documentary Shakespeare & Victor Hugo's Intimacies which received more than 30 awards. Three feature films followed and premiered successfully at international film festivals: Artificial Paradise (2010), Fogo (2012), Epitaph (2015). Olaizola's films are strongly inspired by specific places. Her fascination for the southern jungle of Quintana Roo, the peculiar cultural mix of the population, and the Mayan myths and legends served as inspiration for Tragic Jungle.

Cinematographer Sof a Oggioni. Photo Karol Pico

The camera acts as the eyes of another character. The camera breathes and is always paying attention to what is happening around it; looking for motivation to pan or move around in the sounds or movement of the other characters. A human point of view.

Sof a Oggioni

Sof a Oggioni is one of the first female cinematographers in Colombia, shooting both documentaries and narrative features. She has worked with directors such as Beatriz Seigner ( Los silencios 2018), Oscar Ruiz Navia ( Los Hongos 2013, El vuelco del cangrejo 2009), Ruben Mendoza ( Wandering Girl 2017) or William Vega ( La Sirga 2011). Familiar with urban landscapes and rugged natural surroundings, she has developed a sensibility for interpreting and complementing the natural light and colors of the wilderness. Tragic Jungle is Oggioni's first creative collaboration with Yulene Olaizola.

In our interview, Olaizola and Oggioni speak about the challenges they faced filming Tragic Jungle on location. They also elaborate on their vision and inspiration for the film as well as their choice of equipment.

Watch the video interview with Yulene Olaizola and Sof a Oggioni Interview credits:

Editing: Karime Torres & Luis R bago

Interview: Mandy Rahn

Footage courtesy of Malacosa Cine & Varios Lobos

Tragic Jungle premiered at the 77th Venice International Film Festival and will feature later at the San Sebastian and New York film festivals.

Related Product ALEXA Mini More than just a camera

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