"A Bittersweet Tale" is a short film that was created as part of the Campari Film Challenge. I was responsible for developing the concept and story, as well as serving as the director and producer of the film in collaboration with my colleague Benjamin Thoms. Together, we effectively led a team of ten individuals, including creators and actors, to produce the film within a one-month timeframe and with limited resources. In addition to the film itself, we also created promotional materials including a trailer, campaign stills, and movie posters.
The story is inspired by my own grandparents and creatively incorporates elements of the Campari brand.
- A narrative that explores inner thoughts and memories of a former wife, through metaphors she is connected to the brand of Campari. By her appearance, aroma, taste and character.
The film explores two distinct timelines through the use of different filming techniques. The present-day scenes are shot with a fixed camera to create a subconscious eerie feeling of stillness, while the past memories are captured with handheld footage to evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia experienced by the protagonist.
The actions of the deuteragonist are portrayed in a leading manner, symbolizing her role as the driving force in the protagonist's relationship. Through these elements, the film conveys the bittersweet nature of the protagonist's relationship with his past, and the inner conflict he faces with letting go of it, as it also means letting go of the love of his life.
To align the film with the Campari brand, references were incorporated into various elements of the production. The set design, makeup, and styling were designed to evoke the bold and passionate qualities of the red drink. For example, the red house, red dress and red lipstick in the film are all references to the Campari brand.
The script also includes a nod to the bittersweet nature of the liqueur, through the line "You were not for everyone, but you were for me" which reflects the love or hate relationship people have with the drink. These subtle references were incorporated to bring the film closer to the Campari brand, while still allowing the narrative to be conveyed indirectly.