BLANCO Film Pressbook by Marova Oirelav

SUBTÍTULO

BLANCO

BLANCO ARIEL • YANIBEL • ANA BELKIS • AGUSTÍN • JUSTA • DINORAH

A film by Melvin Duran

SYNOPSIS BLANCO portrays the daily life and human side of six albinos of different ages and stages in life, who have more in common than just their physical condition. Uninformed about the symptoms related to albinism, these people live their lives with normalcy despite their unique appearance, visual impairment and the harmful effects of the sun on their skin.

THE FILM BL ANCO is a film that observes the day-to-day lives and the inner world of its protagonists, rather than focusing on the sufferings associated with their genetic condition. After spending months building rapport and friendships with the main charac ters, direc tor Melvin Duran learned to separate himself from his preconceived notions. “I became more interested in their humanity and feelings and through them I was able to create a portrait of their everyday lives from their particular perspectives.” There is no voiceover in the documentary and interviews are scarce; everything is expressed through images. BL ANCO is a nonjudgmental canvas that presents the characters in a dignified manner. They are presented in such a way that could suggest younger 10

characters could follow the paths of the older ones. S i n c e t h e n a r r at i ve i s s t r u c t u r e d chronologically, “Yanibel ” is the first charac ter introduced. She is eight months old and in the earliest stages of her life. Before the sun sets, we will observe how people interact with her and the living conditions she was born into. The second part focuses on the childhood of “Ariel” and the adolescence of “Ana Belkis.” The two siblings are nine and 13 years old, respectively. While Ariel is playful, outgoing and very attached to his father, his sister Ana Belkis is overwhelmingly shy and suffers in silence because of her self-perception and awareness of her differences. We then transition from stories focused on youth to those focused on adulthood with “Agustin Pinales,” better

known as “Chery.com,” who is 27 years old, and “Justa” who is 33 years old. Justa is a solitary woman; she was married as a young girl with a man threetimes her age. Her days are spent working as a nanny at a day care center and remembering the past. Chery.com is a well-known bachata singer in his small town, but in order to sustain himself he must work on the local plantations under the hot Caribbean sun. Despite the death of his wife, and being a single-father with few resources, Chery.com has great ambitions and believes deeply in his singing career. Our last character is “Dinora,” a 43 year old women, who happens to be the oldest living person in Constanza with albinism. Dinora feels uncomfortable with her situation and longs to escape the monotony of her life to be able to reinvent herself.

At the end, the movie provides an alternate reality, a world where the sun no longer harms or burns, and is there is only beauty, understanding and contemplation.

ALBINISM Albinism is a genetic condition in which there is an absence of pigmentation (melanin) in the skin, eyes and hair. It is a hereditary trait, and can also appear when two parents without albinism carry the recessive gene.

patterns of nerve connections between the eye and brain. These vision problems help diagnose albinism and the main test for albinism is simply an eye exam.

There are several types of albinism, The condition is usually accompanied by but there are two main groups within astigmatism (inability to see things from humans: Oculocutaneous albinism far and near) and hyperopia (inability to affects the skin, hair and eyes, and see things up close), other problems are: Ocular albinism, which only affect the eyes. The person with albinism faces • Nystagmus, irregular eye movement. three challenges in life: poor vision, skin problems and social discrimination. • Strabismus, lack of control of the mus cles of the eye. Vision. People with albinism always have visual problems, and many are • Photophobia, sensitivity to bright lights. even legally blind but most can read without using the braille system. Some can even see well enough to drive. Skin. The main problem is sensitivity to Vision problems are caused by an ab- sunburn. When exposed to the sun daily normal development of the retina and or for extended periods of time, it will 14

lead to serious damage to the skin including skin cancers. In tropical countries (such as the Dominican Republic) these effects are exacerbated in being so close to the equator. In such conditions the use of sunblock is always recommended and if used regularly a person with albinism can live their lives normally without running the risk of developing skin cancer. Society. Most people in our society people with albinism are part of our society, most people know very little about albinism aside from the outward appearance of their genetic condition. It is very important to emphasize that a person with albinism does not have limitations beyond visual impairments and sensitivity of skin to sunlight. The white or very blonde hair and pale skin is clearly visible to all and calls a 15

lot of attention itself. Different communities and cultures have had a variety of reactions to this condition, and the simple fact that this person is the center of attention makes them feel different and even special. Often children with albinism feel isolated, their visual limitations and the inability to go out and play on a sunny day causes these feelings of isolation to be even more pronounced. Sometimes knowing that one is different belies a person to try to act as normal as possible. Feeling different can create internal and external pressures and make it difficult explore their identity and express themselves. Social stigmatization can occur, especially within communities of color where the paternity of the person with albinism may put into question. As the first years of life are very important to develop 16

self-esteem and can last a lifetime, and it is important to be supported and accepted by their family.

RESEARCH

SHOOTING

In 2011 BL ANCO began to develop during a photographic project “Children from my Town” by Melvin Duran. In taking these photographs, Duran realized the large number of albinos that resided in his hometown. This awoke a deep curiosity within him, not only because of their physical appearance, but also because he identified with their humanity and their will to live life to the fullest. After dedicating several months of research, both written and recorded, Duran felt a genuine connection with them. Their friendship grew as he accompanied them in their daily lives, taking photographs, making audio recordings and writing their life stories.

The shoot of BLANCO was completed in three weeks with the help of a script and a shooting schedule that was based on the everyday actions of the characters and the vision of the filmmaker. While this served as a basis for the narrative, the shoot was open to improvisation, based on the reality of the protagonists’ lives, which was vital to keep the film authentic and gave life to every scene.

EDITING/SOUND DESIGN The narrative was assembled by the director and editor Israel Cardenas in Rayo Verde’s post studio. The structure of the story revolves around observing the characters’ everyday life, and the pacing of the movie is used to transmit the characters’ feelings. From the beginning, both Duran and Cardenas envisioned a film with rhythm and sensitivity, so that the observers can feel a great connection and empathy towards the protagonists, while avoiding clichés and prejudices. The sound design was achieved with the sound engineers and musicians Aliosha Michelen and Adolfo Guerrero, after many conversations about the mystical presence and nature of Constanza. It was essential to convey the aura of the area, highlighting the sounds of its imposing natural elements such as the 20

forests, mists, rivers, and mountains. While the dialogues and conversations in the film are kept to a minimum, it was a long journey to capture the right ambient sounds for the scenes, simultaneously remaining faithful to the unexpected sounds from the location.

WHY THIS FILM? Since approaching the project, I knew I wanted to tell a story about more than just albinism. I wanted to try to share the poetry that I saw and felt during my visits. The beauty I saw in them seemed to contrast the conditions in which they live. Despite their poverty and lack of opportunities they had a huge desire to live and understand life. To make matters worse, there is a grave lack of education on the subject of albinism, and the vast majority of Dominicans are not even familiar with the word albino. The Dominican Government has never collected any data regarding its albino populations and doesn’t provide support or programs for those with the condition. The Dominican Republic faces a daily cultural identity crisis; where the color of one’s skin represents a national problem; where one’s color establi-

shes one’s class and these values have become perceived as “normal.” I find it wonderful that these human beings who, despite the adversities of life and prejudices, can escape social stigmas and choose who they want to be. There are a great differences between the reality of an albino growing up in a developed nation that those growing up in a developing country. The former can improve their health by wearing appropriate clothing and prescription eyewear, and perhaps more importantly, have access to information about their condition. A Dominican albino has very little access to such things. Many people with albinism around the world choose to stay in their homes, not only because of the sun, but in extreme cases, fear of being killed as happens in some countries of Africa. Others stay at home to avoid the feti21

shism and teasing that undermine their dignity and self worth. Albinism deserves to be represented humanely, without social judgments, and going beyond the simple informative overviews. By knowing their truth, we can get closer to them. They need our compassion and understanding of who they are, respecting their right to live with dignity in society like any other human being.

MELVIN DURÁN DIRECTOR Born in Constanza in 1986, Melvin Duran graduated Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts in Cinematographic and Audiovisual media (with a focus on film) at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) and the School of Law at the University of the Caribbean (Unicaribe). He then received his Masters in Film, TV and Interactive Media from the University Rey Juan Carlos I in Madrid, and has received several training courses in various film schools in several countries, as a: assistant director, sound recording, production designer, documentary film, screenwriting for film and TV, as well as others. During his early career he created short films, video art, institutional reports and short documentaries. In 2013 he was selected in the Talent Campus, Coproduction Meeting and Doclab in

the International Film Festival of Guadalajara (FICG), Mexico. While living in Madrid he worked as an assistant to the renowned South African photographer Guy Tillim for “Photoespaña 2013” as well as writing several articles analyzing of films like “All about Eve” and genres in “The reinvention of Zombie cinema.” In 2012, 15,000 dollars were raised through crowdfunding for his first feature documentary BL ANCO. He is currently preparing for his doctoral project on “Cinema dystopian apocalypse of reality” in Barcelona. As a director he is interested in the context surrounding cultural identity and searches for the poetry beyond the cliché and prejudice. Duran wants to convey honesty and emotion through his work, in his own words: “Cinema is a symphony you hear with your eyes.” 23

RICKY GLUSKI PRODUCER

R+R PRODUCTIONS

Ricky Gluski’s work as an editor, a director and a producer has been shown at the Film Festival of Havana, the New York International Latino Film Festival, the Dallas Videofest and the Boston Underground Film Festival with films like “Chickenshit”, “Pedro Bella Vista “and “Subterraneo.” Ricky has also worked in television programs and reality shows such as “No Reservations” Anthony Bourdain and “Love in the Wild.” He is now completing his feature film called “EXPAT.”

Rick y G luski with Rodrigo M on tealegre, created R+R Productions in the Dominic an Republic , which has twice won first place in the national competition of short films in FUNGLODE. R+R PRODUC TIONS seeks the authentic charisma of the Dominican p e o p l e , w h o a r e s i m u lt a n e o u s ly survivors and dreamers. The objective of R+R Productions to take the special characters from the island of Hispaniola and share them with the world. BL ANCO is the first feature film they’ve produced.

FILM CREDITS Constanza, Dominican Republic, 2014, 62 min., hd, color Stereo

PROTAGONISTS Yanibel Victoriano Ariel David Díaz Ana Belkis Díaz Agustín Pinales Justa Pinales Dinorah Delgado

SOUND RECORDING Jonás Rodríguez

SOUND MIX Arturo Piña

SOUND ASSISTANT Alain Muñiz

VISUAL EFFECTS Nelson Maita

DIRECTOR/ SCREENWRITER Melvin Duran

DATA LOADER Tery Sanmaray

GRAPHIC DESIGN Marova Oirelav

PRODUCER Ricky Gluski

EDITOR Israel Cárdenas (Rayo Verde Post)

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Rodrigo Montealegre

COLOR CORRECTOR Darío Arnau

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Gabriel Valencia

SOUND DESIGN Aliosha Michelen Adolfo Guerrero (Adelobo)

SUBTÍTLES Ricky Gluski L ena Guyomarch EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Ricky Gluski Melvin Duran Jaime Montealegre Richard Philippe

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS Yngve Langmyhr Nelia Barletta Maribel Frías PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Ricky Gluski

CATERING Rosa Hernández SUPPORT Villas Altocerro Rayo Verde Hotel La Fuente Fotoestudio Sandy

LOCAL PRODUCER Melvin Duran RESEARCH Melvin Duran PRODUCTION COMPANIES R+R Producciones Kinestecia Lone Coconut Production

SPECIAL THANKS To all the Kickstarter backers! Without you this movie would have never been possible. We are forever grateful!

Adriana Gluski Alan Vargas Alberto Ricart Alexander Sebelen Amber Castellanos Ana Alvarez Andrés Gluski Ángel Souto Annina Rodríguez Anthony Guerrero Antonio Giráldez Ariel Vargas Aura Fiallo Aurelio Aguiló Bernardo Pichardo Bernie Guerra Betsaida Alcántara Candido Alfonso Carmen González del Rey Christopher Montealegre Christopher Naranjo Cristin Hofer

Cristina Burelli David Soriano Deki Desiree Montealegre Elías Barnichta Enmanuel Cedeño Brea Eunice Janssen Fernando Santos Fiona Shekuby Gabriel Valencia Gaby Ubilla Gerver Torres Gian Michele Pileri Gina Pérez Ginny Heinsen Gustavo Eladio Haroldo Montealegre Haydeeline Marte Héctor M. Valdez Irene Freundt Isabel Esteban Ismelda Mojíca

Jahiz Abubakari Jaime J. Montealegre Javier Cimentada Javier Fernández Jennifer Norman Jimena Trujillo Flórez-Estrada Jorge Luis Córdova José Delio Ares García Juan Carlos Zaldivar Juan Guerra Juan H. Morel Juan Manuel Rivas Juan Tavares Julia Julia Álvarez Krizia Bajos Liana Montealegre Lisi Gardener Lola Kirke Marcello Confalonieri María Lantigua

María Victoria Hernández Maribel Frías Maribel Montealegre Mariela Trager Marisol Montealegre Marjorie Schillo Matías Boldt Mauricio Bogeart Máximo del Castillo Mayret Velásquez Mekko Harjo Michael Santos Miguel Barletta Mischa Nachtigal Monica Ortiz Sánchez

Nadia Duran Nelia Barletta Nicolás Souto Nicole Hunter Oscar Cury Patricia Berroa Lantigua Rachelle Rafael Stalin Morla Richard Philippe Rina Jakubowicz Rodrigo Montealegre Rosa Hernández S. Claudina Vargas Sebastian Briceno Shaivalini Parmar

Silvia Callado Dumitv Silvio Montealegre Sofía Besosa Soledad Carballo Steven Zamora Teodoro Armenteros Tina Ramos Tonia Hurst Víctor Nicolás Víctor Soriano Waldo Crisostomo Yelil Selman Yngve Langmyhr Zulu Radio