May 3, 2013

"Semaphoro" by Simon Wilches Castro

USC student Simon Wilchez Castro let us know about his new short film, Semáforo (Stoplight), inspired by Colombian street performers. Their only way to get money is to put on a show under the city's stoplights. Some dress up like clowns or perform acrobatics, some spit fire or juggle, and some show their only remaining deformities and mutilations in exchange for sympathy and coins. This is the life of those who live under the traffic lights and those who gaze upon them.

Castro's animation (created in Photoshop) is delightfully creative and takes full advantage of the cinematic potential of the medium. The film will be screened in competition at the Annecy Film Festival next month.