SURVIVERS
DIRECTED BY CARLOS GÓMEZ-TRIGO
SPAIN // 2020
6 MINS
A dark night. A car in a parking lot. Three science-freak geeks are the only survivors of an undetermined catastrophe. An opportunity to start Humanity from scratch. But between them differences arise about when to remove the helmet that protect them.
Reflective Encounters
“A science-fiction film with an all too close-to-home theme. Carlos Gómez-Trigo could be critiquing reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, or perhaps just human behaviour in general. From the title’s (mis)spelling to one character’s stubbornly individualist mindset in particular, it’s an opportunity to marvel at our collective impatience and the way impulsive decisions are taken by group action. The costumes and locations are simple but perfectly emit a sci-fi element with the use of scientific bodysuits and helmets, and subtle, limited use of outdoor locations, so as not to give too much away or spoil the world-building.
The apocalyptic tone is also enhanced with dark-hued cinematography and the intense colours from the neon around the helmets illuminating the characters’ faces – as if framing them singularly, blocking them off. The immaculate timings of the performances, along with the smart scripting brings humour to the film, putting an emphasis on the justification of otherwise incomprehensible choices. The dialogue goes from relatively calm and political at the beginning to increasingly chaotic and irrational as it becomes clear that what is happening to our characters is not fully understood. Survivers not only pokes fun at the characters, but at us all.”
— Alice Shone
Director's Statement
The idea of Survivers is surged from conversations with friends, midway between exchanging cheap philosophy and personal jokes; the realization that we have become an apathetic society, both physically and intellectually.
Stretching this concept to the extreme and looking at it through a moral lense, a question comes up: a society that has thrown away its ability to do great things, would it deserve a second chance to survive?
With that premise, I wanted to create a situation where humanity is given the option to press the reset button. The idea of a cataclysm survived by only three geeks (who in turn are underdogs in our current society) allowed me to set the scene for humanity to prove itself worthy of a second chance.
But, and there always is a but, among the characters there is a growing impatience to remove the helmet that protections them. This decision so simplistic but crucial will answer the questions if humanity deserves a second chance.
Filmmaker Bio
Carlos Gómez-Trigo (Madrid, 1981) studies Filmmaking in Barcelona. He shot there a school short film, "Clase de baile", winning the Young Artist Award from Castilla-La Mancha in 2009.
In 2008 he goes to India to work in two documentaries and then moves to Madrid, where he works as producer and director of commercials.
His previous short film, Maelstrøm (2017), has more than 165 selections in international festivals, winning several awards for best short film, director, performance or sound.