RED - SHORT FILM

“Red” is a short film based on real events from the Dictatorship in Uruguay during the 1970s and 1980s. It tells the story of Cecilia Cullari, a 19 years old girl whose real name is Victoria, and her journey to uncover the truth about her stolen identity and the crimes of her adoptive father, Daniel César Cullari.

SYNOPSIS

In 2001, authorities identify bodies discovered in 1990 near a detention center in Uruguay. Advanced DNA tests confirm that Cecilia, taken as a child by Daniel, is actually Victoria, the daughter of murdered political activists Virginia and Tomas. The story follows Cecilia as she uncovers evidence of Daniel’s crimes and comes to terms with her true identity. The journey concludes in 2018 in Italy, where her brother Federico attends a public conference, still seeking help to locate Daniel and reunite with Cecilia.

Red is a psychological thriller that explores the complex relationship between Cecilia and her captor, Daniel. Themes of deception, identity, and the search for truth are central to the story.

Having been born in Uruguay to a family affected by the regime, I grew up hearing stories about it since childhood and imagining it through a child's lens has shaped my understanding of its darkness.

Telling Cecilia’s story from an intimate point of view lets us not only to denounce the past but also to see a young woman struggling to come to terms with herself, holding on to her humanity while visiting a place where she’s been forced to hold herself together alone. Her story ends with an open question, as her brother Federico continues his search to find her, leaving us in a state of unresolved pursuit of truth and closure.

To this day, thousands march in silence through Montevideo every year, demanding truth and justice for the disappeared, a wound that has not yet healed: “¿Dónde están?” (“Where are they?”) “Nunca más terrorismo de Estado.” (“Never again terrorism of the state”)

With the return of democracy after years of military rule, the search for justice remains unfinished. The military’s crimes continue to go unpunished, and hundreds of identities remain stolen. The fight for truth and justice goes on.

CHARACTERS

Cecilia Cullari, born Victoria, was stolen from her biological family by a military officer during Uruguay’s dictatorship and raised under a false identity. As she grows older, she embarks on a dark journey to uncover the truth about her past, challenging the only father she’s ever known. Her transformation from a confused child to a determined young woman seeking justice forms the emotional core of this powerful narrative.

Daniel César Cullari, a retired military officer in his late 40s-50s, is a man torn between his authoritarian facade and the guilt of his dark past. His twisted sense of duty led him to illegally adopt Cecilia (Victoria), a decision that haunts him as his secrets slowly unravel. As a controlling yet emotionally distant father, Daniel’s struggle to conceal the truth from his daughter becomes the core of his unraveling, revealing the cracks in his once-commanding persona.

Federico, is Victoria’s (Cecilia’s) grieving older brother, driven by a profound sense of loss and responsibility. Separated from his sister as a child during Uruguay’s dictatorship, he has spent years searching for her, haunted by the hope of reuniting their fractured family. His journey is marked by both melancholy and determination as he seeks justice and closure.

TROUPE

Belen Barreiro Rios is an Uruguayan director, writer and editor. She studied Filmmaking at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan. Growing up, Belen always had a vivid creativity inside of her. But alongside creativity came a sensitivity that caused a recurring feeling of being misunderstood, and yet understanding others. Having left her country of origin at a young age, Belen spent the larger half of her teenage years in italy, where she grew to feel isolated wherever she went. Her passion for filmmaking developed alongside her desire to communicate with others. Even today, she continues to explore the meaning of filmmaking. It’s an ongoing journey of learning and discovery.

Anke Leen Ledda Mikk is an Estonian set designer, currently completing her BA in Set Design from Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano. Anke Leen always was passionate about the performing arts growing up, and originally, went to university to become a designer for theatre. Through participating in film projects with the media students, she slowly realized that her real passion lay in making movies, and has adamantly pursued that ever since. She has designed multiple short films and worked in different music videos. She made her theatrical design debut with “Tajuleebe Tantsulugu” at the Estonian National Opera earlier this year.

Maria Chiara Loro, is a Film student at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, where she is currently completing her degree in Production. Over the course of her academic years, she has produced numerous independent short films, music videos, and commercials. These experiences made her passionate about connecting people to do increasingly better and more structured works, pushing towards the direction of beautiful and meaningful stories that inspires people.

Gabriel Lufrano, 24 years old, with a bit of experience and strong desire to communicate stories through visual languages.

With a deep-rooted affection for roots and Dub genres, He's steering his visual exploration towards increasingly gritty, shadowy, and heavy settings. Fueled by both passion and a degree in Media Design, he's adept at weaving mixed media as both narrative tools and avenues for aesthetic exploration.

His background in production allows him to introduce innovative visual approaches and workflows, adding a distinct flavor to his creative journey.

Lufrano-archive

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