NATION. Director's Statement
As the director of "NATION," I embarked on this project during a period marked by intense global turbulence, predominantly shaped by the US election cycle. The global influence and impact of these elections, whether for better or worse, acts as a catalyst that undeniably molds our societies. This realization drove me to create a film that not only reflects the stark divisions we see unfolding around us but also prompts a deeper introspection about the nature of these divides.
I intentionally chose red and blue to represent the opposing forces within the film, drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Democrat versus Republican dichotomy. These colors serve as a broader symbol of division that resonates globally, capturing the essence of ideological splits that affect nations worldwide. Yet, before these colors infuse the narrative, the society in "NATION" is depicted as a blank, white slate—an untouched canvas not yet marked by the strokes of political and ideological colors.
This choice underscores a poignant question: what happens when this pristine neutrality is overtaken by deeply entrenched beliefs? The film navigates this transformation, exploring the impact of ideologies as they color our perceptions and interactions, ultimately leading to conflict. It’s through these clashes that "NATION" reaches its climax, offering a vision of potential unity in the emergence of a purple raincoat figure from the ashes of red and blue warfare.
This purple figure symbolizes the new generation, “my generation”, which has inherited the aftermath of our predecessors' ideological battles. What will this new ideology look like? The truth is, I don't have the answers, but through "NATION," I express a hopeful desire for a future that breaks free from the constraints imposed by older systems. It's a call to my peers to strive towards a world that values synthesis over division, a world where the lessons from the past can inform a more inclusive and harmonious future.
In creating "NATION," I've woven my personal reflections and hopes into the narrative, aiming to resonate with those of us who might still feel caught between the red and blue hues of our upbringing, yet aspire to paint our canvas with new, more unifying colors.
From Costa Rica with love,
Andres.