REVIEWS
““Pizzi and d.p. Paulo F. Camacho incorporate multiple formats (HD, 16mm, digital video) to reflect not just mood but who's looking at whom and why, in an inspired fashion. Unlike so many debut helmers who fool around with lensing styles just because they can, Pizzi knows exactly why he chooses one over the other, demonstrating a clear understanding of their textural and textual nature…. Driving it all is Teles' terrific performance as a woman who excels at her craft….It's been a while since a film captured an actor's world with the intelligence, creativity and insight of "Craft." A writing collaboration between talented tyro helmer Gustavo Pizzi and his wife, thesp Karine Teles (largely unknown, but not anymore), their nuanced script deftly captures the frustrations of trying to break into the biz at an age when breaks become increasingly rare. Thanks to smart writing, thoughtful lensing and a truly standout perf, "Craft" should receive callbacks from major fests and buyers.” ” –
Variety
“Pizzi portrays the cruelty of the competitive world in which we live, and heightens the drama not by resorting to melodrama or exaggerated scenarios, but by picking the perfect protagonist: an actress. Acting from deep within, Teles beautifully portrays the life of someone who must contain her constant fear of time’s passing, her insecurity that a mastery of her own craft may not be enough, and the gnawing feeling that each day of auditions and casting calls becomes another day lost in the struggle for success.” –
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
"A fictionalized recreation of thesp Karine Teles' attempts to break into the acting biz, "Craft" will form part of GFI's Global Lens festival package, rolling out all over North America, starting at New York's MoMA January 2012." –
Variety
“Beautifully filmed, and the mixed media approach only enhances this unique female meta-narrative….Craft is Gustavo Pizzi’s directorial debut and arguably, one of the most original films to come out of Brazil in 2010….A wonderful and perfectly calibrated film that deserves to be seen by the major North American public.” ” –
BrazilNYC
“Teles never allows her alter-ego to wallow in self-pity, constantly containing her emotions to the breaking point. That is what grown-ups do and Craft is definitely a film for and about people who have experienced the bitterness of life.” –
.b. spins
FESTIVALS & AWARDS
Best Actress, Festivalissimo
Best Actress, Rio International Film Festival
Special Mention, World Cinema Amsterdam Festival
Best National Feature Film, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Director, Critics Award, Best Original Music, Gramado Film Festival
Emerging Filmmaker Competition, New England Festival of Ibero American Cinema
In Competition, Filmfest Hamburg
Emerging Visions, South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival
Official Selection, Latin Wave Film Festival
Official Selection, Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival
Official Selection, Premiere Brazil! 2011
In Competition (Panorama), Jerusalem Film Festival
