Festivales & Awards

BAFICI (Argentina, 2024)

Director’s notes

This is a story about two lonely people in an environment that is being destroyed, whose paths connect. The narrative delves into the universal fear of loneliness and emptiness, which drives us to seek purpose in various forms: a career, a job, a fight. But what happens when that sense of purpose falters? Are we prepared to relinquish it? In a world plagued by destruction, do we prioritize self-preservation or collective action? Do we condemn those contributing to the problem or offer compassion and empathy?

Inspired by the recurrent wildfires ravaging my hometown of Cordoba, Argentina, where over 500,000 hectares of protected forest have been burnt intentionally for development projects, this film is a visceral response to my growing rage and despair. In the face of government apathy, local communities have courageously banded together as volunteer brigades to combat these fires. Yet, even within these collective efforts, human complexities and divergent opinions emerge.

Through the juxtaposition of individualism and community, isolation and connection, fury and empathy, the film probes the existential question: what path should we take, if any? This fictional narrative is rooted in a real-world context, born from my visceral emotions, and crafted with the collaboration and participation of its protagonists. Probably as my way to find some sort of sense, of meaning, and feel that my life is worth something.