The new spot was helmed by director Luis Gerard (repped by Easy Mondays)
Inspiration can come from anywhere when you’re with Amex. For Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s the sounds of Puerto Rico that inspire what’s next. “The Rhythm of the Island” was created by Dentsu, produced by Young Collective, and directed by Luis Gerard (represented in both the General and Hispanic markets by bespoke NY-based production company Easy Mondays).
It was while studying at the University of Puerto Rico that Gerard shot his first successful project, a 35mm black-and-white silent short that earned a finalist position at the Venice Film Festival. He has since directed notable spots that run the gamut, beginning with Ponds “Power of Gold,” an epic set piece that could be taking a page from Bertolucci or Lean. Also in the mix: Trident “Sniper” (action/suspense), Loto Joy (emotional), Orbitz (wacky), Stride “Heirloom” (touching and smile-inducing). Interestingly, Gerard wrote “Heirloom” and co-wrote “Sniper.” He has brought his powerful cinematic signature to projects for such agencies as Wieden+Kennedy, BBH, Saatchi & Saatchi, BBDO New York, TBWA Toronto. His clients also include Volkswagen, Bud Light, Ikea, and Axe, to name a few. Gerard has garnered numerous international honors, including Cannes Lions, London International Awards, New York Film Festival, and Clio Awards.
“Ǝvolution” Comes Full Circle At The Chelsea Film Festival
The Chelsea Film Festival, running from October 16th through October 20th, 2024, at Regal Cinemas here in Union Square, is set to host the East Coast premiere of Ǝvolution, a thought-provoking experimental micro-short film that proves big ideas can come in small packages and in perfect circles.
In just 1 minute 16 seconds, this cinematic gem by Award-Winning Director Romina Schwedler, with original music by Argentine Composer Ignacio Montoya Carlotto, explores a cycle as old as time: life leads to progress, progress leads to destruction, and destruction, well, leads back to life. But is this vicious circle unbreakable? Ǝvolution suggests the answer is yes, unless we decide to open our eyes.
Inspired by the overwhelming number of recent events that threaten human existence, Ǝvolution, possibly the shortest film in this 12th edition of the festival, plays out entirely through the symbolism of circles, cleverly illustrating —in the blink of an eye— the repeating patterns of history, and confronting viewers with the uncomfortable truth that our so-called “progress” may, in fact, be guiding us to our own ruin.Premiering at the Regal 14 Union Square, New York City, on October 18, 2024, at 11 a.m., Romina Schwedler's micro-short, featuring Leah Young with cinematography by Alan J. Carmona, will be sure to spark conversations longer than the film itself! Forcing viewers to reconsider the true meaning of evolution, not just as a biological process, but as a reflection of our collective journey as humans.
With a string of festival appearances across the globe, including CineGlobe at CERN (Switzerland/France), Oscar®... Read More