Basil Da Cunha's 'O Jacaré' celebrates fiction at Locarno Film Festival

Director Basil Da Cunha returns to the competitive section of the Locarno Film Festival with his latest feature, "O Jacaré." The film, which celebrates the power of fiction, marks Da Cunha's fourth feature-length work. Consistent with his previous films and shorts, "O Jacaré" was shot in Reboleira, a marginalized neighborhood in Lisbon known for its predominantly Creole population. Da Cunha, who hails from the Vaud region of Switzerland and has Portuguese origins, has established Reboleira as his primary artistic focus. He resides there partially and collaborates closely with the local community. This deep engagement allows him to develop films that are described as organic, possessing both a strong narrative structure and a remarkable freedom in their form and production. His approach emphasizes a collaborative process, weaving the realities and perspectives of Reboleira into his cinematic creations. His previous work has often explored themes related to the community and the environment he immerses himself in. A 2020 encounter with Da Cunha highlighted his philosophy, where he stated, "I want to let life exist." This sentiment underscores his filmmaking method, which prioritizes authentic representation and allows the stories of Reboleira and its inhabitants to unfold naturally on screen. "O Jacaré" continues this tradition, offering a cinematic exploration of a community through the lens of fiction.

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I want to let life exist.