Argentina | 2004 | Animation | Color | 16 minutes

www.zaramella.com.ar

THE STORYThe film is based on an anecdote from one of the script writer’s childhood (Mario Rulloni). Although it is of a universal nature, the story is set in an Argentinean rural area giving the film a folk approach.The script is focused on the lost of innocence which characterizes the transition from childhood to adulthood. The action takes place in two parallel worlds, one full of fantasy and imagination and the other one depicting simple worldly reality, thus leaving the audience with uncertainty as to where they are. This confusion is caused by the changing point of view of the main character throughout his life.

TARGET AUDIENCEThe short is addressed to people of all ages. Not only because it has different interpretation levels but also because ir refers to childhood, which is a part of everybody’s life.

SHORT SYNOPSISAntonio is a boy who wants to go to Mars, luckily his grandfather knows how to get there.

250 WORD SYNOPSISIn the mid 60’s, Antonio is 5 years old. He is fascinated by a TV serial about Mars, and one day he tells his grandfather that he would love to travel to Mars when he grows up. To his amazement, his grandfather offers to take him there with his tow truck. He accepts the invitation and after going through places absolutely unknown to him, they arrive to a reddish, stony, Martian-like place where they find a small roadside store. When the trip is over, Antonio returns home with a souvenir from the shop, being sure that he has been to Mars. The story continues portraying different moments of Antonio’s life, all of them connected somehow with his childhood experience.

THE SHORTViaje a Marte is an animated stop motion short film. This independent production, which was made in Argentina, is the result of two years’ hard work. Since then, it has competed in many film festivals around the world. Instead of using actors, the voices of the characters were performed by ordinary people. This decision was made in order to lend spontaneity to the story.

Electronic press kit with fotographs are abailable at http//www.zaramella.com.ar

AWARDS

Mario Rulloni Screenplay writerMario Rulloni was born in Cordoba, Argentina, in 1962. He has written several comic books released by prestigious local and international publishing companies. He is also a director and scriptwriter of feature films, TV shows and commercial spots for important companies and advertising agencies. He has worked for many years as a creative adviser of “Caloi en su tinta”, a TV show specialized in animation.

Juan Pablo Zaramella Director / Screenplay writerJuan Pablo Zaramella was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1972. He is an independent producer who makes his own films and works for different companies. Some of his independent films are EL DESAFIO A LA MUERTE (The Challenge to Death), EL GUANTE (The Glove) and VIAJE A MARTE (Journey to Mars), all of them have been awarded prizes in several festivals around the world. He also makes illustrations for different publishing companies. Some of these have won many international awards from SND (Society of News Design).

Silvina Cornillón Producer In addition to her job as an advertisement producer, Silvina has been Zaramella’s main assistant since 1999. She also works in the art department of the animations.After taking several art courses, Silvina has specialized in making small props of different materials.

THE FILMMAKERS

www.zaramella.com.arElectronic Press Kit & photographs available at

Sydney Film Festival, Australia - Best Short Film

Anima Mundi 2005, Brazil - 1st Prize

Muestra de Cortos de Puebla, México - Best Short Film

International Animation Festival BIMINI 2005, Latvia - DiplomaBrussels Animation Film Festival ANIMA 2005, Belgium - Grand Prix, Children´s categoryKalamazoo Animation Festival International 2005, USA - Special Prize

III Animation Festival Anima ’05, Córdoba, Argentina - Special Mention

Tehran Animation Festival 2005, Iran - Golden Prize

Animadrid 2004, Madrid, Spain - Best Short for ChildrenAnonimul 2005, Romania – Special Mention for animation short

La Noche del Cortometraje, Argentina - Best Short Film 2004

Divercine, Uruguay - Best Animated Short Film & Unesco Award

9º International Short Film Festival of Siena, Italy - Special Mention

FEJOREL 2004, Argentina: Best Animation, Best Photography, Best Sound, Best Director & Best Short Film

3º Festival Internacional de Cine para la Infancia y la Juventud 2004, Argentina - Best Animation

Argeniko 2004, Berlin, Germany - Audience Award

Tandil 2004, Argentina - Best short film

Festival de Rosario 2004, Argentina - Best Animation, Best Screenplay & Short of the Festival

www.zaramella.com.arElectronic Press Kit & photographs available at

CREDITSDirection & Animation: Juan Pablo Zaramella

Script: Mario Rulloni / Juan Pablo Zaramella

Original idea: Mario Rulloni

Director Assistant: Silvina Cornillon

Production: Silvina Cornillón / Alejandra Grimaldi

Art & designs: Juan Pablo Zaramella

Sets & props: Silvina Cornillón

Latex: Andrés Parrilla / Juan Manuel Sívori

Photography: Juan Pablo Zaramella

Edition, sound & music: Juan Pablo Zaramella

Aditional Sound: Gustavo Cornillon

Postproduction: Mario Rulloni

HD to Film: Parera Cine

VoicesAntonio (child) ........................................Joaquín Alsamendi SorioAntonio (grown up) ...........................................…….Mario RulloniGrandfather.......................................................Adolfo StambulskyLady from shop.....……….......................................…Berta DovreffTeacher……………........................................Maria Cristina BoccaVoices TV serie ……….........................…....Juan Pablo ZaramellaNews presenter ……...............................……...Adolfo StambulskyAntonio’s mother…..........................................………..Hilda PietraAntonio’s wife….............................................María Eugenia ValletAntonio’s son......................................................Juan Pablo D’aquiAstronaut ………….................................................Germán CastroAditional voices......Silvina Cornillon / Gustavo Cornillon / Michelle

CONTACT INFOJuan Pablo Zaramella

Riglos 735 1B -1424 - Cuidad Autónoma de Buenos Aires - Argentina Tel-Fax: (+5411) 4923 7484