Rotunda
A man finds his fiancé in Athens, years after she went missing. Together, they embark on a drug-fuelled road trip across Europe as he tries to unravel the mystery of why she no longer recognizes him.
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Rany NaserDirectorMentamorphosis
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Rany NaserWriterMentamorphosis
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Alex CruzProducerMentamorphosis
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Rany NaserProducerMentamorphosis
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Alex CruzKey Cast"Kian"Mentamorphosis
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Karlee RoseKey Cast"Hanna"EFC
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Licoln James JamiesonKey Cast"Jacob"
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Denis IlicKey Cast"Jack"
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Lena KaloutsakisKey Cast"Kian's Wife"
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Dan TheoKey Cast"Priest"
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Project Type:Feature
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Genres:Psycological Thriller, Romance
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Runtime:1 hour 31 minutes 30 seconds
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Completion Date:March 10, 2023
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Production Budget:250,000 USD
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Country of Origin:Canada
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Country of Filming:Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:RED RAW 6k - Dolby Atmos 7.1.4
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Aspect Ratio:2.4:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Born in Iraq during the Gulf War, Rany's family were forced to leave the country for their safety. Rany moved to Toronto, Canada at the age of eighteen after growing up in Ukraine, Turkey, and Greece. Canada provided Rany with the opportunity to follow his passion for filmmaking. In the next few years he would go on to earn a BFA from York University in film production and co-found the Toronto-based production company, Lightwork Films. As a versatile filmmaker, Rany has worked as a writer, producer, editor, and cinematographer, striving to master all aspects of the craft. His work focuses on telling diverse stories from around the world, bringing different voices and perspectives to the forefront of contemporary cinema.
As someone who has experienced loss firsthand, I know all too well the way it can cling to you, a constant weight dragging you down even years later. It's difficult to let go of the pain, to move forward and live in the present. That's what inspired me to create Rotunda, a film that delves into the reasons why we hold onto certain things, what is healthy to keep from the past, and what can prevent us from fully embracing the present.
To bring this story to life, we embarked on a journey that took us across the world. It tested our skills, patience, and the limits of our emotions. We wanted to create a story that would stay with viewers long after the credits roll. We wanted to create characters that leave a lasting impact. To be with them as they traverse Europe, to care for them as they confront themselves and each other, and to experience their tears, laughter, heartbreaks, and joys.
To capture the raw emotions and authenticity required to make this film resonate, I relied heavily on the exceptional talents of our two lead actors. Their chemistry and unique personalities were essential in creating a realistic and honest portrayal of the characters. We took an improvisational approach during filming allowed us to capture spontaneous and lifelike moments that added depth, richness, and honesty to their performances.
At the core of Rotunda lies the exploration of the complexities of loss and the human psyche. I aimed to create a film that invites the audience to become active participants in the mystery. I hope that our immersive storytelling style inspires viewers to contemplate the significance of confronting past traumas and attaining closure by breaking free from the cycle of self-harm and coming full circle.