Survival Instinct

Lara, an independent photo model, seeks rest during a weekend at a secluded farm. But her search for peace turns into a fight for survival as she faces a menacing pursuer in a setting of complete isolation. Survival Instinct explores psychological terror and the limits of human resilience.

  • Alex Rogger
    Director
  • Alex Rogger
    Writer
  • Nabiran Rocha
    Writer
  • Danderson Oliveira
    Producer
  • Heloísa Bentes
    Key Cast
    "Lara"
  • Denison Nascimento
    Key Cast
    "Ivan"
  • Vitória Reiz
    Key Cast
    "Sofia"
  • Junior Mendes
    Key Cast
    "Matheus"
  • Edson Ribeiro
    Key Cast
    "Miguel"
  • Flavio Punhal
    Casting Director
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Instinto de Sobrevivência
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Brazil
  • Country of Filming:
    Brazil
  • Language:
    Portuguese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:38
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Volume 6
    London
    United Kingdom
    June 20, 2025
    Official Sellection
  • Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions Volume 6
    London
    United Kingdom
    July 31, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Lift Off First-Time Filmmaker Volume 7
    London
    United Kingdom
    August 9, 2025
    Official Selection
  • T.I.F.A. - Tietê International Film Awards
    Tietê
    Brazil
    July 15, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Indiana Independent Film Festival

    United States
    September 25, 2025
    Best Cinematography
  • Indiana Independent Film Festival

    United States
    September 25, 2025
    Best Editing
  • NanoCon International Film Festival
    Lower Columbia
    United States
    October 30, 2025
    Nominee
  • Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival
    Amsterdan
    Netherlands
    September 26, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Hollywood International Indie Film & Screenplay Awards
    Hollywood
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Alex Rogger

Alex Rogger is a Brazilian filmmaker with over 12 years of experience in the audiovisual industry. He received international training in Film Directing and was mentored by renowned filmmaker Ron Howard through MasterClass International. Over his career, he has directed and produced more than 300 advertising films registered with ANCINE (the Brazilian National Film Agency).

As CEO of Manhattan Filmes, Alex specializes in storytelling and institutional filmmaking. He has spoken at major multisector trade fairs about the strategic value of audiovisual production and has trained video production teams for small companies and content creators across several regions of Brazil.

Based in Paragominas, in the state of Pará (northern Brazil), Alex works with companies throughout Maranhão, Tocantins, Goiás, and Mato Grosso — in Brazil’s northern and central-western regions. Now expanding into more author-driven cinema, he brings his technical expertise and creative vision to short films and original narratives that blend aesthetics, purpose, and a deep commitment to impactful visual storytelling.

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Director Statement

"Survival Instinct" is a silent reflection on the pain that cannot be shouted. The protagonist carries invisible scars, traumas, fears and memories that echo in every gesture, in every silence. The film is not about an event, but about its consequences. About what comes after the fall, when the world expects us to move on as if nothing had happened.

As a filmmaker, I chose a restrained narrative, where time is an ally of emotion or not. The camera observes respectfully, without invading. The soundtrack does not lead, it just accompanies. And the sound of the environment, the silence of the interior, the creaking of a door, the w step of bare feet move is as important as any dialogue.

This short film represents a turning point in my career. After years in advertising and institutional cinema, I wanted to delve into that which cannot be sold: human vulnerability. "Survival Instinct" is about that, "about how hard you get hit and keep moving foward". Even without knowing how. Even without knowing why.