Experiencing Interruptions?

ANTAEUS - The Archetypal Other

In Greek Mythology, Antaeus was an antagonist. A Giant son of Gaia & Poseidon*1. He was thought to be an invincible wrestler no one could pin down, which is why Heracles was the hero tasked to challenge him*2. Heracles discovered that the source of Antaeus’ Strength was the earth, so he lifted him off the ground and only then was he able to crush him.

In this film, we celebrate Antaeus as the Hero & Protagonist.

The look is Versace*3, which bears the Classical Greek symbols*4
& geometric / floral patterns.

The backdrop in this film is a rock formation which includes a monolith … and what looks a lot like a colossal head. The location echoes the Monumental & Dramatic aspects of Mythology.

*1 Gaia is the Earth & Poseidon is the God of the sea.
*2 In Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”, Defeating Antaeus was #11 out of Heracles’ 12 Labors.
*3 "Greca" Chain Necklace. "Barocco" Swim Briefs. "Crete de Fleur" Towel.
*4 Gianni Versace himself subverted the Medusa symbol & made it his own. Whereas in antiquity, her form was grotesque & used to ward off evil at gates & entrances. Versace's Medusa is a dangerous beauty. She seduces & transfixes. She attracts & shocks. Like the designs of the Versace label are intended to do.

  • Alex Sierra
    Director
    4 Grados, Organismo, Control P, Una Mujer, Pablito
  • Iván Garcia
    Director
    Immerse, Pasarela, Hipódromo, Moto, Calidoscopio
  • Hamad Khalaf
    Writer
    The Argonautica, Acts of War, Medea's Gift, Minotauros Kalos
  • Sebastián Montañez
    Producer
    Immerse, Pasarela, Hipódromo, Moto, Calidoscopio
  • José Velásquez
    Key Cast
    "Antaeus"
    Immerse, Pasarela, Hipódromo, Moto, Calidoscopio
  • Project Type:
    Short, Other
  • Runtime:
    51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 28, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Colombia
  • Country of Filming:
    Colombia
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Alex Sierra, Iván Garcia

Alex Sierra studied Filmmaking at Politécnico Grancolombiano in Bogota, Colombia. He later specialized in Cinematography in Argentina. His first award was for "4 Grados" a short film presented at the Cinemaibut Festival in Romania. He later won 1st place at the Rally Cinematográfico for "Organismo". He also was winner of the 140-Character Film Festival for "Control P". Alex currently lives in Bogota, where he collaborates with fashion editorial productions to create campaigns & short fashion films.

Iván Garcia has 12 years of experience in producing and directing short film, music videos & fashion films. He specializes in post production & sound editing.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Mythology is so rich in symbolism it can be interpreted & revisited endlessly. By revisiting it, we keep it alive. We make it tell us things about human nature.

In the novel "Fahrenheit 451", the character Faber refers to Antaeus as a metaphor of the dystopian society’s separation from Truth & Reason. An analysis which resonates in our world today, where Disinformation can separate us from the facts which inform our decision making. Note: According to myth, Antaeus' feet had to always touch the ground to recharge his strength.

We too have inserted symbolism into our film:

1. The Fetal position in sand & water is a reference to Antaeus' parentage*. 2. The scenes where the protagonist is pushing the rock is a nod to Heracles’ representation in art, lifting a globe. 3. Last but not least, Nudity is considered heroic. Especially when paired with heroic & godlike poses. In the original version of the myth, Heracles is the hero and definitely not Antaeus. Antaeus is marginal & one dimensional. Like the Minotaur slayed by Theseus, Medusa slayed by Perseus & The Sphinx slayed by Oedipus... Monsters and Antagonists are always the underdogs. They are literally "dehumanized". They are all "Others" because the audience back in Antiquity was supposed to root for the designated Heroes. They were supposed to be repulsed by that "Otherness". So in this film, we break the pattern. We give Antaeus all the honors which are classically reserved for heroic representation in art.

It is worth mentioning that José, the model in this film, is from Venezuela and has been living in Colombia since 2018. There has been a mass exodus of Venezuelans who fled the crisis & collapsed economy of their homeland. 1.7 million of those displaced have sought refuge in Colombia, where they are granted a "Special Living Permit" instead of a regular residency. Their ID is of a different color and with the status it gives them, come many restrictions. They cannot even open a bank account, for example, as the required paperwork is prohibitive. It infringes on human dignity. And when it comes to other basic things like rent, many landlords simply reject Venezuelan tenants. In most Western Democracies, this would be considered discrimination. So, casting José in the role of an "Archetypal Other" does touch a personal note.

This film was shot in Santa Marta, Colombia. Literally in the middle of the devastating Hurricane Ida, which is amazing considering how clear the sky appears to be. Nature’s timing, or more appropriately the Gods', was so incredibly perfect as it had been raining heavily up until the morning of the shoot ... and started to rain again right after we finished.

* The beach sand is a reference to Gaia: Earth Goddess & Antaeus' mother. Water is a reference to Poseidon: Sea God & Antaeus' father.