Private Project

Zeno's Paradox

Vittorio suddenly leaves college and gets back to his family in the countryside. Something convinced him that the dark secret he shares with his parents will stop him from fulfilling his aspirations.

  • Martin Basile
    Director
    Filmmaking Kills, ALEXIA
  • Martin Basile
    Writer
    Filmmaking Kills, ALEXIA
  • Andrea Salomone
    Writer
  • Vittorio Saldutti
    Producer
  • Martin Basile
    Producer
  • Vittorio Saldutti
    Key Cast
    "Vittorio"
  • Stella Fonte
    Key Cast
    "Mother"
  • Emanuele Pacca
    Key Cast
    "Father"
  • Guido Iozzi
    Key Cast
    "Giancarlo"
  • Daniele Foglietta
    Key Cast
    "Victim"
  • Martin Basile
    Key Cast
    "Roommate"
  • Martin Basile
    D.O.P.
  • Paolo Talamonti
    Assistant Director
  • Emiddio Russo
    Script Supervisor
  • Rosa Marano
    Boom operator
  • Martina Chiappinelli
    Make Up Artists
  • Fabiana Pia Gentile
    Make Up Artists
  • Alessia Di Tuccio
    Make Up Artists
  • Martin Basile
    Original Soundtrack
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Il paradosso di Zenone
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Dark Comedy, Coming-of-age, Neo-western
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 30 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Italy
  • Country of Filming:
    Italy
  • Language:
    Italian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    21:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Martin Basile

Martin Basile (born March 21 1992) is an Italian film director, screenwriter, songwriter. His films mainly focus on themes related to ontology and the concept of reality, using the medium as a metaphor for experiencing life.

His short film "ALEXIA" (2019), written and produced in 72 hours won a prize at La 72esima ora Film Festival (Italy) and is currently finalist at GENERIcamente umani film festival (Italy). It was also selected by Diorama Film Festival (India).

His short film "Filmmaking kills" (2017) won the Video Voyagers prize ad Trofeo La Lanterna. It was also finalist at Sapienza Short Film Festival (Italy), Milano Mobile Film Festival (Italy) and Cefalù Film Festival (Italy), where it was also nominated for best male actor (Martin Basile), best original soundtrack, best screenplay. It was also selected by International Peace & Film Festival (USA), Genova Film Festival (Italy), Short To The Point (Romania), My Love Michelle (USA), First-Time Filmmaker Sessions (UK)

As a songwriter he wrote many albums. He is one of the 7 finalist of the prestigious Premio Bindi in 2020. He also won the Emanuela Pedulà Prize in 2016, the Toscana Selection Prize in 2015 and the Sotto Toni Prize in 2014.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Zeno's Paradox" was mainly inspired by the lead actor's own experience. When he asked me to write a short film for him to play, we talked about his aspirations and concerns. He's been trying to launch his career as an actor for a while, but everybody always advised against it and suggested instead to work in his family's farm in the countryside.

I actually feel the same kind of concern. Since I come from a region without any relevant film company or production and know very few people from the industry, I'm sometimes afraid of not getting any opportunity to make a living from my work as a director and, eventually, be forced to do something else to survive.

I know many people who feel the same way, people who know what their true calling is, but don't know how to make it reality. I truly believe that the only way to succeed is by persisting. This is why I decided to write this short film.

The title refers to Zeno's most famous paradox, about Achilles and the tortoise. Since the protagonist is a philosophy student, he ponders about his concerns throughout the film, referring to famous philosophical quotes. Zeno's paradox proves that movement is only an illusion. Everything stays still, so change is not possible. Will Vittorio be able to change his own life?