Brandon Gotto
Brandon Gotto is a self-taught independent Belgian filmmaker deeply passionate about horror movies. He constructs his films in a highly personalized manner, displaying a distinct fascination for dark themes. His intent is to offer viewers an intense and raw experience when engaging with his films. Following the creation of two dramatic feature films with a subtle hint of horror, Brandon Gotto has made the decision to fully immerse himself in the genre by crafting a pure horror film. His profound passion for this genre, coupled with a lifetime of consuming classic works, has equipped him to birth a demonic possession film akin to 'The Exorcist' and 'The Conjuring.' Drawing inspiration from John Carpenter's films, he aspires to construct eerie, suspenseful atmospheres.
Learn more about Brandon
Your project takes a part in our festival. What is your project about ?
"PANDAEMONIUM" is centered around a rebellious young girl who returns to visit her dying mother after four years of cutting ties. Gradually, she discovers that a dark force has taken hold of the house she once called home. It's a demonic possession movie, a pure psychological horror film.
What were your requirements for actors to take a part of your film?
I'm fortunate to work with actresses and actors whom I adore and who have become my friends. Consequently, there are no specific requirements. They are eager to join me in my next project, sharing the same passion for the movie I envision. Hence, my primary focus during filming is simply to give it my best.
Learn more about Brandon
Your project takes a part in our festival. What is your project about ?
"PANDAEMONIUM" is centered around a rebellious young girl who returns to visit her dying mother after four years of cutting ties. Gradually, she discovers that a dark force has taken hold of the house she once called home. It's a demonic possession movie, a pure psychological horror film.
What were your requirements for actors to take a part of your film?
I'm fortunate to work with actresses and actors whom I adore and who have become my friends. Consequently, there are no specific requirements. They are eager to join me in my next project, sharing the same passion for the movie I envision. Hence, my primary focus during filming is simply to give it my best.
How did you communicate with the cameraman?
I serve as my own cinematographer, allowing me to easily translate my vision onto the movie set. As a very low-budget independent filmmaker, I don't have much choice, but I embrace it wholeheartedly. The art of framing and capturing an image fascinates me ; I'm addicted to this aspect of the filmmaking process.
What locations did you choose for your project? And why?
I adore filming in a region of my country called 'Les Ardennes.' It's a vast natural park, an expansive countryside where time appears to stand still. With its old cabins nestled in the woods, ancient houses, breathtaking pine forests, fog, and vast fields of grass, it serves as a profound inspiration for me. Similar to Peter Jackson's affinity for New Zealand, 'Les Ardennes' holds that place in my heart. All I desire is to create movies in this setting. Consequently, every film I've crafted since 2020 has been set in an old house situated in the remotest of locations. This environment allows me to delve deeply into the psychology of the characters.
Why should distributors buy your film?
If they're seeking movies with a grainy appearance, infused with dark themes and atmospheres, blended with horror in a foreign language, they can count on me! My films are also minimalist, and I believe that sometimes, watching a 'simpler' movie with a realistic storyline can be refreshing. It's a departure from the current trend where everything is driven by wild, spectacular action sequences.
What expression elements did you use in your project? How would you characterize your work?
Minimalism, featuring only two main characters, presented in beautiful cinemascope amidst expansive woods, adorned with old furniture on set, blending drama, horror, and dark themes, emphasizing numerous static shots. The color red consistently finds its place in my movies. My wife serves as my muse, and I strive to collaborate as frequently as possible with the same actors and actresses. If you're familiar with my work, recognizing a new movie of mine should be effortless
At what festivals have you had success? Has the film already premiered? If so, where?
For this current project, it's just the beginning of the adventure, so we'll have to wait and see how it unfolds. However, for the previous film titled 'IDA,' it received a significant reward at an annual awards ceremony. Amongst a remarkable selection, we were honored to win the award for Best Drama, surpassing some incredibly impressive films, which is truly fantastic. I take immense pride in this achievement. The jury was remarkable, and the ceremony took place in Reims, France, at the RED Movie Awards.
What motivated you to become a filmmaker?
When I was 10 years old, I watched 'Peter Jackson’s King Kong,' and I was completely captivated by the immense adventure it was. It was then that I aspired to be like Carl Denham. Upon returning home, I clandestinely borrowed my father's video camera and started creating movies with my toys, later involving friends, and it all began from there. Since that age, every weekend and any free moment I had was dedicated to filmmaking, gradually evolving into a more serious pursuit that is now gaining recognition. While I'm passionate about watching movies, I've always wanted to do more than just be a viewer ; I want to actively participate and create my own films.
Which movies are your favorites? And why?
It's a tough question as my list of favorite movies tends to fluctuate, but these ones have consistently held a special place : 'The Mask of Zorro,' 'Signs,' 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' 'Scream,' and 'The Wolf of Wall Street.' These films, in my opinion, are incredibly rich and inspiring. I’m having an immense enjoyment from watching them.
What topics do you like to deal with in your work?
I feel most comfortable exploring dark and dramatic topics in my work. I believe they offer an opportunity to delve deeper into the characters, where their performances become the 'visual effects.' Stories centered around everyday individuals deeply inspire me. When the narrative is intense, it resonates well with the actors, and it brings a sense of fulfillment to everyone involved.
While I'm certainly interested in exploring various genres like adventure, sci-fi, or action-packed superhero films, I've noticed that life consistently draws me back to these smaller films with darker themes.
What genre do you like to shoot and why?
Horror—without a doubt, horror. Even when it appears that I'm solely making a drama, there's a subtle essence of horror, as seen in my two previous films, 'Gravidam' and 'Ida.' I highly recommend checking them out. With 'Pandaemonium,' my intention was to fully immerse myself in the horror genre and embrace my deep affection for it. Moreover, it's a genre that enables the creation of 'simpler' and 'smaller' films, aligning perfectly with my filmmaking vision.
What project would you like to shoot one day, what would it be about?
I don't particularly have a dream project because I'm genuinely happy with the three movies I've made. I'm more curious to see what life has in store for me. However, like many filmmakers, I do have a secret desire to craft a colossal epic with thrilling action sequences and compelling characters. Perhaps, one day, who knows? I'm letting things unfold naturally. I'll consider that later.
What do you do if you're not thinking about a movie? What are your hobbies?
I often feel a sense of emptiness when not engaged in filmmaking. Even when spending time with my wife, who collaborates with me on every project and stars in them, we both feel a certain melancholy when there's no film in production or post-production. Despite enjoying activities like going to the movies or traveling, our spirits are lifted when we're deeply immersed in a creative project. Creativity is an integral part of our lives, and its absence leaves us feeling down.
What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?
I've recently completed writing a heroic fantasy project. I can't reveal many details at the moment, but I truly hope to bring it to life. However, regardless of which project comes next, if it resonates deeply with me and I'm passionate about making it, I become the happiest director in the world.