We spoke to Antoni Caimari a couple of days ago, after a meeting we had in El Alpendre, where El Chpo’s radio bar is installed, where he went to an interview. There, in front of two rocks, we talked and remembered, among other things, the origin of that festival.
– When was the first edition of the Films Infest at the time, today the New York City International Film Infest (NYCIFIF)?
-The first edition of Films Infest of Mallorca was held in January 2017, at the Pilar i Joan Miró Foundation, in Palma, and the Sa Nostra Foundation, with Claudia Cardinale the goddess, who signed the artistic manifesto as support auteur cinema. , which is the cornerstone of the festival. In the following editions, the manifesto written by Jaime Roig de Diego and Toni Caimari was supported by Ventura Pons (2018) and Laura Zapata (2019). Since then we have awarded more than 150 international artists, including the following distinguished artists, who have also supported the artistic manifesto; Claudia Cardinale, Ornella Muti, Ana de Armas, Laura Zapata, Ventura Pons, Marisol Ayuso, Emilia Attías, Dominique Pinon, Carmen Maura, Kevin Sorbo, Emilio Gutiérrez Caba, Enrique Villén, Fernando Esteso, Beatriz Rico, Dafne Nachrosanderez Bethany Anne Lind, Juan Diego Botto, Katherine Castro and Mónica Bardem…
-On October 29, in New York, the fifth edition of the Festival took place. Remember how the gala developed.
– It was an evening in which independent cinema was honored, celebrating creativity and talent, both local and international. In total, 37 awards were presented in various categories. This year the award for the best international actress was given to Mónica Bardem for the film Intersex (2024), with Tomás Aceituno Maldonado. Actress Carmen Molinar received the award for Best Balearic Actress for The Perfect Woman (2023), by Alisa Selishchava. The ceremony was given by the Catalan composer and singer Meïa Santiago and me. For his part, the live music that accompanied the awards ceremony was played by the pianist Hayley Lam, and… Well, as it could not be otherwise, the gala was full of emotion and happiness, very successful, appearing all over the world. the diversity of voices in today’s cinema, as well as the creativity and talent of independent cinema. And as it could not be otherwise, one of the most famous sections of the festival was the one dedicated to filmmakers and artists from the Balearic Islands. Thus, Miquel Salom, an exceptional Mallorcan artist, received the prize for Best Biography and Artist for his work “Back to the Origin” (2024), and Rubén Gallardo was recognized as the Composer Best for his work on “Mirror Stacy” (2024), cementing the wealth of talent from the Balearic Islands on the international film scene.
-Can you remind us of the rest of the awards and winners of the Balearic Region 2024?
-Of course. Best Balearic Short Film went to Blue Land (2024), directed by Marine Auclair March; that’s the Best Balearic Documentary, for Responsibility (2024), directed by Miguel Eek; Best Cultural Documentary Program, went to Women and Roads. The way to yourself. Majorca. (2023), directed by Kristina Kretova and Anna Kameneva; Best Actress for Carmen Molinar, in The Perfect Woman (2023), by Alisa Selishchava; Best Story for The List (2024), by Barbara Hermosilla; Best Cinematography for Pasqual Marí, in Mountain (2023), with Miki Durán and Best Screenplay, for Fiona (2023), by Rafa Cortés. I will also add that mention was made, during the gala, of the artistic manifesto with the support of the famous actress Claudia Cardinale, emphasizing the work of the Cine Art association, (National Association of Filmmakers and People -United Arts), in the chair and founded in 2017 by its server, which currently has more than 200 participants, and which has no purpose other than the connection between artists and promote filmmakers, reinforcing the festival as an important place for cultural unity.
-As we understand, you didn’t have much support on the island….
– Unfortunately, Films Infest in Mallorca has not been properly appreciated. For this reason, and with the lack of institutional support and limited private support, after the pandemic, the festival definitely moved to New York, where it found the ideal place to consolidate, also a ‘ get important support from the members of the National Cinema. Society of Arts, as well as other international organizations. These collaborations have been extremely important in contributing to its growth, strengthening its presence and relevance in the world of international film.
–What other recognition has the Festival received since it was founded in New York?
– I would say that over the years that we have been in NY, Films Infest has reached an incredible milestone by becoming an official festival recognized by IMDb, which as many know, is the source -the most important and prestigious movie data in the world. This achievement not only confirms its international relevance, but also provides unique recognition to the winners, as all the awards given can be linked directly to the official lists of winners on IMDb. In addition, the festival has received recognition from several public organizations, which give added value to the productions selected or awarded at Films Infest, using them as a reference in their evaluations and scores . This double confirmation, both at an institutional level and on the most influential film platform in the world, reaffirms the festival’s influence on the film industry and reinforces its status as an essential event on its ‘ international tour. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0005660/
Let’s remember that Antoni Caimari Caldés (1976) is a filmmaker and a plastic artist with an outstanding career in the audiovisual and artistic field. As well as directing the Films Infest festival in New York, he has expanded the event’s international reach by creating special editions in London and Mexico City, cementing its global reputation and allowing new talents to find an international platform for their work.
All this – we tell you – away from the sets. Because on his side, Toni, as a filmmaker, has a curriculum that balances….
– Well, there are about 20 short films, among which “Ma Belle” (2017) stands out, with Macarena Gómez, who received several international awards and great praise. And in the field of feature films, he has directed works such as “El Cura y el Veneno” (2010), in which Karla Sofia Gascón, winner of the award for the best actress in Cannes, has short. Emilia Pereza film that is touring the world this year. In El Cura y el Veneno, he also had his famous brothers, José and Toni Isbert. His second feature film was “The Marionette” (2014), a story about manipulation, starring Dina Rosenmeier, Javier Almeda, José and Toni Isbert.
– And what are you up to now?
I am finishing the editing of my third feature film, “Walk-In”, a production with an exceptional Mallorcan team, which includes Pedro Orell, Nuria Karma, José Torresma, Mónica Moreno, Caterina Ross and Carolina Parejo. This film, which explores themes of identity theft, will soon begin its international festival tour. At the same time, I am in pre-production of my fourth feature film, “Creators of Worlds”, a psychological thriller with science fiction overtones based on a sect, which I plan to shoot next year between Mallorca and Almería.
This article provides a fascinating look into the journey of Films Infest, its founder Antoni Caimari, and his filmmaking career. Here’s a thematic division with corresponding open-ended discussion questions:
**1. The Rise of Films Infest:**
* **Expansion and Global Reach:** What are the challenges and opportunities of expanding a film festival internationally? How can a festival like Films Infest ensure its growth remains sustainable and true to its original vision?
**2. Antoni Caimari: The Filmmaker**:
* **Balancing Act:** How does Caimari balance his roles as a festival director and an independent filmmaker? What unique insights or challenges might come from experiencing both sides of the industry?
* **Thematic Connections:** Do you notice any recurring themes or stylistic choices across Caimari’s short films and feature films? How might his experience directing Films Infest influence his own filmmaking choices?
* **Future Projects:** What are your initial impressions of Caimari’s upcoming projects “Walk-In” and ”Creators of Worlds”? How do you anticipate these films will contribute to the contemporary landscape of independent cinema?
**3. The Importance of Independent Cinema:**
* **Diversity of Voices:** The article highlights the importance of celebrating diversity in independent cinema. What are the benefits of nurturing diverse voices and perspectives within the film industry?
* **Support for Independent Filmmakers:** What role can local communities and institutions play in supporting independent filmmakers? How can we create an environment that fosters artistic growth and innovation?
* **The Future of Film Festivals:** What is the role of film festivals in the evolving landscape of film distribution and consumption? How can they adapt to new technologies and audience trends while preserving their core values?
These open-ended questions are tailored to provoke thought and discussion, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the themes presented in the article.