Film Festival Today: What inspired the making of the film?
Carlos Bolado: The fascination that people have towards the culture and history of Brazil inspired me. As a teenager, my father Jorge Bolado, a fan of famous Brazilian writer Jorge Amado used to give me his books to read. While filming BAJO CALIFORNIA, I met a Brazilian film director and his producer in France. In 1999, at Sundance Film Festival premiere screening of BAJO CALIFORNIA they approached me and said “I want to produce a movie with you in Brazil”, and I said “of course”! At first, I had to learn the Portuguese language while writing the script. I decided to begin the story in San Diego then Mexico (Salvador Vijiar, my father's hometown) and lastly in Brazil.

FFT: What has been the audience reaction of the New York Premiere film?
CB: As I sat in the theatre as part of the audience, the applause at the end of the film was a positive reaction that was communicated. The audience reacted to the emotions of love and grief when I expected them to. As a director, I wanted to convey these emotions in the film because in life, just in one day, you can experience these feelings.

FFT: How long did it take to make the film?
CB: It took five years to make the film. In 1999, I began writing the script and ended in 2001. In 2003, we began shooting the film and ended in 2005.

FFT: What was the visual style of the film?
CB: The film conveyed the passage of time, water and the colors of Oshun gold and yellow (Afro-Brazilian Goddess of fertility, sweet water and dance). Most scenes were filmed by the river because Dolores (Alice Braga) was the daughter of Oshun.

FFT: Did you have any input in the character role selection for actress Alice Braga?
CB: Yes, I began auditioning in Brazil and San Francisco. I received Alice credentials via email. She was very photogenic and perfect for the role Dolores.

FFT: Where was the location of the film shoot?
CB: Basically in three countries and five cities. San Diego, CA; Tijuana, Michoacan, Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo and Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. The three languages were English, Spanish and Portuguese.

FFT: Given the unusual settings, what were the difficulties in making the film?
CB: The logistic of filming in three countries, the use of three languages and the finance. The budget was $3 million.

FFT: What film festivals was SOLO DIOS SABE introduced?
CB: In 2006, it premiered at Sundance Film Festival, Chicago Film Festival, New York International Latino Film Festival, Seattle Film Festival, Guadalajara Film Festival, Mexico; and San Sebastian Film Festival, Spain.

FFT: Any interest from film distributors?
CB: In September 2006, it will be released in Mexico. In spring 2007, Palm Pictures will release the film in the United States.

FFT: Carlos, when and what year were you born?
CB: 1964 in Vera Cruz and grew up in Mexico City, Mexico.

FFT: Where and what did you studied?
CB: In 1980's, I studied sociology at the International University and cinema at the School of Cinema. I began editing feature films, which included LIKE WATER LIKE CHOCOLATE.

FFT: At what point in your life you became interested in the film industry?
CB: At the age 17, I basically grew up working in the film industry as the sound guy, boom guy, researcher and film editor. In my 30's, I moved to San Francisco, CA and I currently have a child.

FFT: What films have you directed/written and what is the total number of awards honored for each?
CB: In Mexico, BAJO CALIFORNIA received 7 Academy Awards and PROMISES was nominated for an academy award.

FFT: Any new projects in the works?
CB: Currently, working on two documentaries Pikeiawish and Imaginary Line and two feature films.

Source

Director: Carlos Bolado