The Art of Telling Personal Stories
For Maria Colomer Canyelles, personal stories are windows to the world, allowing a deeper understanding of how it works. Creating an empathetic bond with viewers, these stories humanize experiences and promote understanding.
Discovering the Secrets of Deportation Centers
Colomer Canyelles’ documentary, ‘The Painter’s Room’, explores the hidden reality of deportation centers in Denmark, where asylum seekers await their fate indefinitely. The documentary offers an intimate look into the lives of the residents, revealing the harsh conditions and desperation they face.
Through the characters of Artin and Jahan, the documentary highlights Denmark’s restrictive immigration policies, designed to deter asylum seekers. The centers’ deceptively pleasant aesthetics hide a grim reality, where residents live in legal limbo, without access to education, work or financial support.
The Role of Women in Cinematography
Colomer Canyelles recognizes the gender imbalance in the film industry. Despite recent progress, women remain underrepresented as directors, and their projects receive less funding. The documentary ‘The Painter’s Room’ was possible thanks to the support of ‘Dones Visuals’, an association that promotes the participation of women in cinema.
Colomer Canyelles emphasizes the importance of breaking stereotypes and challenging male-dominated narratives. Women-led stories are often labeled as ‘female’, limiting their impact and visibility.
The Power of Independent Production Companies
Colomer Canyelles works as a producer at ‘Boogaloo Films’ and ‘Nanouk Films’, independent production companies that focus on independent cinema. These production companies rely primarily on public funding, allowing them to create films that explore critical and humanistic themes without the pressure of making a profit.
Independent filmmaking offers a platform for marginalized voices and unique perspectives. It allows filmmakers to address important social and political issues, contributing to a more informed and empathetic public discourse.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Currently, Colomer Canyelles is involved in several projects as a producer at ‘Nanouk Films’. These projects include documentaries about the juxtaposition between esotericism and science, Barcelona in the 90s and child sexual abuse.
As director, Colomer Canyelles is exploring ideas that focus on her neighborhood of Sants and its gentrification. Her passion for telling stories that reflect the human experience continues to inspire her work.
