Wild Fruits (2024), directed by Bernardo Zanotta, is a medium-length film inspired by the writings of the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne and the historical attempt of France to colonize Brazil in the 16th century. Set in the 16th century, after a period overseas in Antarctic France, Jean Aurand finds refuge as a servant in the house of Montaigne, where a series of fantastical events unfolds, forever transforming the lives of these two men. The film explores themes of cultural encounter, cannibalism, queerness, and identity through a hybrid form that merges historical reflection with contemporary imagination.
In the film, I embody Jean, the main character, and also serve as the narrator who guides the audience through this layered journey. While it is atypical for me to work as an actor in a realistic film, Wild Fruits allowed me to reconnect with the imaginary of Brazilian cannibalism and mythology. My role weaves together the philosophical discourse of Montaigne and the fantastical events that reshape Jean’s life, positioning me as both storyteller and witness, and carrying the audience across history, fiction, and personal imagination.
Screenings
Screenings
(2024) Cinemateca Capitólio, Porto Alegre, Brazil
(2024) Spectacle Theatre New York, United States of America
(2024) Mostra Que Desejo – Cineclube Mirante Maceió, Brazil
(2024) Bucharest Experimental Film Festival Bucharest, Romania
(2024) Queer Wave Nicosia, Cyprus
(2024) Helsinki International Film Festival Helsinki, Finland
(2024) Nederlands Film Festival Forum van de Regisseurs
( 2024) Queer Film Festival – Utrecht, The Netherlands
(2024) EYE Filmmuseum – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
(2024) Leiden Shorts – Leiden, The Netherlands
(2024) Sicilia Queer – Palermo, Sicily
(2024) Vera – Groningen, The Netherlands
(2024) Studio/K – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
(2024) Rencontres du Moyen Métrage – Brive-la-Gaillarde, France
thiago antunes 