Film Name: A Mother’s Recall
Director: Mauro Ivan Ojeda
Writer: Mauro Ivan Ojeda
A married couple welcomes young Genaro into their home through adoption. Upon his arrival, he meets his new siblings, Nuria and Samuel. But it doesn’t take long for Genaro to sense that something is deeply wrong within the household. The family seems trapped under a suffocating veil of fear and despair, haunted by an unseen force. As Nuria, a troubled teenager, begins to uncover the terrifying secrets hidden within her family, she forms a powerful bond with Genaro. Together, they must face an evil presence that grows stronger each day, unleashing a chain of sinister and unsettling events.
In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds, I got a chance to ask Writer-Director Mauro Ivan Ojeda a few questions about the film ‘A Mother’s Recall’, which will play at Horror-on-Sea on Saturday 17th January at 17:30hrs.
Q. Your film A Mother’s Recall has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect?
I tell the audience that they are going to see a film that will move them, make them uncomfortable, and force them to hold on tight to their seats.
Q. What were your inspirations when writing the script?
My inspiration came from stories like Babadook or Hereditary; I love depicting a core group of dysfunctional family members dealing with a paranormal or demonic phenomenon.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
I really like the look of films like X (2022) or Pearl (2022), the camera floating through the house and the warm lighting of that mansion fit perfectly into the unsettling and disturbing atmosphere of the story.
My previous film, The Funeral Home (2020), used desaturated or cold colours; in A Mother’s Recall, I wanted the opposite: saturated colours, especially in scenes with the teenagers alone and without adults.
Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
Overall, 80% of the original script was retained; there were changes, but they were made to try to get the film shot, cutting some scenes and moments to fit the filming into the budgeted weeks.
What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
There were many moments that were very moving and fun to film, especially those involving blood, machete blows, and dismemberment. But there were also scenes with powerful acting that turned out to be spectacular.
Did you experience any issues during filming?
There are always challenges to overcome; I wouldn’t call them problems, but rather challenges that must be faced in the best way possible for the project. Filming in Argentina today is already a huge challenge, but it’s unavoidable; we have to film.
What makes A Mothers Recall stand out as something different in the horror genre?
I think it’s a fresh, bold, and powerful proposal. The script is original and shows a personal vision from the very first frame. It presents an intelligent premise and offers clues about what’s happening during that hour-and-a-half journey.
What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
Disturbing images that stay with you from the theatre to your home, sadness, disgust, and a glimmer of hope. It’s a powerful film.
Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
There are two projects, one of psychological horror that is already finished and a second project called Pulsion that has been selected in several festivals about serial killers and psychopaths.
If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
I would tell him to do it, to write, to use a cell phone or the best camera, but to do it. Cinema is magic; when he’s writing, he shouldn’t limit his mind to something mediocre or small because of the budget, because everything can be faked and filmed. Life is already full of limitations and cutbacks, so why would I limit my vision or imagination out of fear? Cinema exists to make us fly.
A Mother’s Recall will play at Horror-on-Sea on Saturday 17th January at 17:30hrs.
You can find out more about Horror-on-Sea and purchase tickets for the A Mother’s Recall here
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
