This week on BEHIND THE LENS it’s all about horror as we take a look at two distinctly different types of horror films and three talented filmmakers. One film, ROSARIO, is dark and twisted and steeped in ancient lore and curses and comes from FELIPE VARGAS. The other, A BREED APART, courtesy of THE FURST BROTHERS, NATHAN FURST and GRIFF FURST, has a lighter comedic bent that may have you rethinking getting yourself a cute, cuddly puppy, but is a horror film horror nevertheless, and with a bit of action thrown in.
First up, NATHAN FURST and GRIFF FURST, aka THE FURST BROTHERS, co-writers, co-directors, and co-editors of A BREED APART.
A BREED APART is the tale of a group of social media influencers who find themselves on a private island owned by the famous Vince Ventura. Expecting a weekend of unrivaled viral opportunity, it doesn’t take long before our five “contestants” find themselves as part of their own horrific reality show when the guests are pitted against each other to capture the island’s legendary man-eating dogs before they become victims of the monstrous canines. Succeed and win $1 million and the island itself. Plus, you’re doing wonders for pet adoption!
As you’ll hear, we break down A BREED APART discussing the genesis of the film, the production, themes and challenges, including the film’s meta narrative and focus on social media influencers, which provides some wonderful subtextual commentary. As expected, a big part of our conversation goes to the dogs, as the brothers give us the scoop on the canine aspect of the film – 10 real dogs during filming, supplemented by CGI dogs so it looked like 50-60 dogs at times. The real dogs were trained by six trainers, and they were particularly good at swimming scenes in the Guatemalan lake. However, because the real dogs looked too happy and friendly, the filmmakers ended up using over 1,500 visual effects shots to make the dogs look more menacing.
You’ll also hear Nathan and Griff talk about the logistical challenges of filming in Atitlan, Guatemala, most notably with the “action sequences” through trails in jungle areas that often required the camera operators to be running behind the actors and dogs. The crew had to drive three hours from civilization, then load onto a boat to reach shooting locations. Then the camera operators and crew had to hike equipment up hills and navigate a challenging tropical landscape.
This is just a smattering of what you’re about to hear, so take a listen as Nathan Furst and Griff Furst give us all the ins and outs of A BREED APART.
A BREED APART is now in theatres and available on digital.
Then we switch gears and go deep and dark with director FELIPE VARGAS talking about ROSARIO. Directed by Felipe and written by Alan Trezza, ROSARIO is the story of a Wall Street stockbroker, Rosario Fuentes, who returns to her grandmother’s apartment after her sudden death. While sorting through her Grandmother’s belongings, Rosario uncovers a horrifying secret—a hidden chamber filled with occult artifacts tied to dark generational rituals. As supernatural occurrences plague her, Rosario must confront her family’s buried secrets and face the truth about the sacrifices and choices they made.
A fascinating conversation with Felipe, we delve into the themes of the film, which blends horror with heart and a touch of dark humor courtesy of screenwriter Alan Trezza as the story focuses on generational sacrifice and cultural roots. The underlying theme of sacrifice – specifically the sacrifices parents and grandparents make for their children to succeed – deeply resonated with Felipe, which drew him to this script for his first feature directorial. As we explore the making of ROSARIO, you’ll hear Felipe discuss the unique visual language created by production designer Carlos Osorio and cinematographer Carmen Cabana as Felipe emphasizes the use of practical effects, including handcrafted prosthetics, to create an organic, tangible, tactile, visceral experience.
A deliberate visual approach set the film apart from traditional horror aesthetics, making the visual experience as important to the storytelling as the narrative itself.
Filmed in Colombia, and reflective of Felipe’s cultural heritage, not only provided creative control over the set design, but allowed for Palo Mayombe cultural consultants to come on board the production who could authentically represent the religious and cultural elements of the story.
ROSARIO is in select theatres nationwide.
FOLLOW US ON X (formerly Twitter):
@BTLRadioShow
@moviesharkd
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/BTLRadioShow
FOLLOW US ON BLUESKY:
@moviesharkd.bsky.social
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
https://youtube.com/@behindthelensonline
#BTLRadioShow
