Agustina, your films are known for their unique creative universes. What inspires these worlds?
Dreams have always been a profound source of inspiration for me. I’ve experienced vivid and memorable dreams that I could recall and write down in detail. Coupled with a lifelong struggle with insomnia, I’ve spent countless nights awake, immersed in thoughts and imagination. This blend of intense dreaming and sleepless contemplation has significantly shaped who I am. Even as I’ve become more rational over time, I still deeply connect with that spiritual and imaginative aspect of myself.
Did you grow up in a spiritual environment?
I was raised in a typical family in Buenos Aires, with parents who are scientists—my mother is Jewish, and my father is Catholic. However, they chose not to raise me within any specific religion. While I’m an atheist, I’ve always found comfort in believing in the intangible. I sense that we’re not alone and feel energies that I can’t explain. This belief in the unseen brings meaning to my life and fuels my creativity.
“I’ve always been captivated by creating worlds—the feeling of making something from nothing, breathing life into what didn’t exist until I imagined it.”
Have you always been drawn to creating fictional worlds?
Absolutely. The thrill of bringing something into existence that previously didn’t exist has always captivated me. Fiction, to me, is more exhilarating than reality. That’s why I’m passionate about horror films—they make me feel truly alive. In my work, I aim to explore various genres, from comedy to classical thrillers, and even pure horror.
That’s quite a range!
I refuse to be confined to a single identity. My esoteric mindset naturally permeates everything I create. While I embrace this aspect of myself, I strive not to let it dominate my work entirely. I’m eager to make films in different countries and languages. Though I deeply love Argentinian cinema and my homeland, I often challenge myself to think beyond my national identity.
Is this desire to transcend boundaries a personal endeavor?
Yes, because limiting myself to Spanish-language films feels restrictive. I’ve always been inspired by movies from around the world, connecting with diverse stories and cultures. This global perspective enriches my understanding of the human experience, which transcends nationality.
How much of your personal self is reflected in your films?
It’s intriguing because viewers often perceive me as a nostalgic, introspective, or even tormented individual based on my films. In reality, I’m quite the opposite—cheerful, humorous, and optimistic. While my films do capture significant aspects of me, they don’t represent me entirely.
What was it like releasing your first feature film, “To Kill A Beast”?
It was both exhilarating and terrifying. I felt vulnerable, as if each viewer was seeing a deeply personal part of me. Unlike short films, which are often viewed in collections, a feature film stands alone, intensifying the exposure. I wrote “To Kill A Beast” at 21, and it’s being released as I approach 30. The journey to bring it to fruition was long, but with the support of a dedicated team and mentors like Franz Rodenkirchen and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who embraced my uniqueness, I navigated the process. These mentorships provided a safe space to express myself without existential crises, making the creative chaos feel manageable.
