A Story Bigger Than Itself: Alexandre Brachet On Creating 'Alma'

IDFAAlma, a Tale of ViolenceTFI New Media FundAlma, a Tale of ViolenceTFI New Media FundUpianAlma

After our last web documentary, Prison Valley (by David Dufresne & Philippe Brault), we received a lot of propositions and project ideas from authors and directors. But nothing hooked us; there was no sense of urgency, no need to commit. Until Patrick Codomier from Agence VU' came to see us to present us the work of Miquel Dewever-Plana, Isabelle Fougère and Alma's story. Three hours later, we were in shock and overturned by the power of the story and the strength of the images. And our decision to work with Miquel and Isabelle was immediate. The decisions that determine the committing of a production company like ours (this project has been 2 years of really hard work) are usually hard to describe. There's a rational part, on one side, and on the other, a part of irrational of intuition and desires. But with Alma, on top of those crucial elements, there was also the conviction from the start that this story was bigger than itself. Of course, it is about a girl that's been in a gang–and that is a fascinating universe–but beyond that, it is the story of a generation that's been sacrificed, that's been forgotten, and who has become violent because there was no other choice. Because it has been completely forsaken by the institutions. The rich loath and oppress, because the quest for money and wealth at any cost often leads to ultraviolence. But it is also the story of a woman who decides to turn her life around; to survive. And there's something quasi-mythological to this woman, to this character–and in this, she sparks unexpected thoughts in our viewer. About the choices we all make, about survival, about authority, about power and freedom and oppression. All those issues that have been at the heart of the human quest for truth, no matter his rank or birth. Also, the issue of how social abandonment by the State produces violent beings is something that really speaks to us. Regarding the layout of the web documentary, we went for a very soft type of interaction that was suited for tablets, but also more in sync with the strength of the story. This web documentary is built in two levels, like two stacked-up universes. In the first one: Alma is all alone, confessing herself. The second one is more evocative. And the user is free to go back and forth between them. Artistically, this program is mostly built around the unbelievable work of photographer Miquel Dewever-Plana. He spent 15 years photographing the gangs in Guatemala. Capturing that "other war" that ravages the country. We also reached out to French illustrator Hugues Micol and our fellow musician Gregory Corsaro to write the score. I would like this opportunity to really thank each and everyone of those who trusted us and helped us in this extraordinary adventure. And of course, and above all, the TFI New Media Fund.