Alisson Resende's Short Film 'Suspirou' Explores Loneliness and Resilience

Alisson Resende's latest short film, 'Suspirou,' delves into human fragility and the lasting effects of isolation, particularly in the context of 2020. The narrative emphasizes atmosphere, utilizing silence and confinement to portray the anguish of protagonist Cecília, played by Rita Matiusso, who lives in seclusion. The film's title, 'SUS/PIROU,' is a deliberate wordplay honoring the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), which the director views as a symbol of resistance during the pandemic era depicted in the film.

To authentically capture Cecília's solitude, Resende chose the historic Fazenda Bom Retiro in Oliveira as a filming location. This century-old property, the birthplace of scientist Carlos Chagas, provided an expansive setting that mirrored the character's psychological state. Resende aimed for an environment conveying immense, profound loneliness, where the rustic aesthetic and the farm's grandeur blurred the lines between past and present for the viewer.

'Suspirou,' released in June after six months of production, involved approximately 15 technical visits to the location before filming in January and meticulous post-production in May. The film's sensitive handling of mental health themes included a psychologist on the team for technical consultation and emotional support to the cast, ensuring a humane and serious portrayal. The film concludes with a suspenseful twist, revealing its true nature in the final moments. With a decade in independent cinema, Resende, originally from Divinópolis, uses 'Suspirou' to advance his social mission, offering free screenings to promote accessibility and dialogue. Following premieres in Oliveira and Divinópolis, the film is set for further exhibitions in Pará de Minas and Belo Horizonte.