Maria is the debut short film written and directed by Indonesian commercial and fashion photographer Giovanni Rustanto.  Shot in Prague for a period of 3 days and starring the young Czech actress Alzbeta Volhejnová in the lead role, this dark tale of self-consuming rebellion portrays also the reaction of the youth’s mind to the cruelty of the world. Director Giovanni Rustanto and cinematographer Pathomwat Wansukprasert chose a neo-realistic approach, representative of Central European cinema, to convey the story in a truthful manner.

Synopsis:
A quiet young girl has a dispute with her mother. She decides to enter the monastery to become a nun. Upon her arrival, she is given a new name, Maria, and a mysterious past is brought out along the way revealing the history behind her rebellious acts.

Currently, Maria is being entered to film festivals all over the world. A password-protected screener is available for interested individuals. You can apply for a password via info@thelabstudios.net

Director / Writer: Giovanni Rustanto
Cast: Alžběta Volhejnová, Michelle Arnold, Abigail Rice
Cinematographer: Pathomwat Wansukprasert
Music and Sound Design: Petar Mrdjen
Art Design: Lika Gavrish

Festival Selections and Awards:

• Go Debut European Film Festival 2018 (Lithuania) – Official Competition
• European Film Festival Mainstream & Underground 2018 (Russia) – BEST SHORT FINALIST
• Top Indie Film Awards 2018 – BEST DIRECTOR
• Short To The Point 2018 (Romania) – Official Selection
• Bucharest ShortCut CineFest 2018 (Romania) – Official Selection