Director Stefano Bertelli Unveils 'Spacetime Chronicles,' Discusses Feature Debut and Authentic Audience Engagement

Embarking on a Personal Odyssey: The Genesis of ‘Spacetime Chronicles’

From Music Videos to a Deeply Personal Feature: The Inception of 'Spacetime Chronicles'

After years of crafting music videos for iconic artists and dedicating himself to paper-based animation, Stefano Bertelli felt a profound urge to create a work that resonated with his personal vision. This led to “Spacetime Chronicles,” a 71-minute animated feature marking his official directorial debut. The film takes audiences on a visual odyssey through the mind of a character named Fred, who is adrift in a state of limbo, with a cat serving as his internal guide.

The Surrealist Allure of Papercraft Animation: A Technical Marvel

Marcel Jean, Annecy’s artistic director, lauded “Spacetime Chronicles” for its distinctive surrealist aesthetic and ingenious “DIY” methodology, drawing parallels to Michel Gondry’s imaginative dreamscapes. Jean highlighted the film’s reliance on bricolage and papercraft stop-motion as a “genuine technical masterpiece,” underscoring the innovative spirit that defines Bertelli’s cinematic creation.

The Evolution of a Vision: From Music Video Concept to Feature Film Narrative

Bertelli’s journey into feature filmmaking began with a short film that gradually expanded into “Spacetime Chronicles.” The initial inspiration stemmed from a music video he directed for Camel Power Club, featuring an airliner as a central metaphor for life’s tumultuous journey. This concept, intertwined with his fascination for aviation mysteries and psychological storytelling, evolved organically throughout the production process, with much of the narrative taking shape during the actual filming.

The Poetic Fragility of Paper: A Reflection of Human Vulnerability

The director’s choice of paper as the primary medium was deliberate and deeply symbolic. Bertelli explains that paper’s inherent fragility—its ability to bend, tear, burn, and collapse—mirrors the instability of his characters and their world. This vulnerability became an integral part of the narrative, enhancing the film’s exploration of memory, identity, and the unpredictable nature of existence. The ethereal atmosphere, underscored by the film’s musical score, further evokes a sense of suspension and the transient beauty of a world that could vanish at any moment.

Overcoming Creative Hurdles: Innovations in Stop-Motion Animation

The use of paper in stop-motion presented unique challenges due to its rigidity and less natural movement compared to more malleable materials. Bertelli devised innovative techniques, including sequences of individually constructed models and extreme slow-motion effects, to overcome these limitations. The film also incorporates a blend of various video production experiences, resulting in a multifaceted visual language. Constructing elaborate paper sets, such as the detailed interior of an airliner, required robust internal frameworks, robotics, LED lighting, and mechanical systems to facilitate complex animated movements.

A Partnership Forged in Creativity: The Collaboration with Riccardo Orlandi

Riccardo Orlandi, Bertelli’s creative partner and co-founder of their production company Seenfilm, played a pivotal role in bringing “Spacetime Chronicles” to life. Their collaboration, spanning from early amateur horror films to sophisticated animation, highlights a shared dedication to creative problem-solving and technical innovation. Orlandi’s analog expertise, combined with Bertelli’s technological acumen, fostered a highly coordinated and efficient workflow, demonstrating the power of their enduring partnership.

The Intricate Production Process: A Journey of Dedication and Detail

The production of “Spacetime Chronicles” spanned approximately four to five months, interspersed with other commissioned projects. While precise figures for paper consumption are elusive, Bertelli estimates using thousands of large sheets. The decision to incorporate extreme slow motion was driven by a desire to capture moments of intense action, such as explosions, and to imbue them with a sense of frozen timelessness. Scenes depicting the overturning airplane, with objects cascading through the cabin and light casting realistic shadows, are particularly lauded for their dramatic impact and lifelike quality, despite being entirely crafted from paper.

The Unfiltered Joy of Audience Connection: A Director's Reward

Bertelli recounts a memorable experience at the Brussels premiere, where he anonymously observed audience reactions. A moment of genuine connection arose when he witnessed a viewer enthusiastically rating his film a perfect 10, prompting him to reveal himself and share a laugh. This authentic, spontaneous feedback underscores Bertelli’s desire for unfiltered audience engagement, a testament to the emotional resonance of his work.

Animation as a Liberating Art Form: Unlocking Creative Expression

For Bertelli, animation transcends mere genre; it serves as an indispensable tool for expressing profound ideas. Drawing inspiration from auteur-driven animated works like “Waltz with Bashir” and “Persepolis,” he views animation as a “necessity” rather than a choice. Facing budgetary constraints in live-action and music video productions, Bertelli found unparalleled freedom in building his “own paper world.” This medium allowed him to explore any concept, respecting its internal logic, and ultimately provided a creative liberty that the “real world” could not offer.