From Development to Festivals: Jessica Gonzatto Talks Body of Water [Podcast]
What does it really look like when a short film starts turning into something bigger?
In this episode, John and Danny sit down with Jessica Gonzato, a finalist from the Kinolime Short Film Competition, to talk about what happens after the scripts are written and the votes are cast. Broadcasting live from southern Brazil, Jessica shares an inside look at her journey with Body of Water - from developing the short as a proof of concept, to pitching at Ventana Sur, Latin America’s largest film market, and actively building international co-production partnerships.
The conversation digs into what producers and buyers are actually looking for right now, why socially grounded stories are resonating globally, and how emerging filmmakers can navigate festivals, funding, and production timelines without losing the heart of their work. Jessica also reflects on her experience going through the Kino Lime competition, the importance of feedback, and the moment when an idea finally starts becoming a film.
Full Transcript: Kinolime Podcast Episode 33: From Development to Festivals: Jessica Gonzatto Talks Body of Water
Participants
John Schramm - Head of Development, Kinolime
Danny Murray - Creative Executive, Kinolime
Jessica Gonzato - Writer Body of Water, Kinolime Short Competition Finalist
John: Hey everyone, welcome. We’re here today with Jessica Gonzato, our finalist from the Kinolime Short Film Competition. Jessica is joining us live from Brazil, I’m not going to try to pronounce the town, but she will. We just wanted to check in, Body of Water author, see how you’re doing, and hear what you’ve been up to.
Jessica: Hi guys. First of all, thank you so much for everything. I honestly feel like you’re my friends at this point, so it’s really nice to just sit down and chat with my friends.
Danny: I feel the same way.
Life in Brazil & Recent Film Market Experience
Jessica: So I’m in southern Brazil, in a town called Gramado. I’m actually having a bit of a relaxing moment right now because I just got back from Ventana Sur, which is the biggest film market in Latin America.
I was there for a week with my producer. She’s producing Body of Water and also my other feature project, The Pains of Labor, which is a folk horror drama feature. Body of Water is the short film proof of concept for that feature.
We spent the week talking to producers, investors, and festival programmers. The feature is still in development, but we’re already building our way into the industry from the very beginning, talking to festivals and potential co-producers. That’s really what I’ve been focused on lately.
Industry Trends & What Buyers Are Looking For
Danny: That’s amazing. What kinds of trends are you seeing? What are buyers looking for right now?
Jessica: I’d say that world cinema is really looking at us right now. Latin American cinema has had a lot of success over the past few years, especially with the Oscars we’ve won recently.
Danny: And you’re about to get another one. I’m seeing it this weekend, Secret Agent.
Jessica: We’re hoping! Fingers crossed.
I think political and social themes are always going to be important. Stories rooted in history or social discussion really resonate, but they don’t have to be obvious or heavy-handed.
In my films, I’m always talking about society, but not in a way that’s right on the nose. That seems to be what people are responding to, important themes approached in a creative, entertaining way.
Genre-wise, I wouldn’t say there’s a huge push for horror or action right now. There’s a lot of interest in beautiful dramas, family films, and comedies. Brazilian comedies, especially, are incredibly popular here and across Latin America.
Another big thing is co-productions. That’s really why we were at Ventana Sur. There were production companies from all over the world, especially Europe, and there’s a lot of genuine interest in collaborating with us.
My feature actually ties into that historically, it’s set in the 19th century, a time when Brazil had a lot of European immigration. That connection really resonates with potential partners.
Body of Water - Production Timeline
John: I’ve said this before, but I’m a huge fan of Body of Water. When do you think you’ll actually be filming?
Jessica: If I had to guess, late June or early July at the latest. We’re working backward from a festival strategy, building the schedule around submission deadlines.
Climate is also a big factor. We really want fog and colder weather, and since it’s winter in Brazil around that time, early July makes the most sense.
John: We can’t wait. I’ll be the first person to stream it, I’m calling dibs.
Experience with the Kinolime Competition
John: Before we wrap up, now that the dust has settled and the competition is over, how was your overall experience going through the Kinolime competition?
Jessica: Honestly, I had a really great time and I wasn’t expecting that.
I loved the short story the script is based on, and I wrote the short film with a lot of heart. I knew there was something there, but I never imagined I’d be here today talking with you all.
What really mattered to me was the production side. Ideas are great, but production is such a crucial moment in a script’s life. Being part of this competition helped make it real, building a schedule, planning a crowdfunding campaign, actually moving forward.
It was also incredibly meaningful to hear feedback from people I didn’t even know. The messages, the notes, the encouragement, it was all very touching. I’m genuinely so thankful for the experience.
Closing Remarks
John: It’s been amazing watching Body of Water’s journey, and we’re so grateful to be part of it. Thank you again for trusting Kinolime with your story, and please keep us updated.
Jessica: Thank you all so much.
Danny: Really appreciate you, Jessica. Take care.
