Dialogue with
Alejandro González Iñárritu
Live Dialogue
Role:
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Concept / Ideation
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Creative Director
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Producer
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Art Director
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Video Producer
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Host / Interviewer
Client:
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UDEM
Partners & Collaborators:
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Canvas Productions
Overview
"Dialogue with Alejandro González Iñárritu" was a captivating live event where the acclaimed Mexican filmmaker shared an intimate and reflective journey through his illustrious career. Known for his groundbreaking films and unique storytelling style, González Iñárritu provided the audience with rare insights into his creative process, dissecting pivotal scenes from his award-winning movies while delving into the emotions and ideas that shaped them.
He also engaged directly with the university community, answering thought-provoking questions from students and attendees.
This extraordinary event was part of Udesign, the prestigious international Art and Design conference organized by the University of Monterrey.
Over the course of nearly two hours, González Iñárritu mesmerized the crowd, blending storytelling, personal reflections, and practical insights, making it an unforgettable experience for all present. The event underscored the power of cinema not just as entertainment but as a profound tool for exploring humanity and sparking dialogue.
"His talk, which kept more than 2,000 attendees engaged for almost two hours, was supported by scenes from his movies and a panel that asked him questions."
— Eugenio Guzmán, Movie Critic
Perspectiva UDEM:
Dialogue with Alejandro G. Iñárritu
The project had multiple facets and represented a significant event for the University of Monterrey, requiring strict adherence to the protocols of both the University and Alejandro González Iñárritu's team.
The first challenge was to organize a live event in a format that was not only logistically feasible but also adaptable to the previously chosen venue. Ensuring a seamless execution while meeting the high standards expected for an event of this magnitude was critical.
The second challenge stemmed from Alejandro's specific request: he wanted the talk to be dynamic. He explicitly stated that he did not want it to be just a traditional interview or a one-sided presentation. Instead, the event needed to foster an engaging and interactive format that would capture the spirit of dialogue and creativity.
The Challenge
The third challenge was to record the event at the highest possible quality, as it would serve as an episode for the University’s online series Perspectiva UDEM. This recording had to be done without compromising the live experience for the attendees, requiring careful coordination between the technical team and event organizers to ensure a smooth and unobtrusive process.
These challenges combined to make the project an ambitious endeavor, balancing logistical execution, creative expectations, and technological precision to deliver a memorable experience for all involved.
To overcome these challenges, a simple yet powerful creative concept was developed. Starting from the premise that cameras and lighting were essential for the recording, the idea was to invert the traditional direction of a film production. In this reimagined setup, the audience became the equivalent of the screen, while the stage was transformed into a film set.
The stage was designed with professional lighting and cameras, centered around the director, Alejandro González Iñárritu, who faced the audience—now metaphorically representing the "scene" he was observing.
Creative Concept & Production
Behind the central setup, a secondary arrangement of six chairs was included. These seats were designated for a panel composed of six students and faculty members from the University, chosen through a competition. This panel had the honor of engaging with the director directly, asking him thought-provoking questions that added an interactive and dynamic element to the event.
This approach not only aligned with the logistical and creative requirements but also emphasized the dialogue between the director and the audience, creating a unique and immersive experience that blurred the lines between a cinematic production and a live event.
The Dialogue
For the dialogue, an in-depth investigation into Alejandro González Iñárritu's biography and previous interviews was conducted. This research provided the foundation for crafting a compelling narrative that seamlessly intertwined significant moments from his life with iconic scenes from his films. The goal was to create a meaningful conversation that went beyond the surface, connecting his personal experiences with universal human concepts.
Using this approach, the dialogue explored themes such as fear, illustrated through a poignant scene from Biutiful; detachment, represented by powerful moments in The Revenant; and irresponsibility, highlighted through specific scenes from Amores Perros.
These themes served as touchpoints to delve into deeper reflections, bridging the emotional and philosophical underpinnings of his work with relatable, universal ideas.
This structure not only showcased Alejandro’s creative genius but also allowed the audience to gain insight into the profound connections between his personal journey, artistic vision, and the broader human experience. By weaving together life, art, and universal themes, the dialogue became a powerful exploration of cinema as a mirror to humanity.
The event, originally scheduled to last just one hour, was extended to nearly two hours at Alejandro González Iñárritu's own request, a testament to the engaging atmosphere created and the exceptional chemistry between the filmmaker and the audience. The dynamic interaction and the depth of the conversation resonated deeply with attendees, making it a truly memorable experience.
The event garnered widespread acclaim, receiving positive coverage in newspapers, blogs, and television channels. It not only highlighted the University of Monterrey’s commitment to hosting high-caliber cultural events but also positioned the institution as a leading promoter of art and culture in Mexico.
Perspective
Following the event, the recorded footage was meticulously edited into a 6-minute episode for the Perspectiva UDEM series. This concise yet impactful video captured the essence of the event, showcasing the university’s dedication to fostering creative dialogue and celebrating the intersection of education, art, and culture.