Levitate
Highlighting the ethereal textile qualities of Reveligion
Directed by Luis Velasco
Interview by Tatev Avetisyan
Spanish director Luis Velasco has recently collaborated with fashion brand Reveligion to create, develop and execute a dream-like fashion film. Titled Levitate, it focuses and highlights the tender and ethereal touch of the tulle in motion - the hallmark of the brand’s identity. We find models gracefully soaring into the heavens, seemingly suspended and almost supported by the poetic narration accompanying the film. Penned by Velasco, the words draw inspiration from the profound writings of Spanish mystics John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.
In our exclusive conversation with the director, we delve into his creative journey to filmmaking, look through the motivations driving his playful fashion film, and gain valuable insights into his forthcoming projects.
What led you to pursue a career in film directing, and how did you first become involved in this field?
Since I was little, I have always been into painting; it's something that naturally became a part of my life. So, I was clear about pursuing my education in Fine Arts. However, the audiovisual world seemed distant to me at first, so I started directing films without actively seeking it. Over time, I realised that my background in visual arts was crucial and more disruptive than if I had studied in a film school.
When I lived in Indonesia, I filmed some experimental videos for fun. Later, I moved to Lithuania, and one summer, my Indonesian friend Briegel Bagenda came to visit me. At that time, I had quit a toxic job as a graphic designer, and I was happy. But, at the same time, I was unsure of what would come next. One day, I showed Briegel the videos, and he loved them. He had a music band and proposed to me to direct a music video for their latest song. I accepted the challenge, but the problem was that we didn't have a video camera and a budget. That same night, a friend introduced me to a local musician, Jurgis Didziulis, and by a twist of fate, he offered to lend me a camera. We filmed the video, everything went as planned, and we published it. It was well-received, and even Rolling Stone selected it as one of the best music videos of the year in Indonesia. I couldn't believe it! At that moment, I began collaborating as a director with Jurgis, and later, I started working with various production companies directing commercials.
Levitate is an intriguing project. Could you share the inspiration behind its creation and walk us through the conceptualization and creative process that brought it to life?
The fashion world is synonymous with speed; tastes are fleeting and go out of style in the blink of an eye. However, in this project, I wanted to explore timelessness, escape frivolity, and put a brake on the fast-pace that sweeps us away in today's world. It may seem paradoxical to create a fashion film with this concept, but I believe it works. And in that way, we highlight the qualities of the dresses more interestingly.
In Levitate, individuals adorned in voluminous tulle garments are seen levitating under a poetic voiceover. Can you shed light on the process of casting, wardrobe selection, and poem writing for the film? What were the primary considerations and goals in these aspects?
The casting process was conducted exclusively online. Over 100 candidates applied through a casting platform, but only one fit what I was looking for. We found the other two models on Instagram. The film required a high level of involvement; it wouldn't be a typical shoot because the models would be jumping on a trampoline on a hot day in the middle of the countryside, on the outskirts of Madrid. Before the shoot, we had a video introduction from each model, and it was enough to know they were the right fit. Everyone was very enthusiastic about the idea. Each model has something special and unique that also works together as a group.
For costume selection, we considered which dresses would look most spectacular while floating in the air. In this process, I had the invaluable assistance of wardrobe stylist Maria Novo Cano. The poem in the film is inspired by the writings of Spanish mystics John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. Beyond religious beliefs, their texts reflect the ideas of elevation, introspection, and transcendence of the mundane.
Could you provide insight into the collaborative dynamics within your production team? How did you all work together to bring the vision of Levitate to fruition? The poem in the film seems to reflect deep inner emotions. Is it a personal reflection on a specific event or experience?
First I met with DOPs Angel López Miranda and Carlota Cascón Ferrándiz in April. We had wanted to work together for a while, and they quickly understood my vision. They suggested La Bulle, a production company in Madrid with an incredible team led by producer Elsa Moro.
I finished writing the poem in New York, where I spent some time this summer. There, I had the opportunity to see an exhibition by José Val Del Omar at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI). For many years, I have been interested in this filmmaker, especially his texts where references to technology and the spiritual are united in a sometimes cryptic but fascinating way. Once I had the poem, my roommate (at the time), Jenifer Downey, helped me to adapt it to English and give it a better flow. I suppose the poem may have something personal in it. I come from a rural area near Valladolid, where there is one of the lowest population densities in Europe. The predominant landscape is vast fields with nothing but earth and sky. Some people find it monotonous and boring, but there is something special about it. Contemplating that stillness has a unique quality and conveys peace to me.
“The fashion world is synonymous with speed; tastes are fleeting and go out of style in the blink of an eye. However, in this project, I wanted to explore timelessness, escape frivolity, and put a brake on the fast-pace that sweeps us away in today’s world. ”
Levitate has a unique and captivating atmosphere. How did your collaboration with Reveligion contribute to achieving this atmosphere, and what was the creative process like in this collaboration?
Reveligion was the perfect brand for this project. Their clothes are spectacular and made of lightweight materials that enhance the floating effect. Furthermore, we had complete creative freedom for the film, which was a real luxury.
Every film comes with its challenges. What were the main challenges you encountered while directing the film, especially during the shooting of the levitation scenes? Additionally, could you share some insights into the editing process?
I believe the biggest challenge was creating a sense of naturalness in something that goes against the laws of physics. We had to plan the shots and the actions of the models meticulously. Moreover, we filmed on a hot day in May, and makeup artist Maria Lorain did an incredible job. Indeed, the editing process was crucial, and we tried to find those moments that contributed to immersing in the illusion of floating. Sound was also extremely important in post-production, and for that, I had the great help of Alex Aller for music composition and sound design, and Tania Watson for voiceover performance.
Can you offer a glimpse into your upcoming projects?
We are finishing the post-production of a short film I directed in Barcelona. It was shot in a Super-8 film, and it is about a love triangle between 23-year-olds. We wanted it to feel spontaneous and full of freedom, like a visual document of a special day in that city. Once again, I collaborated with DOPs Angel and Carlota, and it's always a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with them.
Director: Luis Velasco
Producer: La Bulle
Producer: Elsa Moro
Production Manager: Juanan López
Production Assistant: Jorge Cagial
DOPs: Ángel López Miranda & Carlota Cascón Ferrándiz
1st Assistant Camera: Pep Buades
Sparks: Flavia Vila, Curro Camacho
Colorist: Nylon
Still Photography: Juani Vergara
Wardrobe stylist: María Novo Cano
Assistant Wardrobe: Ana Muñoz Martínez
Makeup Artist: María Lorain
Cast: Raluca Trufia, Imani Desire, Luis Zanfir
Text Supervisor: Jenifer Downey
Voice Over: Tania Watson
Original Music & Sound Design: Alex Aller
Camera Rental: Welab
Lighting Rental: Gecisa