1. Your films combine horror and environmental advocacy. When did you realize that the horror genre could become a voice for the ecological cause?

I’ve always believed that horror is the genre that allows for the greatest artistic and expressive freedom. As a result, I thought combining it with environmental themes would be a great way to engage younger audiences, who often seek thrill and tension in films.

2. In your films, nature often appears as a sentient and vengeful force. Do you believe horror can reconnect us with respect for the environment more effectively than other film genres?

Yes, horror by nature forces its characters to confront their deepest and most primal fears. In this case, we take the example of the hunter (predator) who becomes the prey. Here, fear renders us powerless and brings awareness to the importance of respecting the environment, showing us a bitter point of no return—an unhealable wound.

3. Many independent filmmakers complain about production constraints. How do you manage to maintain environmental sustainability on set, especially with often limited budgets?

The production constraints of independent cinema are, as always, the greatest challenge for any filmmaker who wants to tell a story. In our case, however, shooting in just two weeks with a small crew and limited resources actually helped us minimize our impact on the forested area, which in a way respected the spirit of the film.

4. Your work reflects a tension between Italian folklore and contemporary ecology. How much do you draw from local legends to build your narrative universe?

Truthfully, my narrative world is shaped by multiple influences, ranging from films to dark fantasy video games. Italian folklore is definitely central, though it's also indirectly influenced by other cultures.

5. Have you ever thought that your cinema might be “frightening” not only for its visuals but for the ecological truths it reveals? Have you faced criticism or pushback in this regard?

In response to both questions—yes, absolutely. The general audience often associates the word “horror” with blood, violence, and constant jump scares, overlooking the psychological aspect. In our film, for instance, some dreamlike and introspective sequences set in the forest were considered slow and lacking in pace, rather than reflective and essential to the theme. However, I also understand that in a society like ours—always rushing and overstimulated—it’s truly difficult to communicate through this kind of narrative device.

6. What is the horror film that has influenced you the most or that you consider your absolute favorite, and why? Is there a specific work that inspired your ecological vision of the genre?

Of all films, definitely The Witch by Robert Eggers, which has become the flagship of contemporary folk horror. It’s an intelligent, elegant film that undoubtedly rewrote the rules of the subgenre. As for the ecological theme, I didn't have any specific inspirations—I simply felt the need to explore and portray it.

7. What are your future projects? Can we expect another “eco-apocalypse” made in Italy, or are you exploring new directions in the relationship between horror and the environment?

The screenplay for my next film is nearly complete and will once again explore the bond between humans and nature, but in a completely new way. What I can reveal is that the horror element in this project will be absolutely wild, present, and central.

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