“Night Stage”, interview with the directors, Felipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon

February 21, 2025

Felipe Matzembacher, Marcio Reolon, directors. "Night Stage". An erotic thriller, with a vintage taste that comes for the 70's and the 80's

"Night Stage", interview with the directors, Felipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon Angelo Acerbi

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“Night Stage” is the third feature film written and directed by Felipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon, two queer film directors from Brazil, here at the Berlinale for their third time. The film has been included on the Panorama section, and runs for the Teddy Awards as best feature film.

Going back to more daring and unapologetic filmaking

Faelipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon made some daring choices in their new film “Night Stage“. The world is getting prudish and making an erotic thriller like this is the right way for the directors to re-appropriate all imagery of sexuality and desire that were hidden even in the lgbtqi+ movies.

A dedication to the 70’s and the 80’s

“Night Stage” owes a lot to the imagery and aesthetics of independent film of the 70’s and the 80’s. Cinematography is a clear homage to that, and also the free feeling of the sexual encounters of the twp lead characters is a direct consequence of the influence of the filmmaking of that era

Plot

Matias, an ambitious 23-year-old actor, is rehearsing a play with a prestigious theatre company. He and his flatmate Fabio, also 23, are playing the main roles. The two catch the eye of casting agent Pamela who is looking for actors for a major series production to be filmed in the city. However, only Fabio is invited to the audition because, despite his talent, Matias’ off-screen behaviour is not well received. Devastated, Matias takes solace in meeting 35-year-old Rafael, a mysterious man who refuses to reveal much about himself. Together, they discover a fetish for having sex in public places. Matias soon finds out that Rafael is a closeted politician who is running for mayor. After great efforts, Matias finally wins the starring role in the series and Rafael gains a lead in the polls. But the closer they both get to their longed-for fame, the more reckless they become. The lovers arouse jealousy in Fabio and concerns among Rafael’s campaign sponsors and end up in a dangerous game of success, pleasure and death.

Written by: Angelo Acerbi

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