In the journey of life, the biggest giant any person will face is the manmade illusion of fear and failure. Photographer and filmmaker James Pereira (JMP) along with screenwriter, actor, and model Francesco Cuizza explore the concept of fear in their inaugural fashion film “Warrior with a Crown.” The co-directors use video to represent the subconscious, with a heavy focus on spirituality and its impact on the human psyche and ego.
In “Warrior with a Crown,” the scene opens on a melancholic gray sky and breaking waves. A lone figure is shown staring out at the water. In apparent turmoil, the man uses original choreography and intentional movement to convey his internal conflict. He drops to his knees, devastated by his feelings of inadequacy and failure.
However, he does not stay there. As the short film unfolds, the man learns to trust his inner strength and instinct and stands once again – this time as a warrior with the confidence to overcome any challenge in life.
The co-directors’ eloquent summary of the video begins: “In an armor of scars, I fight the illusion of my fears. I’m a warrior.” Through this visual journey of man’s struggle to overcome the fight within himself to emerge victorious over fear and failure, JMP and Cuizza take viewers through a relatable story that has impacted every human at some point in their life.
Francesco Cuizza describes, in his words, why the film resonates so clearly with audiences. “The film is based on the belief that failure is the fuel for one’s success and is looking to express the weight that every person must carry in an ongoing quest to excel in life.”
Met with acclaim, “Warrior with a Crown” is in screenings all across the globe, including the Copenhagen Fashion Film Festival, Athens Fashion Film Festival, Short to the Point, and the Redline International Film Festival.