Salvatore Scarpa’s "Largo" Finds Humanity Beyond the Headlines at HollyShorts Festival

Three Key Takeaways

• Films can reawaken empathy. Salvatore Scarpa and Max Burgoyne-Moore’s Largo aims to rekindle empathy for refugees, reminding audiences of the human stories behind the statistics.
• Independent filmmaking thrives on rule-breaking. Scarpa emphasizes the freedom and creative license that comes with independent filmmaking, allowing for unique styles and storytelling.
• Stories from diverse perspectives matter. Largo includes a program integrating displaced creatives, ensuring authenticity and respect in storytelling.

Salvatore Scarpa, alongside co-writer and director Max Burgoyne-Moore, brings Largo to the big screen, exploring the poignant journey of a young Syrian refugee.

With a talented team including producers Rachid Sabitri and Charles Meunier, and actors such as Zack Elsokari and Tamsin Greig, Scarpa’s film is making waves at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival.

The film's creative process was supported by an inclusive program for displaced creatives, reinforcing its authentic narrative.

Exploring the Inspiration Behind Largo

What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?

The “refugee crisis” has been ongoing for about a decade in the UK. The media narrative has devolved into fear-mongering and dehumanizing statistics. We wanted to reawaken people’s empathy and remind them of the humanity behind the headlines. The film’s child perspective helps everyone empathize, even if they don’t relate to refugees directly. We also wanted to address why people aren’t welcoming to refugees. There's a decade of economic austerity and scapegoating by governments. Hopefully, this film shows refugees and the working-class have more in common than they realize.

Insights from the Filmmaking Process

What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically?

On the page, the story was split evenly between Musa and Grace, the British woman who’s fostered him. But during the shoot and edit, we realized the story had more impact from Musa’s POV. We had great performances from actors like Tamsin Greig and Kevin McNally that we had to cut. It's a process you expect in features or TV, but it applies to shorts too.

Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you—something only you could have made?

The scene where Musa finds the shipwrecked boat for the first time. It shifts from realism to escapism, and convincing the producers to keep it was crucial. We love shots where character movement changes the framing instead of the camera movement.

"Hopefully, this film shows refugees and the working-class have more in common than they realize."

The Challenges of Creation

What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?

Cutting ideas and moments we loved due to budget constraints and tone. There was an underwater scene that we never shot, and we’re still thinking about it.

Looking Forward: Impact and Future Projects

What do you hope audiences take away from your film?

A renewed feeling of empathy and responsibility for others, especially those they think they have nothing in common with.

How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?

We’re drawn to stories about cultural identity changes and clashes. We’re developing an anthology TV series about immigrant communities in London and writing a feature exploring similar themes to Largo.

"We love shots where character movement changes the framing instead of the camera movement."

Reflections on Independent Filmmaking

What do you think is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking?

The ability to break the rules. You develop your style and make a statement you believe in. It often leads to happy accidents you can run with.

HollyShorts & the Film's Future

What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?

HollyShorts was top of our list. It’s a huge opportunity for the film, cast, crew, and subject matter to get the attention they deserve.

Where do you see this film going next?

We're focused on festivals and screenings in schools across the UK. And there may be a feature version of Largo in the works, expanding the story in unexpected ways.

"The greatest strength of independent filmmaking is the ability to break the rules."

Main Cast and Crew

• Executive Producers: Chris Overton, Rebecca Harris-Turner, Mustapha Wehbi, Tony Schlesinger
• Production Companies: Slick Films, Studio Goodluck, Plan Nine Pictures
• Charity Partners: Good Chance Theatre, Refugee Council
• Cinematography: Rick Joaquim
• Production Design: Joana Dias
• Stunt Coordinator: Roy Taylor
• Music/Score: Stuart Hancock
• Editor: Mohammed El Manasterly
• Cast: Ammar Haj Ahmad, and Kevin McNally

For more on Largo, visit their Instagram.