The Challenge: Capturing a Unique Spirit
The mission was to create a poster for Cinéville, an annual festival for independent and international films. The design had to capture a unique atmosphere—eclectic and accessible, chic yet relaxed—while reflecting the creative audacity of independent cinema.
The core constraint and creative driver: the entire concept had to be built around the visual and cultural references of 1920-1930s Surrealism.
My Process: A Surrealist Approach
1 — Defining the Artistic Direction
The process began by deconstructing the codes of Surrealism: dreamlike imagery, juxtaposition, metamorphosis, and symbolism. I focused on key references to build a compelling visual narrative:
- Dalí's Melting Reel: A melting film reel, inspired by "The Persistence of Memory," became the central element, symbolizing cinema's power to bend time and reality.
- Magritte's Dreamscape: Clouds inspired by René Magritte were used to represent imagination, while cinema seats under a starry sky evoke a magical, limitless space accessible to all audiences.
2 — From Sketch to Final Design
After exploring various compositions through rough sketches, I developed a final design that balanced the key surrealist elements. The typography and color palette were chosen to create a sense of mystery, elegance, and energy, aligning with the festival's chic-but-accessible vibe.
Project Presentation
The full design process, from the initial brief and moodboard to the final mockups, was documented in a comprehensive presentation. You can explore the slides below.
The Poster in Action
A selection of mockups showing how the Cinéville poster would appear in various urban environments, bringing the surrealist concept to life.
