Draft:Julio Rionaldo

Julio Rionaldo is an Indonesian writer, screenwriter, director, producer, and actor. Known for his distinctive style of magical realism and neorealism in which he dubbed “magical neorealism.” Rionaldo's work captivates audiences by blending the extraordinary with the mundane. His films often explore themes of identity, death, memory, and the passage of time, offering viewers a cathartic and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Personal life
Julio Rionaldo was born in Banjarmasin, Indonesia and raised in Anaheim, California, where he developed a deep appreciation for storytelling from a young age. Growing up on the fringes of Hollywood, he was exposed to a variety of narratives and artistic expressions, which greatly influenced his creative development and desire for cinema. A gifted storyteller from an early age, his high school years in the United States led him to embark on the Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab in 2014, where he encountered Sean Baker and Benh Zeitlin, who played significant roles in shaping his filmmaking aspirations.

Julio returned to his homeland to pursue a degree in Law at Universitas Padjadjaran, graduating at the top of his class. This achievement earned him a stint as an associate at Deloitte. However, his passion for filmmaking persisted. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Julio and his close friends founded Parcstar Assembly Inc., an independent motion picture enterprise in Newark, Delaware. He has since served as its executive director, producer, writer, and actor, steering the company towards innovation and global recognition.

Career
In 2024, under Parcstar Assembly Inc., Julio established his own bootstrap international film festival named Kinosuite International, located in the vibrant district of Blok M, South Jakarta. This festival aims to showcase independent films from around the world, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their work and connect with a global audience.

Julio resides in Ubud, Bali, with his Norwegian partner. The serene environment of Ubud provides the perfect backdrop for Julio as he writes his next feature screenplay, continuing to explore new narratives and push the boundaries of his craft.

Theme, Style, and Influence
The hallmarks of Julio Rionaldo's films is his distinct visual style, which reflects his belief that each individual perceives the world uniquely, influenced by their personal circumstances and upbringing. His films are not just narratives but experiences that invite viewers to engage in a deeply personal journey of interpretation and reflection. Rionaldo's approach is grounded in the belief that each person brings their own unique perspective to a film, shaped by their individual circumstances and life experiences.

Julio Rionaldo's films are characterized by their open-ended nature, deliberately crafted to provoke thought and spark conversations. He eschews clear-cut resolutions, opting instead for ambiguous endings that leave room for multiple interpretations. This approach reflects his belief in the uniqueness of individual perception.

Julio Rionaldo:

"As a storyteller, my goal is to provoke thought and spark conversations. I don’t want to provide all the answers; instead, I aim to pose questions and invite viewers to reflect on their own lives. If a hundred people watch my movie, I expect a hundred different interpretations to arise after the credits roll. This diversity of thought is what makes cinema so powerful."

Julio's philosophy is rooted in the notion that every viewer's interpretation is valid and meaningful. By leaving narrative elements unresolved, he creates a space where audiences can project their own experiences, thoughts, and emotions onto the story. This engagement transforms passive viewing into an active, participatory experience. A signature technique in Julio's films is his use of long takes and challenging set pieces, designed to push actors to their limits and capture raw, unfiltered emotions.

Julio Rionaldo's narratives often explore recurring themes of identity, memory, death and the passage of time, which is heavily influenced by the eclectic works from Andrei Tarkovsky, Terrence Malick, Spike Jonze, Guillermo del Toro and his mentor Benh Zeitlin. His visual style blends fantastical elements with everyday life to create rich, immersive, and visually captivating narratives.

Julio Rionaldo:

"I believe that stories are not linear; they are shaped by our experiences, memories, and emotions. By playing with narrative structures, I aim to create films that resonate on a deeper, more intuitive level. It’s about inviting the audience to piece together the story in a way that feels personal and impactful to them."

Rionaldo's storytelling is marked by its poetic and evocative nature, drawing audiences into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. His films often feature dreamlike sequences and surreal imagery, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. This unique approach allows Rionaldo to explore complex themes in a way that is both accessible and deeply resonant.

Methodology
Julio Rionaldo's directorial approach is deeply rooted in his commitment to building profound, personal relationships with his cast members. He views the film set as a sanctuary, a place where creativity can flourish through a delicate ballet of guidance and interpretation. By treating his actors as equals and closely involving them in the creative process, Julio fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility in the film's development.

Rionaldo's methodology extends beyond traditional professional boundaries, placing a strong emphasis on personal interactions and shared experiences. He invests considerable time with his actors outside of the set, engaging in activities that help build mutual trust and understanding. Whether through casual outings, deep conversations, or shared hobbies, these interactions allow Julio to connect with his actors on a personal level. This close bond creates a safe space for actors to be vulnerable and take creative risks, ultimately leading to more authentic and compelling performances.

Julio tailors his approach to meet the unique needs and personalities of each actor. He adapts his interactions based on their individual traits, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and valued. This personalized method helps actors connect more deeply with their characters, enhancing the overall quality of their performances. By understanding and catering to each actor's strengths and weaknesses, Julio creates a supportive environment where they can fully immerse themselves in their roles.

Rionaldo's works epitomize the core values of indie cinema—experimentation, authenticity, and profound human connection. His approach to filmmaking is characterized by a deep commitment to narrative integrity and a willingness to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. By eschewing elaborate sets and professional actors, he fosters an environment where raw, unfiltered performances can thrive. This dedication to authenticity and experimentation sets Julio apart as a director who values the human element in filmmaking above all else.

Series

 * Tales From the Hidden Forest (TBA) - Showrunner

All films and series are produced by Parcstar Assembly Inc.