In the realm of cinema, few stories intertwine personal and professional narratives as seamlessly as that of Marco Pigossi and Marco Calvani.
Their joint venture, High Tide, not only marks a significant milestone in their careers but also encapsulates the depth of their personal relationship.
Directed by Calvani and starring Pigossi, High Tide delves into the life of Lourenço, an undocumented Brazilian immigrant navigating the complexities of love and identity in Provincetown.
The film’s synopsis reveals a poignant journey: “Heartbroken and adrift, undocumented Brazilian immigrant Lourenço searches for purpose in the queer mecca of Provincetown. As the summer season comes to a fade, he sparks an intense and unexpected romance with Maurice. Together, the two reconcile the pasts they’ve left behind and their uncertain futures.”
The narrative resonates deeply with both creators.
Pigossi, known for his roles in Gen V and other productions, expressed a profound connection to Lourenço’s story.
He told Attitude, “I really had this great, great desire to play a character who spoke about the experiences, joys, and pains of a gay man in the world today, and especially a Latino immigrant in the United States where I’m currently based.”
Calvani, an acclaimed playwright making his feature directorial debut with High Tide, echoed similar sentiments.
Reflecting on the film’s inception during the pandemic, he shared, “It was the beginning of the pandemic, and I was living in some sort of limbo… The biggest question in my mind and heart was: ‘Where am I going now? What am I doing here?’”
The collaboration between Pigossi and Calvani was more than just a professional endeavor; it was a testament to their evolving relationship.
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Calvani revealed, “I met Marco when I was almost done with the first draft of High Tide… The day we met, we had such a wonderful conversation about coming out and what it means to be a queer man in a foreign country – the topics that we address in the film.”
This profound connection led Calvani to adapt the script, making Lourenço a Brazilian character, mirroring Pigossi’s background.
Their partnership flourished on set, culminating in a heartfelt proposal.
Pigossi recounted, “By the time we went on set, there was complete trust, respect, and confidence… I mean, he proposed to me the last day of production! How romantic is that?!”
Beyond their personal narrative, High Tide boasts a stellar cast, including Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei.
Calvani praised her involvement, stating, “We have collaborated a lot in recent years… I invited her without much hope that she would accept… But, to my surprise, she accepted right away and embraced the project.”
The film’s setting in Provincetown, renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, adds another layer of authenticity.
Pigossi observed, “I think Provincetown is the lead character in the film… It’s the only place in the world where we – queer people – get to be majority instead of minority.”
As High Tide garners attention at festivals like BFI Flare, it stands as a beacon of storytelling that intertwines art with personal truth.
The journey of Pigossi and Calvani, both on and off-screen, underscores the transformative power of cinema and the enduring nature of love.