SC Exclusive: ‘A Natural Reflection’ — A Short Film by Eva Losada and Janina Zais

Hair and makeup artist Janina Zais and fashion photographer Eva Losada’s latest collaborative project, A Natural Reflection, was born out of their participation in Palm Heights’ Open Palm residency programme. Shot on location in Grand Cayman, the short film was inspired by the creatures of the coral reef — with models meticulously painted to emulate various underwater organisms.

“The idea for the film was to recreate the contrast between the beauty of the Caribbean day and the nightmare of species becoming endangered, due to human activities all over the world. It is about a fight for survival,” Losada and Zais explain.

They add: “Grand Cayman is a beautiful island. We enjoyed searching for locations and discovering first hand the different species that inhabit it — from stingrays and starfish to reptiles. We spent our time shooting in the ruins of an old hotel and on the paradisiac beaches that serve as a background in the film. And of course enjoying the beautiful sunsets and the mysterious beaches at night, explored with a flashlight.”

CREDITS:
Concept — Janina Zais and Eva Losada
Director & Videographer — Eva Losada
Body Painting & Hair — Janina Zais
Models — Justice Jamal Jones, Rony and Khôi
Editor — Laura Martinova
Music — Laura Mrls
Postproduction & Colourist  — Danyal Kadir / Electric Theatre
Special thanks to Palm Heights, Grand Cayman