Augusto Schillaci is the award-winning writer/director of La Calesita.
Schillaci’s career in animation has spanned 30 years. The last 20 years have been with Reel FX Animation where most recently he has been tapped to direct animated shorts for Best Fiends, LEGO Batman for Chevrolet, and gaming cinematics for Transformers and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to name a few.
Schillaci has also held the role of Senior VFX Supervisor on Reel FX Animation’s films, including the Golden Globe-nominated film, Book of Life.
Director’s Statement:
Many years ago, while visiting my home town in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I met Don Luis, a 93 year old “Calesita” (merry-go-round) operator still actively working on his Calesita. I was instantly amazed by his passion, dedication and love for the town. I remember asking a mother who was taking her daughter on one of the Calesita rides, “How long have you been bringing your child here?'' She answered, “Since she was born, and I used to come here myself when I was a child too!”
I began to realize what this man and his Calesita meant to generations in the neighborhood. Don Luis was like a grandfather to both the children and adults. Everyone loved him. He meant so much to so many. I wanted to tell his story and by doing that, tell the larger story about these “Calesita” operators who are consistent hearts of these towns amid the changing of times.
“La Calesita” is an inspirational story of one man’s love for his community, and his relentless, life-long passion to bring joy and happiness to the children of his neighborhood.
Augusto Schillaci
Writer and Director of La Calesita