Oh, I’ve been there…the office job. I connected a bit too well with Max Mir’s short film, Walking Fernando. Nadia (Fabienne Piolini-Castle) is said office worker. She’s grinding out the nine-to-five as a travel agent, and just before ending the day, her supervisor insists she stays behind to tick off a list of things he needs done by “EOD.” When Nadia points out that everyone is already leaving, her supervisor moves a fish bowl with goldfish Fernando (voiced by Javier Bardem) inside.
As the frustrated Nadia gets to the first item, Fernando begins talking to her. He declares that he is Fernando, “The Ruler of all Seas,” “Explorer of the Unknown,” and “Conqueror of all Thinking Minds.” Pointing out that Nadia is a travel agent and convinces her to take the goldfish for a walk to new and exciting places.
“…Nadia is a travel agent and convinces her to take the goldfish for a walk to new and exciting places.”
Walking Fernando is a simple and sweet story of personal freedom and not being held captive by the fishbowls in our lives. Almost too simple of a story. With wonderful performances by Fabienne Piolini-Castle and Javier Bardem, the short film acts as a breath of fresh air in our lives, encouraging us to take a walk outdoors from our stuffy offices and home…and breathe.
Walking Fernando may not change the world, but it might just change your life in a small and simple way.
For more information about Walking Fernando, visit the Gunpowder House Productions website.
