Realización de un corto para concientizar a las personas sobre la depresión

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. This thesis presents the development and realization of the short film After the Smile; a dramatic audiovisual project aimed at raising awareness about depression and challenging the social prejudices surrounding mental health. Through a qualitative methodology that included observation, content analysis, and the complete production process—scriptwriting, shooting, and post-production—the project sought to represent depression in a sensitive and realistic way, avoiding stereotypical portrayals often found in mainstream media. The narrative follows Dylan, a young artist who faces a profound emotional struggle after the loss of his grandfather and the deterioration of his relationship with his father. His internal conflict, exacerbated by social and personal difficulties, leads him to a critical and irreversible decision. The film emphasizes the importance of recognizing the hidden signs of depression, highlighting how silence and indifference can result in devastating consequences. From an aesthetic perspective, the short film employs minimalist direction, fixed shots, natural lighting, a cold color palette, and the strategic use of silence and ambient sound to convey emotional depth. The production was carried out with a limited budget but achieved professional results through efficient resource management. The final product demonstrates that audiovisual language can serve as both an artistic expression and a social tool to foster empathy, awareness, and reflection on mental health. The project contributes to academic and cultural discussions on how cinema can address sensitive topics responsibly, while also proving the feasibility of producing socially impactful audiovisual works within a university context. Keywords: depression, short film, audiovisual production, mental health, social awareness, cinema.