Successful Short Film Created Using GDevelop's 3D Features

Today, we have the opportunity to interview Mariano Jara Henao. He's a Colombian game developer, teacher and filmmaker (among other things). Recently, he created the short film Chicha and Aliens using GDevelop, which garnered fantastic critical reception, so we asked him about it!

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You've recently made a short film using GDevelop. Can you tell us a bit about the short film?

Absolutely! The short film Chicha and Aliens was a family project inspired by the traditional folklore of Tenjo, Cundinamarca, Colombia. This area is rich in mythology, drawing from the indigenous Muisca culture as well as reports of UFO-related phenomena said to occur at La Peña de Juaica. Based on this theme, we crafted a human-centered story that explores how Chicha, a pre-Hispanic alcoholic beverage, can alter our senses.

El Guardián Alado, by Mariano Jara Henao.

Why did you decide to use GDevelop to make the film?

We decided to use GDevelop because it's a game engine with 3D support that, through customization (using extensions), allows you to achieve spectacular results in a short amount of time. We had been working on an extension to embed videos with an alpha channel, and once we got it up and running, the process became surprisingly efficient. GDevelop's real-time rendering and robust lighting controls gave us the flexibility to adjust shots on the fly.

Essentially, we created a small interactive game where we could seamlessly integrate video footage, and voilà! we had a fully functional virtual film set. This setup not only streamlined the production process but also opened up new creative possibilities.

We could experiment with camera angles, lighting, and effects in real-time, which gave us the freedom to explore ideas and refine scenes without being constrained by traditional filmmaking limitations.

You've been at the forefront of experimenting with 3D in GDevelop. What excites you about GDevelop in 3D?

What excites us the most is that with GDevelop, we can achieve results quickly. You can take an idea and start bringing it to life on the fly, without having to wait for long iterations. The use of JavaScript has opened up possibilities to experiment with new effects and tools, such as lens flare, dual cameras, realistic water effects, 3D video, VR, and more.

Part of the 3D environment built for the short film.

This constant exploration has been incredibly motivating for us. GDevelop has truly become a sandbox where we can push the boundaries of our creativity, allowing us to discover unexpected solutions and refine our ideas in real time.

Can you tell us about the myths surrounding the Peña de Juaica mountain?

Peña de Juaica is surrounded by local myths and legends, many of which have been passed down through generations. One of the most well-known myths suggests that the mountain is a place of paranormal activity. People often talk about mysterious lights in the sky, which some believe to be UFO sightings.

In addition, Peña de Juaica is considered a sacred site by the indigenous Muisca people, who have a deep connection with the mountain and its surroundings. According to some versions of the myth, the mountain is believed to be a spiritual gateway, a place where the world of the living and the spiritual world intersect.

There are numerous reports about this place, including interviews and videos about sightings, and even the History Channel has done reports on Peña de Juaica.

In terms of technical production, what was that like? Can you share more about the production process?

First, my siblings and I adapted the story "Chicha and Extraterrestrials" from my book El Guardián Alado into a script. After that, we decided to use real video instead of animation. We experimented with different animation techniques, and ultimately settled on two styles: one colorful in 3D, and the other in black and white with real photo backgrounds edited in Photoshop.

The shooting process took three days, and we filmed all the scenes in my backyard using green chroma. Then, my sister recorded the voice-over narration for the story. Once we had these two elements, we began the 2D and 3D animation process.

Green chroma process during the filming of Chicha and Aliens.

For the 3D part, we used GDevelop and captured the screen in real-time as we manipulated the scene, moved the camera, and adjusted lighting values. We did this using OBS. Finally, we edited the footage, applied color correction, and added some post-production effects.

My brother-in-law was in charge of the production, handling all the logistical aspects of the shoot, while the art direction and design were led by my sister. She was responsible for ensuring the overall visual look of the project, and her creative input played a key role in bringing our ideas to life.

What has the reception to the short film been like?

The reception has been fantastic. The Cine Chicu festival, organized by the Municipal Institute of Culture and Tourism of Tenjo, did an outstanding job of bringing the short films to different locations throughout the municipality using mobile screens.

Both the public and the jury felt a strong connection to our short film, as it presents a much more human story than its title might suggest. The fact that the film was shown in various community spaces allowed it to resonate with a wide audience, making the experience even more rewarding for us.

Based on this experience, are you likely to use GDevelop to make other films?

Of course, GDevelop is very versatile and quick to use. Additionally, there are major updates coming to GDevelop that will allow for more dynamic scene creation. We are currently in the writing phase of a new project, and it's clear that GDevelop will be a fundamental tool for us. We also hope to raise the quality bar by using better assets, more advanced lighting and effects, and dedicating more time to this process.

Would you recommend GDevelop for the creation of films, whether narrative, advertising, etc?

Yes, I would definitely recommend GDevelop for the creation of films, keeping in mind that its primary use is for video game development. However, it offers great potential for creating animated cinematics in both 2D and 3D very quickly.

GDevelop also allows for prototyping, and it can be used as a testing ground to define camera movements, lighting, and set design before shooting real video footage. This makes it a versatile and efficient tool, especially for filmmakers looking for a flexible and rapid workflow in the pre-production phase.

With its real-time rendering and ease of use, it opens up new possibilities for both narrative and advertising projects.

Can you share some of the other amazing work you've done with GDevelop so far?

Sure!

Currently, we have a game (a technical demo) where we are pushing GDevelop's graphic capabilities to their limits.

We're also exploring the creation of quick design applications focused on culture and commerce. You can see some of our work at:

https://salonarte2024.web.app/

https://caribbeanmonkey.web.app/

We’re also continuing development on Kings of the Rhythm, a project we’re very passionate about.

Beyond that, we have a YouTube channel

where we regularly share our film proyects and "experiments" with GDevelop, showcasing everything from gameplay mechanics to creative uses of its tools and features.

What's next for Mariano Jara Henao/ Jara Henao Producciones?

We will continue working on audiovisual projects, creating games and applications with GDevelop. We will keep exploring new possibilities with this wonderful tool and, whenever possible, sharing our knowledge with the entire community.

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We've spoken before with Mariano for his work teaching children in Colombia. You can read that interview here: