Filmmaking 

A Journey Through Independent Cinema

Alexandre Ottoveggio is a self-taught filmmaker whose journey began far from the spotlight, in upstate New York. With no formal training but a strong drive to tell powerful stories, he launched his career by making short films that reflected raw emotion, personal struggle, and universal themes. His first film, Paradise River, explored redemption and revenge. Shot between New York and Pennsylvania, the film featured local actors and crew, capturing the gritty and honest feel of the environment in which it was made. This project marked the start of a personal and artistic path that would take Alexandre across continents and into deeply human storytelling.

Following this, Alexandre directed When It Is Not Your Time, a short film that tells the story of a hitman who cannot bring himself to complete a contract. It’s a story about inner conflict and the unexpected weight of conscience. He then ventured into experimental territory with On the Road to You, a poetic and introspective film about memories and loss. Made in collaboration with his partner, an actress and writer, it was filmed in New York City and the peaceful landscapes of the Hudson Valley. This film allowed Alexandre to explore emotion through imagery and rhythm, with little dialogue and a strong visual style.

After years in the U.S., Alexandre returned to Europe, where he continued his filmmaking journey with a fresh perspective. In Stockholm, Sweden, he shot Another Day on Earth, a black-and-white film that tells the story of a man who is released from prison after 20 years and sets out on a final mission—to find the daughter he has never met. Set against the cold and silent streets of Stockholm in winter, and featuring well-known actor Ralf Beck, the film is a quiet but powerful exploration of redemption, time, and the emotional scars that never fully fade.

With Fury Man, Alexandre shifted to a more playful and fast-paced tone. The film is an action-comedy centered on two estranged brothers and a mysterious woman on the run, all set within a world of vintage American cars. It was filmed in Stockholm with a mix of non-professional actors found directly on the streets, alongside one well-known actor. This guerrilla approach gave the film a spontaneous, gritty energy that defines much of Alexandre’s work.

He continued pushing boundaries with Alien Activity, a dark comedy about aliens blending into human society. The film was shot on a remote island in southern Sweden using a local cast, adding to the film's unique, offbeat charm. Always eager to explore new genres and languages, Alexandre went on to direct Breaking Souls, an action-drama filmed entirely in Swedish with local actors. This project was another example of his ability to adapt and create authentic, grounded stories no matter the language or setting.

Next came Until Dawn, a visually striking road movie that explores the idea of the fourth dimension—a journey between time, reality, and perception. The film further demonstrated Alexandre’s interest in blending philosophical ideas with cinematic storytelling.

His most ambitious and personal project to date is the feature film Last Mile to Paradise. Shot over the course of two years, the film was made without any funding, relying entirely on Alexandre’s personal resources and the dedication of his collaborators. In order to complete the project, he sold his guitars and cars, making financial and personal sacrifices to bring his vision to life. Filmed across all four seasons on the island of Öland in Sweden, Last Mile to Paradise involved both American and Swedish actors. The film stands as a powerful testament to Alexandre’s determination, passion, and belief in the value of independent cinema.

For Alexandre Ottoveggio, filmmaking is not just a creative pursuit—it is a way of life. He sees each film as a step in a long journey, shaped by persistence, struggle, and love for the art. “Filmmaking is a long road,” he says. “You have to be ready for it. If you lose focus, you won’t make it.” 

Alexandre’s filmmaking is deeply inspired by cinema masters such as Wim Wenders, Jean-Pierre Melville, Martin Scorsese, Michelangelo Antonioni, Bernardo Bertolucci, François Truffaut, Alan Parker, and Michael Cimino. Their work helped shape his visual style and storytelling approach—focusing on characters, silence, atmosphere, and emotion.