Press:

“…the film earned the Best Narrative award, while lead actor Richard Eick was nominated for Best Actor and Gonzalez Biziou was nominated for Best Actress. Just days later, at the Austin Under the Stars Film Festival, Foolhardy Love earned the international festival’s top honor, the Best Film award. Gonzalez Biziou was also crowned Best Actress, and Eick was nominated for both Best Actor and Best Director. Foolhardy Love premiered at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in early May and was recently named as an official selection for two more upcoming festivals: the Artist Emerged International Film Fest in Santa Monica and the Diversity & Inclusion Film Festival at the Lincoln Center in New York City.”

"The sub-10-minute short is simple in its premise, Peter (Gabriel Burrafato) and Ingrid (Gabriella Gonzalez Biziou) are taking refuge in a cabin to avoid capture by a mysterious white-cloaked gang pursuing them. We aren’t sure who these people are, and why Peter and Ingrid are afraid of them, but as time passes so does the gap between this group and the couple inside. What do they want, and why are the couple afraid, we will soon see!

It’s clear what Director John Bonner is going for here, a retro 50s-style “Twilight Zone” style story where everything leads to a big twist at the end. Aesthetically, Bonner captures the subtle grain but sharp contrast that B&W filming provides. The performances from the two leads are convincing and captivating, which is to be commended since so much of the short is focused on them and their paranoia about what awaits them outside. The twist is delightful and unexpected and works well in service of the anthology homage that is on display. This homage extends to some of the camera angles deployed where we get a forced perspective style framing that accentuates the tension and claustrophobia of the two being trapped inside this cabin."  - Matthew Orozco

Interview with David Kocker on the red carpet on May 4th  for  Foolhardy Love (13:33 min mark).

Quote from the article:

" I was able to take a three day live action shoot with an incredibly talented actress [Gabriella Gonzalez Biziou]...and use Kaiber to take her character on a wild journey through her inner self…I approached Gabriella, knowing I wanted her to be the hero, and together we crafted a story that took us through an internal, spiritual (and sometimes strange) journey of a woman reconnecting with her inner and best self.”- Pat Gehlen Director/Co-Original Concept Creator/Animator

"As for how she landed the gig, Gonzalez Biziou told us that being away from her home — and the resulting energy — helped. “I think there’s something to that,” she said. “Just having that element of fun in there and having the unexpected — it allows you to be genuine.” 

The actor also shared a moment of gratitude for the commercial’s director, Simon Marthinsen, as well as the whole CounterTake creative team. Booking the spot added to Gonzalez Biziou’s recent career momentum, which includes landing three commercials in a row. 

Before the interview wrapped, she added one last takeaway gleaned from the Alfa Insurance® spot’s audition process. 

“Don’t plan for everything,” she said. “Do all your work and then let things happen and be present with it and enjoy it.”" 

- interview by Catherine Sommerville