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Welcome to an inspiring conversation with the talented Mercedes Arturo! Originally from Patagonia, Mercedes has journeyed through Argentina, Chile, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, finally settling in the city of Los Angeles. Her diverse experiences have shaped her into a true multidisciplinary and multicultural artist.
In our interview, Mercedes opens up about her latest short film, “Back Home,” which premiered at Tribeca 2024. This piece explores the fascinating and sometimes eerie world of AI—a topic she finds both surprising and strangely real, especially when it comes to the licensing of voices, something she predicted before it hit the headlines.
Mercedes shares magical moments from the set, like a rainy day in LA that turned into an unexpected burst of sunshine and creativity. She also delves into the hidden details of “Back Home,” revealing personal touches that reflect her own immigrant experience.
Through her work, Mercedes invites us to question the power dynamics behind AI and leaves audiences with a sense of renewed possibility. So, settle in and get ready to be inspired by Mercedes Arturo’s unique perspective on art, technology, and the beautiful complexities of human connection.
Vents: What was the most surprising feedback you received about “Back Home”?
Mercedes: More than any specific feedback, the biggest surprise came from reality. I wrote Back Home thinking about the “near future,” but the premise of someone licensing their voice to an AI corporation immediately started happening in real life—like Al Michaels for the Olympics or other radio hosts and voice actors who are doing the same. But it also turned out that some of them discovered their voices had been stolen. It felt so strange!
Vents: What aspect of AI do you find most fascinating and how did it influence the storyline?
Mercedes: I’m fascinated by when text engines hallucinate and invent fake or surreal information. I kind of love it because it forces us to question their reliability.
As for how AI influenced the storyline, well, it triggered the whole thing. I was surprised by how both afraid and fascinated people were by AI, but I was also curious about why no one was questioning who’s behind it. AI is an evolving tool, and soon we’ll see just how far it reaches—how much and how deeply it will transform the world. But are we aware that no government, no international organization, and no social agreement are behind AI? All its power is in the hands of a few private corporations run by a couple of guys. We haven’t elected them, and they will likely become the most powerful people in the world.
Vents: Can you describe a moment on set that felt like pure magic?
Mercedes: That day, we had rain (yes, it rains in LA!), and we thought we’d have to adapt it for an interior shoot. But suddenly, the rain stopped, the sun came out, the team dried the plants, and we were able to shoot. The set looked so beautiful! Paola Cortés, our production designer, worked magic! Ludovica Isidori, our DP, captured the most wonderful moments, and we had so much fun with the bubble machines. We were all singing, and what started out complicated ended up being an experience filled with joy.
Vents: If Felix, the protagonist, could send a message to his younger self, what do you think it would be?
Mercedes: Maybe I’d have him read The Little Mermaid. The original tale by Hans Christian Andersen is a cautionary story about not giving up your voice. But I’d definitely tell him to listen more to Grandma—she’s annoying, but she’s right.
Vents: What’s a small detail in “Back Home” that viewers might miss but holds significant meaning?
Mercedes: Oh! You want me to reveal some secrets! I wanted to explore the theme of immigration from a different perspective. What is left of us when we’re gone? What remains of our original culture two generations later? I’m an immigrant myself, and I come from a country very proud of its immigration roots. That’s why I created the character of the Argentine grandfather—he’s dead, but we learn about him through various scenes. Like when Grandma Rose drinks mate and offers Felix an alfajor, or when she and Felix try to remember how to dance the tango… and of course the penguin jars in the kitchen, that are a typical Argentine element.
Vents: How would you describe the emotional journey of “Back Home” in three words?
Mercedes: Freedom – Loss – Inspiration
Vents: Which character in the film do you relate to the most and why?
Mercedes: I am 50% Felix and 50% Grandma Rose. No doubt about it!
Vents: What would you like audiences to feel when the credits roll?
Mercedes: I hope they walk away with a renewed sense of possibility, reminded that the future is still unwritten. Above all, I want them to carry with them the quiet beauty of a love story seldom told — the profound, tender bond between a grandson and his grandmother.
Thank you for reading! To keep up with Mercedes’ journey, follow her on Instagram at @mechiart and at her website; https://www.mercedesarturo.com.
