140 Drams

Mike Berlucchi discovered cinematography making skate films in his native Michigan. When he realized he could make a living behind a camera, he got a job at a grocery store, bought a camera, and began shooting music videos for local acts. When the Michigan film incentive program launched, Berlucchi worked his way up through the set lighting department while operating on the side to eventually join the Guild.

Written and directed by Oksana Mirzoyan, 140 Drams, tells the story of a young Armenian boy, Edo, learning his place in society. Shot on location using the RED ONEMX, the short film chronicles the harsh realities of life in the Eastern European nation.

While scouting locations, Berlucchi noticed that many Armenian homes featured interior glass doors; their reflections factored into the storytelling. “Edo’s father sees himself reflected in his son, and we used many reflections – with peculiar, atypical framing – to echo that.”

Berlucchi relied as much as possible on natural light to create the stark environment. “I lean toward capturing reality as it is, while still making it feel cinematic,” he says. “Coming up through the lighting department and with the limitations of dwindling budgets, I learned to use everything I could to the best of my ability.”