“Rocco” and the Art of Finding Meaning in the Overlooked

At this year’s Brooklyn Film Festival, we stumbled upon a short film that was as strange as it was sincere—and we couldn’t look away. Rocco, created by directors Summayya Wagenseil and Lucia Buricelli, quickly became a festival favorite, winning the Best Audience Experimental award and sparking conversation for its unusual protagonist: a cockroach.

Yes, a cockroach. But Rocco is far more than an absurd arthropod adventure.

Through surreal visuals and a hauntingly relatable narrative, the film explores the loneliness, invisibility, and small bursts of connection that define life in New York City. We had the chance to connect with the filmmakers and learn more about the inspiration, symbolism, and spirit behind the project, and why they believe even the smallest moments (and creatures) deserve a spotlight.

The Idea Behind Rocco

“Rocco was inspired by the loneliness and absurdity of life in NYC,” says Wagenseil. “Through a cockroach misfit and a fleeting love story, we explore what it means to search for belonging in a city that often makes you feel invisible.”

Buricelli originally imagined the project as a photo series based on real cockroach stories she collected from New Yorkers. “We thought using a cockroach to represent the feeling of being unwanted and undesired was a good metaphor,” she explains. “It’s funny how something so small can scare us so much—and yet it’s everywhere.”

The result is a darkly funny, strangely moving piece of experimental cinema that uses a universally disliked creature to depict a deeply human feeling: the desire to be seen.

Influences & Inspirations

The pair cite a range of creative influences, from surrealist directors like Vera Chytilová and Jan Švankmajer, to NYC legends like Spike Lee and Martin Scorsese. They also reference Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis as a literary touchstone and real-life roach encounters as direct scene inspiration.

“We’re fascinated by how many New Yorkers have cockroach stories,” says Buricelli. “Some of our scenes are based on real ones.”

What Makes a Scene Stick?

For the Rocco team, lasting cinematic moments come down to two things:

“Cohesive visuals and vulnerable moments capturing a universal feeling… We also remember things that make us laugh.”

It’s a formula that Rocco balances perfectly, pairing hyper-stylized scenes with offbeat humor and raw emotion.

Beyond the Festival Circuit

When asked how they hope the film resonates with fans after the festival, Wagenseil notes a desire for connection and reflection:

“We hope our film resonates with diverse audiences, shedding light on the universal struggle to find one's place—and the beauty of fleeting moments that make difficult journeys worthwhile.”

Buricelli adds, “Hopefully it inspires people to think outside the box and to also not overlook things that are part of our daily lives—that’s what makes life so special.”

The Role of Technology

The team acknowledges that platforms like CrowdFlix represent a new frontier in fan engagement:

“Technology has made film more accessible and interactive. Fans don’t just watch—they interact and share in real time, allowing for more open, participatory dialogues.”

It’s a shift that aligns closely with our mission at CrowdFlix: helping fans experience their favorite scenes in new ways and giving indie creators more visibility, interactivity, and opportunity.

Final Recs from the Directors

We couldn’t end our conversation without asking the impossible question: What’s your favorite movie?

Summayya: The Godfather—but most recently, Magic Farm by Amalia Ulman.

Lucia: Kill Bill—classic Tarantino energy.

Why Rocco Matters

In a sea of big-budget spectacle, Rocco is a reminder of why independent film matters. It’s intimate, risky, and unafraid to embrace the absurd to tell the truth. And that’s exactly the kind of story we’re excited to share at CrowdFlix.

Keep an eye on this team—and don’t forget to look twice at the things you might normally step over. They just might have something to say.

For fans of nature, storytelling, and meaningful moments, Rocco is one to watch —and we hope one to collect on CrowdFlix soon.

Follow @sumiisumi & @lucia_buricelli

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/1081561626?share=copy

Stay tuned on @CrowdFlix for more festival features, filmmaker interviews, and scene spotlights.

To learn more about Rocco:

• Brooklyn Film Festival Overview

A heartfelt thank you to the Brooklyn Film Festival for welcoming CrowdFlix and giving us the opportunity to experience such powerful films and shorts.