A Night of Culture, Community & Mezcal — ReAnimator x Laépoca
Some collaborations mark growth. Others mark transition. This project captured both.
Following the momentum of his Art Jam project, Nico Matagne was commissioned to document and visually shape the closing event of Re-Animator Berlin in collaboration with the women-led mezcal brand Laépoca. Tasked with producing both a cinematic aftermovie and analogue photo coverage, Nico approached the project with a storytelling mindset — blending film photography, motion storytelling, and atmosphere to authentically capture the spirit, community, and cultural energy of the night.
From Independent Creator to Commissioned Work
Shortly after posting the Art Jam highlight reel, Nico was contacted by Maya from Re-Animator — a Berlin pop-up space known for supporting local designers, vintage curation, and creative community projects. The closing event, held in collaboration with Laépoca Mezcal, aimed to celebrate women, culture, and connection between Mexico and Berlin.
For Nico, this marked a shift — from creating for himself to delivering for a client. With only a few days to prepare, he approached the project with intention, aligning closely with the vision provided: capture atmosphere, mezcal ritual, community energy, and farewell emotion.
Preparation, Research & Creative Discipline
Determined to deliver professionally, Nico spent the days leading up to the event researching event storytelling, shot composition, lighting awareness, and motion capture techniques. He created a structured shooting plan — balancing wide environmental moments with intimate details such as hands, bottles, and community interaction.
Armed with two film cameras, four rolls of film, a phone, and a gimbal, Nico entered the event with a clear objective: document energy, not just visuals — create memories, not just footage.
Capturing the Night — Atmosphere Over Perfection
From the first guests arriving to the final farewell embraces, Nico moved through the space with intention — observing light, movement, and emotion. The warm, intimate atmosphere shaped his visual approach, focusing on authentic interactions rather than staged moments.
While technical challenges with lighting affected some analogue shots, adaptability became part of the process. His point-and-shoot camera captured strong visuals, reinforcing an important lesson in flexibility, instinct, and trusting the moment.
Beyond documenting, the event also created new creative connections — opening doors to future collaborations within Berlin’s cultural scene.
Shaping the Story — From Raw Footage to Final Film
Immediately after the event, Nico began shaping the visual narrative — starting with video, the core deliverable for the client. Guided by the original brief, he ensured the final piece reflected warmth, ritual, movement, and farewell emotion.
Through structured feedback and refinement, the final aftermovie captured the essence of the night — a celebration of culture, women, and community. The film was later shared by both Re-Animator and Laépoca, marking a successful creative delivery.
Analogue Process & Visual Selection
Alongside motion work, Nico followed his evolving photographic workflow — reviewing scans, categorizing images, and refining selected frames through subtle edits. While film naturally carries risk, the final selections captured authentic atmosphere and storytelling moments.
This process reinforced Nico’s continued focus on sharpening post-production and visual storytelling skills — an ongoing evolution within his creative journey.
Growth Through Collaboration
This collaboration represented more than a single project — it marked a step forward. From preparation to execution, Nico applied his creative instinct within a professional framework, balancing storytelling, client vision, and adaptability.
The experience confirmed the value of organic collaboration, shared vision, and cultural storytelling — while strengthening relationships that continue to open new creative opportunities.