Mario Chioldi

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Aug, 2023

Stories (1)

1 Story

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“O ROMEO!” by Mario Chioldi

Submitted to Contest #257

O ROMEO! Ophelia drowned. Red and blue flashing lights unsettle the dark silence when the rescue team arrives and surveys the scene. They create a perimeter and work through the mist that formed over the murky water but her tangled garments hold her under. And the receding tide washes away any clues. Her secret was safe. At least for now. No shots rang out. There were no screams. The old man had dozed off by the time they arrived. Though it couldn’t have been long. Their calm was unnerving. A life had been lost but no one was ...

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Author bio

My professional writing experience includes commissions for screenplays and video game scenarios. I have produced and directed for film and TV and have taught screenwriting and world literature. I did graduate work at NYU where I held a research scholarship for my work on semiotic theory. I am currently writing a collection of short stories. I use frame stories and non-linear narratives as devices to challenge readers as I like to be challenged when I read. Latin American Magical Realism is a main influence especially the work of Juan Rulfo. Wes Anderson's world building is another important influence on my story telling. For several years I worked with Iranian artist, Shirin Neshat, developing a cinematic language for her early video installations including her four channel immersive piece, Shadow Under the Web, which we shot in Istanbul and debuted at the Venice Biennial. My work has screened at Cannes and aired domestically and abroad. Stories are available upon request.