Nosferatu “una escenita criolla” (1972–1973) is a Chilean independent medium-length film made by Hernán Castellano, which remained hidden throughout the entire Chilean military regime in order to preserve it from censorship and the destruction of cultural assets during the raids of the regime’s early years.

The story is about a vampire who arrives from outer space and discovers new horrors on this planet. It is a satire that critically revisits historical events and institutional critiques encrypted within this grotesque humor.

Personally, I found the clothing of Nosferatu amusing, as it reminded me of —seen 30 years after the movie making and ~20 years ago— the way chilean Trotskyist youth use to get dressed, although I do not know whether this was intentional.

My involvement with this film was through participating in a poster competition for a re-release carried out in 2025. As the film was black and white and had a very homemade, indie look, I decided to do everything by hand—except for the credits—including the typefaces and every image layer. The result was interesting, though it was probably dismissed by younger eyes that tend to choose what they already know. Yet the purpose of the competition, which was to promote this film, was fulfilled, giving designers the honor of being an small part of this memorial.

I believe that (there is still time) in order to honor the work of the participants and give value to the craft, all proposals should be published. It is not difficult nowadays in the digital world. However, a delayed decision was made that, in my opinion, awarded mediocre proposals and ones that were quite close to the organizing institution.

But beyond this suggestion regarding good practices and the not very original criticism of unsuitable juries (without designers), I invite you to watch the film and enjoy my proposal.

Nosferatu ‘una escenita criolla’ – black & red proposal
® Francisco Martínez (2025)