First film…
First festival…
First award!
Just got back from my first ever film festival for my first ever film... and won my first ever awards!
// OPEN SCENE
The Script
If this is the first time I’m emailing you, welcome! Thanks for joining my community of creative people from around the world.
Two weekends ago, I was back home in Florida for the final private screening of my first short film, Dying for Love, and I knew I was opening myself up to a can of worms. My family is Cuban, so we're not afraid to say what's on our minds. We packed my immediate and extended family into a theater, along with a bunch of friends I grew up with. These were the people who know my parents personally and know their story from the very start, so their opinions mean a lot to me. Thankfully, after the lights came up, the room was filled with so much excitement about the film, and one question kept coming up: will there be a full feature-length movie?
The very next weekend, I made it to Simi Valley for SIMI Film Fest, screening Dying for Love for audiences who weren't friends and family for the first time. Dying for Love was nominated for six awards, and we won two: Best Actor and Best Actress. My first film, at my first film festival, won its first awards. I'm still processing it. But what stuck with me most was which awards we won. I watched so many films that were great on so many levels, but casting is where a lot of filmmakers seem to cut corners. I knew I could play my dad, but I was adamant about finding the right person to play my mom across from me. You can have the best script, cinematography, editing, music, etc. but if your actors aren't believable, the story won't move anyone.
On my way to Simi I also got absolutely incredible news about another festival we were accepted into! And it’s a big one. I really shouldn’t be sharing this info, which is why I’m not saying what festival it is... but I’m too excited about it not to say something to you!
This whole experience is more confirmation that I'm on the right track and doing what I'm supposed to be doing. As for that feature-length question... stay tuned ;)
// Watch Next
Movie Rec
FREQUENCY
I recently watched Frequency doing some research for a film I’m writing. It was a recommendation from a friend. I had never heard of it, but immediately after watching it, I wish I did sooner. This movie was made decades ago and clearly never got the hype it deserved. It’s one of those mysteries that all ties together at the end in a way that few stories manage to do. And such a cool, grounded use of the supernatural.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.0/5.0
// SOUNDTRACK
Theme Song
// OPEN SCENE
Props Dept.
The Lens ‘Behind the Screens’
If you’ve been seeing any of my photos this year, this is the camera I’ve been using. I’ve been loving the film look Fujifilm is able to create in camera; it feels authentic, and is easy to use for beginners. It's been my daily camera, I use it constantly.
// OPEN SCENE
Costume Dept.
One way I express my creativity is through what I wear. This is what I’ve been loving recently:
Sown Ringer Muscle Tee
Couldn’t find a picture of me wearing this recently, but honestly it’s hardly left my body the past couple weeks. I get compliments almost every time I wear it out. From both guys and girls asking about it for their guys lol.
// QUOTE
Moral of the Story
“The most personal is the most creative.” - Martin Scorsese
