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Your new movie Por Mi
Hija - in a few words, what is it about?
A
young couple from Mexico decide to chase the “American Dream”.
Illegals in a foreign country, no friends, no family, they soon realize
it’s not what they thought it would be. They must confront the choices
they have made.
What
were your sources of inspiration when writing Por
Mi Hija, and is any of the movie based on personal experiences, in
any way or form? I
grew up in San Diego, Ca which borders Mexico. I grew up with first hand
accounts of people coming across the border illegally. I would walk to
school and run into people hiding behind trees. They looked just like me,
they spoke my language. Why did they not have the same rights I did? On a
human level it bothered me. I didn’t understand the politics of it all. What can you tell us about your
directorial approach to your story at hand? Well
I didn’t have much of a budget. So I made it work with what I had. I
shot it almost like a documentary. Not many takes. Shooting guerrilla,
which means not asking permission for certain locations. I wanted it to
look raw, real. You also did
the cinematography for Por Mi
Hija - so what can you tell us about that aspect of your movie? I
remember reading Robert Rodriguez’s bio. He said you needed to learn
every aspect of the process. I loved being behind the camera and having
full and complete control. Again I wanted it to look raw. Lots of handheld
to give it that tension for certain scenes. Do
talk about Por Mi Hija's
key cast, and why exactly these people?
I
cast Daniela Vidaurre (Emma) [Daniela
Vidaurre interview - click here] and Christopher Bustos (Leo) very early on in the process. They
were my rock. As long as they were on board I continued ahead in spite of
several obstacles. Daniela just had the IT-factor. I knew she was take
this script to heart and make it work. I could see the direction she would
take it in. Chris was a beast. He was moody and dark at times which is
exactly what I wanted. He took this role very seriously. You shot Por
Mi Hija on both sides of the border, in San Diego, California, and
Jalostotitlan, Jalisco - so how did the two shoots compare to one another?
Shooting
in San Diego was great. I live here so logistically it worked. I shot
around town. I used my father-in-law’s business to shoot. I used my
parents' house as the childcare. Everyone around me helped me so much.
Mexico was amazing. The location was beautiful. It was just what I
imagined Mexico would look like on film. It’s a small town with it’s
classic plaza. Its 200 year old church. Cobblestone streets. The people
were so nice and receptive to us. Very welcoming.
A
few words about the shoots as such, and the on-set atmosphere? We
became a family. This is my first feature film. It’s my dream and my
crew are literally my childhood friends. We dreamt about this moment for a
very long time. Between shots we always kept it light. With all the stress
I never forgot this was my dream and I love doing it so with that it was
so much fun. Anything
you can tell us about audience and critical reception of Por
Mi Hija?
So
far it’s received great reviews. It’s a small film with a powerful
message. I think that came through in the film and people are reacting to
it. I always wanted to make people cry for some reason lol. I think I
accomplished that with this film. Any future projects you'd like to
share? I’m
currently working on a new script. What got you into filmmaking in the first place,
and did you recieve any formal training on the subject? I
went to college for filmmaking but I didn’t finish. I really believe you
must put in your 10k hours with this profession. YouTube became my college,
and I spent years practicing my craft. I still shoot weddings and
commercials. I just want to get better. What
can you tell us about your filmwork prior to Por
Mi Hija? I
shot a documentary a few years back. It played in film festivals. How would you describe yourself as a
director?
I
guess I’m still working all that out. I’m learning as I go.
Filmmakers who inspire you? Tarantino,
Robert Rodriguez, Cuaron, Del Toro. Your
favourite movies? I
love lots of films. It’s hard for me to pick. Pulp Fiction is up there.
Anything Cuaron does is amazing. ... and of course, films you really
deplore?
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Now
that I made a film and see how much work it takes to actually make one I
can’t really hate anything. I respect the art of filmmaking and everyone
has their own style.
Your/your movie's website, social media,
whatever else?
www.southbayfilms.net
@southbayfilms
Anything else you're dying to mention and
I have merely forgotten to ask? The
film is out and streaming now on Amazon Prime and Tubi TV. Go see it! Thanks for the
interview!
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amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
amazon.de
eThaiCD.com
