Short Films
Dive into my collection of narrative short films where I blend technical expertise with compelling storytelling. Each film is crafted with a focus on exploring complex human experiences and societal issues. Discover stories that challenge, inspire, and resonate deeply with audiences.
"Peace Through Color" is a narrative short film that I directed, wrote, and produced in 2024 during my time at the University of the Incarnate Word. Created as my senior capstone/thesis film, this project delves into themes of guilt, PTSD, and perseverance through the story of a struggling military veteran artist.
The concept of a struggling artist has always resonated with me, given the volatile nature of the filmmaking industry where every gig could be your last. This personal connection, coupled with the presence of many veterans in my life and San Antonio's military community, inspired me to embed these elements into the film.
The film features an ensemble cast of adults, marking a significant departure from my previous projects. I embraced new production challenges, such as directing adult actors and collaborating with Ginger Chang, a phenomenal production designer, who helped coordinate over 400 props for the film's "Art Studio" location.
"Peace Through Color" exemplifies my dedication to exploring social themes and my passion for narrative storytelling, showcasing my growth as a filmmaker in tackling more dramatic and complex subject matter.
"Imperfection" is my first narrative short film that I directed, wrote, and produced. It explores themes of cultural adversity and unhealthy perfection ideals, emphasizing that our unique traits should be celebrated rather than seen as setbacks. The story follows Gabriel, who struggles with a language barrier, facing challenges such as an exam entirely in English and difficulty understanding others.
The inspiration for this film comes from the diverse cultures and people I have grown up with. Having lived in Chicago, Houston, and San Antonio, I have been surrounded by rich Hispanic and Latin American cultures. Many of my closest friends are from Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina. A significant influence was Carlos Anaya, an exchange student from Irapuato, Mexico, whom I met at the University of the Incarnate Word and who now resides in San Antonio full-time. Carlos's struggles with English exams opened my eyes to the cultural challenges many individuals face. This realization deepened my empathy and understanding.
"Imperfection" reflects my journey in understanding and portraying the struggles and triumphs of diverse individuals. Directed, written, and produced in 2023, it showcases my commitment to creating films that delve into unique human experiences and bring awareness to cultural adversity. This film marks the beginning of my dedication to exploring and highlighting these important themes in my work.
"Mijo" is a narrative short film that I directed, produced, and created in 2023. The film delves into the importance of empathy and understanding through the story of two roommates who experience a significant misunderstanding.
One roommate is unable to pay his portion of the rent on time because his mother has been hospitalized, and he has used his rent money to cover her medical bills. Unaware of this situation, the other roommate is confronted by their landlord with a past due rent notice.
The film explores the themes of empathy and the dangers of jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context. "Mijo" aims to remind viewers of the importance of compassion and communication in resolving conflicts, highlighting how taking the time to understand others' circumstances can lead to more harmonious and supportive relationships.
"Into the Light" is a narrative short film created in 2023 by the University of the Incarnate Word Film Club. I served as the Director of Photography for this project, bringing a unique visual style and technical expertise to the film.
The narrative explores themes of egotism and narcissism, following a main character and his camera crew into a forest where they intend to shoot a short film. Chaos ensues when the main character's obsessive need to capture footage of a mysterious creature leads to his abandonment by the crew. His single-minded pursuit of fame ultimately results in his demise as his team leaves him behind.
This project marked my first experience operating a Steadicam Vest setup as a Director of Photography, significantly elevating the production value. The use of the Steadicam setup throughout the film provided valuable technical experience and enhanced the visual storytelling.
Additionally, I operated a Sky Dio 2+ drone for the aerial shots, including the intro sequence before the title card, which used numerous aerial shots above the forest to portray an extraterrestrial being tracking a character in the forest. These aerial shots added a dynamic perspective and further enriched the visual narrative.
Despite challenges such as rain and other obstacles during our three-day shoot on location, we successfully overcame these issues, demonstrating our commitment to producing high-quality content.
"Into the Light" highlights the importance of visual storytelling, the collaborative spirit of the University of the Incarnate Word Film Club, and the ability to produce exceptional work under challenging conditions.