Writer | Director | Producer | Cinematographer
Short Film
Drama/Music, 14min
Written, Directed, Produced, Scored, Edited
by Eduardo Machado
THE WORLD GETS A LOT CLEARER ONCE YOU FORCE YOURSELF TO EXPERIENCE IT.
Lara’s life unravels as her roommate drags her into a world of intense physical and mental torment. Desperate for an escape, she crosses paths with a rapper whose life experiences force her to confront the hard truths about herself — ultimately pushing her to decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to reclaim control of her own story.
THEMES: Drug-Abuse, New York, Coming of Age, Music, Addiction, Complex Friendships, Protagonism.
Grand Jury Award @ The New Screen Fest
Official Winner @ FINE CUTS
Best Student Film @ Tokyo Int’l Film Festival
Best Student Film @ Caravan Int’l Film Festival
Silver Award @ Indie Shorts Awards
Award Nominee @ Indie Short Fest
Official Selection @ Lighthouse Film Festival
Official Selection @ New York Tri-State Int’l FF
Official Selection @ Beyond Border Film Festival
Official Selection @ Toronto Indie Filmmakers Festival
Semi-finalist @ DUMBO Film Festival
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
My creative self-expression through Film and Music came to an exponential growth when I came to New York. My experience as an international student in an overstimulating city was overwhelming and uncertain. I would transform my identity based on the people around me and lose my motivation to make art. Talking to more experienced people and allowing myself to dive head-first into creative endeavors made me realize that taking control of the situation meant taking control of my own future as well. I wanted to write something that speaks to our generation, something people my age would relate to no matter how intense their situation is.
A key player in taking the initiative to pursuit art was meeting Nory. Seeing an authentic artist unapologetically pursue his truth inspired me to do the same in my own way. I wrote the story around him and he quickly because the film’s musical identity. A prophet-like character. Music speaks to the soul and there is no better way to speak directly to the viewer. It was a very collaborative process — Nory and I wrote all the rap verses to create reflection and discussion to encourage viewers to be the protagonist of their own lives. Even though he has never acted before, no one else could play this role but him. I hope you feel all what we felt while making these songs and telling this story, and I hope you can identify either a past, present or future version of you in this film.
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