Filmmaker Statement

Growing up gay is a lonely process. Not knowing people like us, we grow up with fear of a world that can be hostile to us. We create armors, and letting someone into our personal world comes with a big risk. Tomás, Fervor’s main character, a kid from a rural beach town and working-class family, is that kid that grew without seeing anybody like him, but that nonetheless has managed to build an inner world full of color, light and music, the place where his most genuine self exists. Our experiences can be vastly different in different countries and classes. In Chile, religious beliefs, conservatism, and macho culture all intersect in various ways across classes. They create unique experiences, but the fear and inability to fully express ourselves is the thread that allows us to recognize each other. In today's world, I believe that is more important than ever not only to tell our stories, but to also celebrate the brightness and color in our lives.