Filmmaker Statement

Life’s moments, emotions, and conversations play like movies in my mind. When a story captivates me, I feel it deeply — as if I’m living it. My eyes water, my stomach twists, and my heart fills with empathy. Through film, I aim to inspire that same empathy in others, to spark conversations, and to motivate action toward a better world. Before entering the film industry, I learned Spanish and built relationships that opened my eyes to stories that needed to be told. Over the years, I listened — to my neighbors, friends, and the Latinx community — and earned their trust. Many were hesitant to share their experiences publicly, especially given the United States’ immigration climate. But trust grows slowly, and one day, Dorian — our protagonist — told me he was ready. This film is the result of years of shared language, culture, and respect. It’s an act of advocacy and empathy — not just for Dorian, but for a larger community whose stories deserve to be seen and heard.