Luisa Maria González
Undergraduate Film Award
“Natal”
"Natal" is a short film about a young boy’s first encounter with gender roles, which was inspired by my younger brother and a childhood memory of ours growing up in a Mexican household. The story touches on the hand-in-hand issues of machismo and homophobia within the Latino community, and showcases a few ways by which these learned behaviors are passed down generation to generation.
The most challenging part of (directing) this film was figuring out how to approach the topic, characters and events in a genuine way.
As a Mexican-American filmmaker, I aspire to create work that advocates for and challenges the Latinx community through storylines centered on Latinx subjects.
Isaac Zamorano
Honorable Mention, Undergraduate Film Award
“You Were 5 foot 10 Inches Tall”
I went to Mexico with a camera and audio recorder and knew that I wanted to make something with it all. The experiences of roaming the country and having random but distinct encounters with people, as well as the poignant history associated with youth revolts, was enough to get me reading on the subject. Once we were assigned the abstract mood/tone piece assignment in my Narrative Production class, that’s when everything got together.
Focusing on Latinx characters and subjects means experiences and stories that feel authentic to having grown up in my heritage and perspectives. Even though I try and find influence from anything and everything, the inherent link to home is always there.
I hope this film inspires all kinds of questions and discussions.
Sebastian Valdivieso
Graduate Film Award
“Luces de la Cuidad” (City Lights)
I only realized I was Latino when I came to the United States. As a South American attending university in Mexico, I made my first films without thinking twice about whether or not to focus my stories on Latina/o/x characters. Neither my identity nor the identities of my characters were considered critical parts of my work. Since coming to the U.S., however, I have realized that telling stories with Latina/o/x characters and themes is a way to understand, claim and affirm my identity here.
The story was inspired by Juan Rulfo’s short stories. He generally centers his narratives around small towns where the characters face economic hardships, solitude and overall lack of opportunity. In particular, I was inspired by his descriptions of the characters’ environments.
When creating “City Lights” I wanted the setting to feel like a character. In this way, the setting contrasts with the human characters and emphasizes their lack of belonging.
I want the audience to have a tiny glimpse into the real, human agony in store for many people who are forced to cross the border on foot. I want to offer viewers a glimpse of the border which is devoid of politics.
Angélica Lopez
Undergraduate Paper Award
“Cesar Chavez and the Death of Chicana/o Film”
I remember being eager to watch Diego Luna’s 2014 film when it was released. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to revisit this film as a student at UT with a much more critical lens and learn about the ways in which it reflects the moment we’re currently living in, and the ways it fails to engage with that moment.
As in the early days of Chicana film, the media we produce, share and consume can empower our communities and even challenge harmful narratives.
Watch and learn more about her project.