2023 OC FILM FIESTA FILMS
100 Ways to Cross the Border
Dir. Amber Bay Bemak, Year: 2022, Dur: 84 min., Country: Mexico, USA, Language: English, Spanish
100 Ways to Cross the Border follows a non-linear history of acclaimed artist Guillermo Gómez-Peña's work and life, which moves from working individually to working collectively when he forms his performance troupe La Pocha Nostra, an international multi-identitied community of artists, in 1993. The film is created as a performance itself, often blending the lines between protagonist and director as well as what is scripted and what is improvised on screen.
57 Chevy
Dir. Herbert Sigüenza, Sam Woodhouse, Year: 2021, Dur: 85 min., Country: USA, Language: English
It's 1964 and ten-year-old Junior is in crisis: his Old World Mexican dad is loading the family's 1957 Chevy and moving the entire familia from their familiar and diverse East Side neighborhood to a new tract home in the middle-class and eerily homogeneous San Fernando Valley. Based on the author Cris Franco's actual life, this filmed adaptation of San Diego Repertory's stage production humorously explores the Baby Boomer's generation of "double immigrants" who first moved from their homelands to the U.S. barrios in search of opportunity.
57 Questions Why?
Dir. Patrick A Rivera, Year: 2023, Dur: 20 min., Country: USA, Language: English
Take a ride in Dma's late father's 57 Chevy Nomad only to hear the Complexity of conversations between mother (Dma), daughter (Marissa), and mutual friend. (Michelle) and the many questions WHY? This coming to age shortfilm will communicate how faith & love can overcome generational repeat.
A Song Often Played On The Radio
Dir. Raven Chacon, Cristobal Martinez, Year: 2019, Dur: 23 min., Country: USA, Language: English, Spanish
In a search for the mythological Cities of Cibola, a horseman finds himself in a race against another rogue seeking the valuable metals of the New Mexican desert. Spurred by the justification of moralistic 'dichos', the rival explorers come to learn about what truly brought them to this land, understanding their true identities, and finding that they were only stealing from themselves. Starring Guillermo Gómez-Peña and Nacha Mendez. Directed by Cristobal Martinez and Raven Chacon, the first Native American composer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
A Weekend with Pablo Picasso
Dir. Tim Powell and Todd Salovey, Year: 2020, Dur: 80 min., Country: USA, Language: English
A film adaptation of Herbert Sigüenza's acclaimed solo show "A Weekend with Pablo Picasso." Written and performed by Siguenza, the one-man show on which this film is based has played to sold-out crowds across the nation. With amazing skill, Sigüenza draws and paints in real time during his performance as he takes the audience back to 1957 to spend three days with the genius inside his private studio on the southern coast of France for an unforgettable weekend. Sigüenza stitched together his masterful script from Picasso's own writings.
An Infantryman from Hero Street
Dir. Kelly Rundle, Year: 2022, Dur: 29 min., Country: USA, Language: English
"An Infantryman from Hero Street" tells the true story of Pfc. Joseph Sandoval who was born in a boxcar to Mexican immigrants in the Silvis, Illinois rail yard. In 1944 Joe was married with a young son and another on the way when he was drafted and shipped to Britain with the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment. His unit helped fight the second stage of the Normandy Invasion in France. Joe was killed in April 1945 on the Elbe River in Germany on the eve of the historic meeting between U.S. and Soviet allies on that same river just weeks before the war's end. Eight sons of Mexican immigrants from the block-and-a-half long 2nd Street in Silvis, Illinois were killed in combat in WWII and Korea--more than any other street in America. The street was renamed Hero Street.
An Outfit
Dir. Zohra, Isaias Pérez, Year: 2023, Dur: 17 min., Country: USA, Language: English, Spanish
"A mother of a young two year old girl, has been unhappy with her body and has been avoiding purchasing any clothes for herself, since she gave birth. With an impending social event coming up of a close friend, she has to overcome that instilled fear and begin to re-piece her confidence"
Barrio Unido
Dir. Robb S García, Year: 2023, Dur: 6 min., Country: USA, Language: English, Spanish
Music Video for the song 'Barrio Unido' by Bombasta, shot in San Antonio's Westside.
California Locos Renaissance and Rebellion
Dir. Dave Tourjé, Year: 2023, Dur: 9 min., Country: USA, Language: English
The members of the acclaimed art collective California Locos give their views on what makes post-modern Los Angeles tick. Chaz Bojórquez, Dave Tourjé, John Van Hamersveld, Norton Wisdom and Gary Wong all share their assymetrical insights emanating from their diverse approaches in art and culture, having been born and raised in the mega-metropolis. Music by Los Savages with Ian Espinoza, Dave Tourjé, Jim Grinta, Toby Holmes and Bryan Head.
Carlos Bravo
Dir. Salvador Paniagua, Year: 2023, Dur: 15 min., Country: USA, Language: English
Former secret agent and 90s TV star, Carlos Bravo is about to retire when his former government liaison threatens the life of his son.
Father
Dir. Steven Gekas, Year: 2023, Dur: 20 min., Country: Bulgaria, Greece, Language: Bulgarian, Modern Greek
A son in grief, tries to find a way out of Bulgaria carrying his father's ashes.
Folsom
Dir. Marlonino Banut, Year: 2022, Dur: 21 min., Country: USA, Language: English
Francis, the lead trumpet of a college jazz band, is paired with his ex-girlfriend, Lani, to perform a duet at the upcoming jazz festival. From the get go, the ex-couple are not in the best terms as they are reeling from their breakup. Due to this, Francis goes to seek out another option from the band director. Met with an unshakeable 'no', Francis spirals into a state of desperation and attempts to find resolve in practicing and self-reliance.
From Sweden, With Love
Dir. Muhammad Umar Saeed, Year: 2023, Dur: 15 min., Country: Pakistan, Language: Panjabi, Urdu
Hanna, a girl from Sweden starts a school for Pakhiwas (Nomads) in Lahore, Pakistan. This school in a tent is changing the lives of most unprivileged of the society.
Functional
Dir. Cory Xenos, Year: 2022, Dur: 30 min., Country: USA, Language: English
Guillermo (Daniel Luna) and Jazmyne (Lys Perez) are two best friends looking to find success and acceptance with the little resources (and sobriety) they have. Functional released its first Season and won Best New Media at XicanIndie in 2019. Now in its Season Season it continues to focus on topics within the LGBTQ+ and Latinx community. Written and created by Daniel Luna, a proud Colorado native raised by first generation immigrant parents. Like his upbringing, Functional sets to prove how better the world can thrive when we embrace our individuality and backgrounds.
Futuro 93
Dir. Michael Anthony Villa, Year: 2023, Dur: 3 min., Country: USA, Language: French
A testimony of sacrifice, violence, and loss that transforms silence into a badge of resistance through the reclaiming of family roots.
Game Over
Dir. Saeed Mayahy, Miriam Carlsen
2022, Dur: 29 min., Country: Turkey, Language: Persian, Turkish
In a basement in Istanbul a group of illegal Afghan teenage boys are determined to smuggle themselves into Europe – a utopia far away. Caught in the no-man's land between childhood and adulthood they fearlessly play a dangerous game of destiny over and over again. But at what cost? In an underground basement, Mo and Ali live with 30 other boys. As the place is crammed, they spend their awakening hours outside moving around the streets and parks of Zeytinburnu, always on the go, to avoid being caught by the police.
Handcuffs
Dir. Zhang Yifan
2023, Dur: 5 min., Country: China, Language: Mandarin Chinese, Mandarin Chinese, Mandarin Chinese
One day an unexpected incident drives a strict，conventional father to overturn his preceding perceptions. As a masculine soldier, the major income source of the family, and a man who pays good attention to reputation, the man has zero tolerance for any kind of disobedience in the family for his dominant status. He is the embodiment of his own definition of "man" and is willing to pass to the next generation. However, despite the outer figure, the sensitivity and tenderness(helplessness) hiding under the mask is yet waiting to foster.
Heroes
Dir. Ricardo Arnaiz
2023, Dur: 85 min., Country: Mexico, Language: Spanish
Heroes follows a group of students from the Chapultepec Castle Military Academy who have a date with destiny as they face an invading army during the U.S.-Mexican War. This is the first live action film from Mexican animation pioneer Ricardo Arnaiz (Leyenda films, El Americano). A group of young cadets decide to stay and defend their school and their country from an invading US Army. Starring Silverio Perez, Gerardo Taracena, Mario Iván Martinéz and Ariel López Padilla.
I Am Not Down
Dir. Jyoti Madnani Singh
2023, Dur: 12 min., Country: India, Language: Hindi
Saloni, a class topper, is period shamed in school after she gets her first period. At home, her uneducated but caring mother Asha tears the only vest of her husband to provide a clean cloth for Saloni's protection and comfort as she has to take annual exams the next day. When Saloni's father, Anil, comes to know that his only vest has been torn and used to absorb menstrual blood, he gets furious. Through Saloni's classmates, Asha comes to know about sanitary napkins, a hygienic alternative available at the health centre but Anil says that they can't afford that luxury because of their poverty.
I Am San Antonio
Dir. Robb S García
2023, Dur: 20 min., Country: USA, Language: English
"I Am San Antonio" explores the vibrant and diverse culture of San Antonio. Through the perspectives of various residents. The film delves into the city's community by highlighting their stories and contributions to the city. Ultimately, "I Am San Antonio" celebrates the city's unique character and the people who call it home.
If You Don't Wann Know Go Away
Dir. Fer Casals, Valeria Massimino
2022, Dur: 25 min., Country: USA, Language: English
Documentary filmed in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. A Latinx look at one of the most important cities in the world, which was the epicenter of the pandemic. Thirteen testimonies that tell in the flesh what they lived through and how they survived. The coronavirus pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on Latinx communities. Latinos died from COVID-19 at twice the rate of white New Yorkers.
Insane in the Ukraine
Dir. James Bigtwin
2022, Dur: 4 min., Country: USA, Language: English
Experimental animated music video about Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Insane in the Ukraine was created in a stream of consciousness the first week of the Russian invasion. James Bigtwin is an artist working in Analog and Digital mediums across a wide variety of subjects, based in New York City and Delaware. He has worked with scientist John C. Lilly, VR pioneer Jaron Lanier, and also has created graphics for national network television and Madison Avenue, and shown paintings in New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo.
Islandtrification
Dir. Lani Cupchoy
Dur: 9 min., Country: USA, Language: English, Hawaiian
Islandtrification documents the journey of Kānaka Maoli families resisting predatory gentrification on Maui, Hawaii, which has a deep history of displacing locals due to economic development-agribusiness and remains the prime spot for the world elite to build their multimillion-dollar estates.
It's Gonna Blow!!!: San Diego's Music Underground 1986-1996
Dir. Bill Perrine
2014, Dur: 93 min., Country: USA, Language: English
'It's Gonna Blow!!! - San Diego's Music Underground 1986-1996' chronicles a period when San Diego was touted as 'the next Seattle'. A motley community of musicians with a do it yourself ethos and an aversion to mainstream culture developed their idiosyncratic sounds in the isolation of San Diego but soon found themselves at the center of bidding wars and expense account lunches. What happened when the outcasts from the sticks became the next big thing?
Lights
Dir. Luis Alberto Suarez Bracho
2022, Dur: 7 min., Country: Spain, Language: Spanish
Maria and Mariela have been in a relationship for ten years, and together they share a passion for running. One day Mariela plans to stop running and end her relationship with Maria.
Manifesto
Dir. Jesse Lerner
2023, Dur: 11 min., Country: Mexico, USA, Language: English, Spanish
The contemporary film manifestos, read by their authors.
Meet Los Parents
Dir. Joey Medina
2023, Dur: 4 min., Country: USA, Language: English
A Caucasion man is nervous to meet his Mexican girlfriend's parents for the first time.
Mirrorty
Dir. Serkan Aktaş
2017, Dur: 11 min., Country: Turkey, Language: Turkish
This movie is about the mysterious disappearance of a man who lives alone in a city where people vanish mysteriously, and who is alienated from society and ignorant to social tragedies.
Ninety Minutes Later
Dir. Cyndy Fujikawa
2023, Dur: 87 min., Country: USA, Language: English
A feature length documentary about actor Vanessa Marquez, who was shot and killed in her home by police during a 90-minute long wellness check. Marquez, who suffered from both physical and mental illnesses was best known for the television series ER, and her breakout role as Ana Delgado in the 1989 film Stand and Deliver. Her co-stars from this seminal film attempt to uncover the circumstances of the shooting, obtain the unavailable police body-worn camera footage, and seek justice on her behalf.
OC Rashomon
Dir. Alexander Rex Oseguera Salonga
2023, Dur: 11 min., Country: USA, Language: English
Three homies from an OC Catholic High School argue over who murdered their local priest - at a rap concert they were all just at.
Rubio
Dir. Ray Santisteban
2023, Dur: 7 min., Country: USA, Language: English
This video features the life and artwork of San Antonio based, Contemporary Chicano Artist, RUBIO. The idea that "Art Saves Lives' is showcased in Rubios own story; culminating in a near death experience that forever altered him and inspired his ongoing use of art as a means of sharing folklore, remembering friends, and celebrating the lives of the Westside, San Antonio community he came from.
Rick Griffin Interlude 01 Pacific Vibrations
Dir. Dave Tourjé, Steve Barilotti
2022, Dur: 4 min., Country: USA, Language: English
One tale of many from the story bag of legendary rock art, surf cartoonist and surrealist Rick Griffin. Narrated by Griffin himself, Interlude 01 portrays a magic-realist journey from the Texas badlands to California's Point Conception as seen through John Severson's lost 1970 classic Pacific Vibrations.
Selling One Tamal at a Time
Dir. Julio Henriquez
2023, Dur: 5 min., Country: USA, Language: English, Spanish
A story of Carmen Alicia Henriquez speaking on her experience as a street vendor in Los Angeles from the 90s.
Skyless Star
Dir. Hamed Nazari
2023, Dur: 17 min., Country: Iran, Islamic Republic of, Language: Persian
The Afghan refugee family smuggles into Iran, and due to the difficulties of the journey, the family's little girl is lost, and Masoud is struggling to find the girl, who is injured during a fight with the smugglers.
Street Photographer
Dir. Zoum Domínguez Blanco
2022, Dur: 20 min., Country: Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of, Language: Spanish
This documentary highlights the photographic journey of Juancho Domínguez, who due to different circumstances discovers, at the age of 70, photography as a means of expression and that little by little leads him to the rebirth of his own being, and to the reinvention of his artistic path.
Strong Yaqui Women
Dir. Miroslava Gonzalez
2022, Dur: 15 min., Country: Mexico, USA, Language: English, Spanish
A mother recalls stories from her youth about her indigenous lineage and sets off on a journey to understand her place in a long line of resilient Yaqui Warriors.
The Big Bad Bully
Dir. Macela Robison
2023, Dur: 13 min., Country: USA, Language: English
ALBERTO (aka Beto) an 18-year-old, resides with his adopted parents in a run-down neighborhood in Los Angeles. He is, notoriously, known as the Big Bad Bully. He experiences physical and verbal abuses from his adopted parents. His parents also insult him with such words as, 'dumb' and 'stupid'. Billy's dream is to find his birth parents.
Tango The Greatest Rock Album Never Heard
Dir. Gregory Esparza
2023, Dur: 5 min., Country: USA, Language: English
To sense yourself is to dream your possibility
The Eye Begins in The Hand
Dir. Yehuda Sharim
2022, Dur: 16 min., Country: USA, Language: English, Spanish
El Ojo Comienza En La Mano is a tribute to campesino histories in rural CA through the artwork of an artist largely absent from critical conversations on Chicanx art, Ruben A. Sanchez, as well as an unsentimental reckoning with the fate of many cultural workers that struggle between paying rent and/or creative endeavors.
The Forgotten Pieces
Dir. Andrea Garcia
2023, Dur: 4 min., Country: USA, Language: English
A familia testimonio about the untold lack of support mentally and emotionally for parents / caretakes and siblings of children on the spectrum.
The Golden Cage
Dir. Francisco Lopez, Mitchka Saberi
2023, Dur: 16 min., Country: Mexico, USA, Language: Spanish
Santiago and Elena, mother and son, travel to the Mexico-U.S. border to reunite after decades apart.
The Life
Dir. Chi Fan Wang
2022, Dur: 3 min., Country: USA, Language: English
A stunning 2D animation with a sprinkling of 3D motion graphics and some VFX. The overall style is vivid, colorful, and full of courage. The story illustrates a young man's search for the meaning of life, using a never ending train ride as a metaphor for life.
The Streets We Call Home
Dir. Rick Garcia
2023, Dur: 5 min., Country: USA, Language: English
A story of overcoming homelessness in Los Angeles.
Touching Sound: The Technika Documentary
Dir. Nicholas Dobkin
2017, Dur: 75 min., Country: Japan, Korea, Republic of, USA, Language: English
In the twilight years of the American arcade, one little-known game would bring touch screens to an unsuspecting public a year before the first iPad and forge a community unlike any other, only to be abandoned by its developer without notice or explanation. This is the story of DJMAX Technika, the first modern touchscreen arcade game, and the people it brought together.
Tuco - The Texas Wrestling Mystery Show
Dir. Gustavo Aguilar
2023, Dur: 21 min., Country: USA, Language: English
A former World Champion Wrestler and his motley crew travel throughout Texas solving crimes and mysteries. A weary Tuco Guerra drives his broadcast mobile TV truck into El Paso, Texas. He meets up with his staff technician who sets up equipment. As they are wrapping for the night, a pair of thieves run past them with a million dollars worth of stolen golden treasure. Texas Ranger Luz runs after them and asks for help.
What the Heck are Solutions and Solubility?
Dir. Béa Tomaselli Tiritilli
2023, Dur: 9 min., Country: Australia, Language: English
In this hilarious chemistry-themed parody of the game show Jeopardy, nothing turns out as you would expect. This short, animated feature highlights an original score by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Eric J. Morones (Brian Setzer Orchestra) and a diverse group of local talent, including professional actors and singers residing in Orange County. This film was written, produced, and recorded in Santa Ana, CA.
You Promised
Dir. Marco Renda
2022, Dur: 9 min., Country: Italy, Language: Italian
A short film about a boy trying to get help from his plush toy.
Schedule Subject To Change. Not all films will be available for streaming.