Filmmaker Statement

"Me, Dad, Niu-York" came from frustration. Many of my ideas feel too ambitious for the resources I have and after moving to New York, I realized I didn’t have a really good recent work to show to fellow filmmakers. At the same time, my film school assigned me to create a short narrative film. So I decided to use this opportunity to create something more simple and personal that would showcase my relevant film skillset. The script flowed naturally – it’s what I would say to my dad if I sent him a voice message. I hadn’t seen him in over two years, so the film touches on distance, immigration, and missing home. I’d planned for a Venezuelan actor to play the lead, but he had to cancel before the shoot, so I stepped in. It worked out because I found great cinematographers who helped bring my vision to life. The story is about chasing dreams while feeling disconnected from your roots. It became more than just a film showcase – it’s a personal reflection on feeling torn between two worlds.