BARBETTE + FONTAINE, 14min., USA
Directed by John-Carlos Estrada, Zak Zeh
A century apart, two Texas icons unite through art, resilience, and a shared legacy of self-expression and freedom.

https://instagram.com/barbette.fontaine

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
The idea for Barbette + Fontaine came from an award-winning TV news profile I reported on for CBS Austin. After the broadcast story aired in June 2022... I was Inspired by a dream where the legendary Texas drag icon Barbette urged me to tell their story. We're honored to provide Barbette with their final performance and take pride in doing so. Here's the link to the CBS Austin story: bit.ly/3CeAXTG

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The entire process of bringing Barbette + Fontaine to fruition, from concept to the completed film, spanned approximately one year. The documentary's filming occurred over three days, while the subsequent stages of producing and editing took around a month. Given our background in the news industry, my co-director Zak Zeh and I are familiar with tight deadlines, and we successfully managed to complete the project in about six weeks from pre-production to the final edit.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Enduring Influence.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The most significant challenge we encountered during the film's completion was the editing process. We grappled with the abundance of material we wished to convey about Barbette and Cynthia Lee Fontaine. However, with the guidance of our editor Thomas Swafford, Zak and I successfully molded the narrative into a concise and impactful 14 minutes and 38 seconds. The end result is a finely tuned and focused story that intertwines the experiences of these two iconic drag performers.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Watching the audience discuss our film in the feedback video was a deeply emotional experience. Given that Zak and I are full-time journalists, directing and producing Barbette + Fontaine served as a passionate endeavor for us. Receiving such positive feedback was truly incredible. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has watched our film and understood the narrative we aimed to convey. The stories of Barbette and Cynthia Lee Fontaine deserve widespread recognition and appreciation.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
My inclination towards filmmaking emerged alongside my journey in journalism. While my professional path led me to journalism, my inherent love for films persisted. Barbette + Fontaine seamlessly blends these two passions. Crafting this exceptional film allowed me to leverage my journalism background while indulging in my affection for movies. On the other hand, Zak, having studied filmmaking, is thrilled to reconnect with his cinematic roots through this project.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The film I've watched the most in my life is "Selena" from 1997. It's a movie that I revisit annually. Crafted by Latinos, it beautifully portrays the Mexican-American icon, Selena. When I first watched it at the age of 9, it held a special significance for me as it showcased my culture on the silver screen. This experience has been a driving force in my filmmaking aspirations. With Cynthia Lee Fontaine, aka Carlos Diaz, as the lead in Barbette + Fontaine, it's not just about telling LGBTQ+ stories; it's also a moment of pride to depict the Latino experience. Having him at the forefront of our film adds depth and authenticity to our narrative, contributing to the rich tapestry of diverse stories in cinema.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Networking is a crucial element of the festival experience that we greatly value. In any industry, building connections is vital, and we appreciate the opportunity you've provided for us to expand our network. We look forward to the journey ahead with Barbette + Fontaine and the potential collaborations and connections we'll forge along the way. Thank you for opening doors and creating avenues for filmmakers to grow in their careers.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
My introduction to FilmFreeway happened during the creation of Barbette + Fontaine, and I found the platform to be user-friendly. It provided us with a seamless experience, allowing us to showcase our first film effectively and put our best foot forward in the festival submission process.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Being a true Texas native, my favorite meal has to be breakfast tacos paired with an agua fresca (sweet water). There's something magical about a well-made breakfast taco, especially one with bacon, egg, and cheese wrapped in a fresh flour tortilla—it has the power to brighten up your entire day.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Our focus for now is to continue promoting Barbette + Fontaine throughout this film festival season. Zak and I have had pre-production talks about some new story ideas, and we're in the early stages of establishing our own production company. Additionally, I'm actively engaged in pitching a book based on the life of Barbette. Stay tuned for more exciting developments on the horizon.