DADDY, 20min., USA
Directed by Jay Beckett
Rodrigo is an unstable, and materialistic queer man who falls madly in love with his sugar daddy. Rodrigo's best friend finds out that he is married to a woman and has a new born son. His world collapses along with his mind. Heartbroken and mentally disturbed, he goes on a quest to seek revenge.

https://www.2ndactfilms.com/daddy
https://www.instagram.com/daddy_theshortfilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Well, this was my thesis film at LA Film School. I've done dramas and documentaries in the past, but never a thriller. So it was a perfect time to explore the horror/thriller genre specially about queer people.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Total time was about nine months. From the day I started writing the script to the final edit.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Sexy Thriller

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
There is a particular scene towards the end where Rodrigo breastfeeds a baby. That scene took some time to get a green light to shoot from the school because of the potential liabilities with the baby.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
To be honest, I got goosebumps all over my body. Just listening to the audience enjoying my film is a dream come true for a filmmaker. It feels like all your hard work finally paid off.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
During the pandemic. I was an actor for many years, and when the pandemic hit I was left with no projects. So it was great timing to learn a new skill to keep pursuing my storytelling passion.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I'm not really sure. But it's certainly between Mrs. Doubtfire, Child's Play, and Titanic. What a weird combination, huh?!

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I feel like the Pandemic shifted a little bit how festivals used to work. Back then, we used to get notified as a nominee weeks in advance before the festival. And it was great because I could arrange my time to attend every film festival that I got in.
In the past 3 years, we have been notified days before the festival which makes it extremely difficult to attend.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Fantastic! I love how simple the whole process is.

10. What is your favorite meal?
As a good Peruvian, my favorite meal is "Lomo Saltado"

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I'm working on developing a documentary regarding how trans-activism is impacting our transgender friends and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.