EL CAPITAN PACO, 25min., Mexico
Directed by Rodrigo Oliva
Paco is a public transportation driver who deals with his stressful job every day, until the imagination of Sarah, his daughter, turns him into the captain of a spaceship and gives him another perspective on his problems.

https://www.instagram.com/capitanpacocortometraje/

Get to know filmmakers Rodrigo Oliva & Jandy Ayala:

What motivated you to make this film?

The idea of experimenting in the musical genre was constantly on my mind. After understanding that a significant part of this genre is about the spectacle, I wanted to explore this aspect without neglecting the narrative. On the contrary, I aimed to achieve a balance between audiovisual language and the spectacular. "El Capitan Paco" seemed like a story that needed to be told in this format. After analyzing the situation faced by public transport truck drivers, I felt the need to breathe life into the most monotonous aspects of daily life within public transportation.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The project took us three years to complete. It originated as an idea for my thesis, and the post-production phase took almost a year due to the need for capital to complete the VFX. However, we are thrilled to finally present the final cut.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Hopeful, redemption.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Working in confined spaces like the truck posed a challenge, especially when choreographing within it. It was a challenge for the dancers, choreographer, and the director of photography. We had to adapt to the environment. Another obstacle was in the writing phase, describing actions, imagining the rhythm and pauses of the songs without having any pre-existing songs. It was like imagining a song that didn't exist for the script, and visually making sense of it. The creation of the songs with the composers was a very interesting process.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was surprising to learn that our story connected with people from another country, despite cultural differences. Hearing the words used to describe our project was very moving, and it was comforting to know that our work managed to evoke the right emotions.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Since I was 17, after making videos for myself doing parkour. I started designing more elaborate shots for various stunts. It wasn't until I found myself directing a small crew, giving instructions, that I realized I was already directing. That's when I decided to study this art called film.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

I grew up watching science fiction, repeatedly watching Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" and Zemeckis' "Contact." These films fascinated me with the mystery of what might be out there in the stars. However, when I discovered "Moulin Rouge," everything changed. I've watched "Moulin Rouge" countless times.

What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

It would be great to have the opportunity to see people's reactions while watching the film for the first time, perhaps with a camera focused solely on their reactions during the screening. I'm not sure; it would be a unique dynamic. However, the fact of having feedback from each member of the audience is something that is already greatly appreciated and something that other festivals should definitely implement.

You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?

It was a great experience, excellent communication, and great attention to filmmakers. A well-designed and accessible festival, thanks also to the FilmFreeway platform.

What is your favorite meal?

I really enjoy pambazos, a typical food from Mexico City.

What is next for you? A new film?

Definitely, yes. This is 100% what I want to dedicate myself to. It's a long and sometimes obstacle-filled journey, but it's something that has definitely come into my life to stay. I hope to continue meeting people with the same spirit of creating and telling stories.