POLLO LOCO, 26min,. USA
Directed by Derek Bauder
When a young, power-hungry drug dealer discovers the love of his life has been unfaithful with a member of his crew, he and his right-hand man seek revenge.

https://www.instagram.com/dannydorito23/
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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I have a social media audience of over 7.5 million followers. They are used to seeing me do goofy, cringy content and I wanted to do something more serious/cinematic.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?
About 9 months. 4 Months for Development/Pre Production. A 4 day shoot followed by a break for the holiday season. Post Production took about 4 months.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Ambitiously dangerous!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It was honestly pretty smooth sailing. We had some last minute crew changes, which is always nerve wrecking, but it thankfully all worked out for the better.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?
I was pleasantly surprised to see so much positive feedback! Seeing the film connect with the audience on a deep emotional level is enough to bring tears to an artist's eyes. The responses were also very well worded which helped me understand what they got from the experience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I was 6 years old when I first went to the movies to see an anniversary re-release of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. That experience sent me down the rabbit hole of how films are made. Every since then I've been obsessed with all aspects of storytelling in film/tv.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Probably John Carpenter's The Thing (1982). For some reason that film has held up so well over the years and I've taken every opportunity I can to share it with friends and family.

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 think good, clear communication is something that can always be worked on and is often overlooked with work fatigue. I'd rather have my email blown up with constant updates than to be left wondering what's happening with my film.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway is so easy to use and I can't recommend it enough. I think every serious filmmaker should familiarize themselves with the platform, so that they can have the best festival run possible.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I am addicted to Chipotle Mexican Grill! A fat burrito and some chips with queso can brighten even my darkest of days.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I've certainly caught the filmmaking bug. I have several screenplays in the works and I have also continued to act in other filmmaker's projects. Right now the main focus is Writing/Directing/Editing my first Feature Length Film. It's a Horror Thriller titled "CONGRATS!" and I hope to shoot it before Mid-October 2024.