THE CAPTOR, 64min., USA
Directed by Sean De La Nuez
An ex-soldier with PTSD decides to become the vigilante of his neighborhood, taking justice into his own hands against porch pirates.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was inspired by the growing problem of porch piracy, and I wanted to explore the idea of vigilante justice, questioning where the line is between right and wrong in taking matters into your own hands.

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

From initial concept to final product, the film took about 2 and half years to complete.

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

"Intense retribution."

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

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right balance between action and emotional depth in the characters, while also managing production constraints like budget or time.

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

It was surreal and incredibly gratifying to see the audience connect with the themes of the film, and their reactions gave me a lot of insight into how it resonated with different people.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I realized I wanted to make films as a kid, when I would grab any camera I could find and create home videos for fun. But it wasn't until high school, when I took a TV production class, that I truly fell in love with the process. It felt like stepping into a toy store, there was so much to explore, and I wanted to learn everything. As I discovered the power of storytelling, especially when paired with visual elements, I began to take it more seriously. I started with short films, honing my craft, until I felt ready to tackle full-length features.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The film I've watched the most is "The Dark Knight". It never fails to inspire me with its incredible performances and masterful storytelling. From start to finish, it's relentlessly intense, with every scene and shot serving a purpose. There's no wasted moment, the film keeps driving forward with a sense of urgency that I really admire.

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

More opportunities for networking with other filmmakers and industry professionals would be great, along with masterclasses on the business side of filmmaking to help bridge the gap between creative and professional success.

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

FilmFreeway has been a smooth and convenient platform to use, making the submission process straightforward and allowing easy access to a variety of festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal has to be tacos. I love the endless possibilities when it comes to choosing fillings and toppings, and the creative freedom that comes with making them. Plus, the process of assembling them is just as enjoyable as eating them!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I'm currently in post-production on my next film, and I'm excited to take my storytelling to the next level. Moving forward, I'm eager to explore new genres or even dive into a series, challenging myself to push the boundaries of my creativity even further.