UNION MATER, 10min,. Mexico
Directed by Aldo Márquez
An afternoon where the experiences of three men and two women are interconnected. Through a lucid dream; the feeling for the death of an acquaintance; and to paint on tree plants.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I made this film 10 years ago, in 2013 and I really wanted to make a short film, it was a kind of need that perhaps many artists feel when making their art. In those days an independent film contest was announced and I had 3 months to write the script and make the film. So I felt motivated for the contest, but I also felt strongly inspired by some dreams I´ve had. For example, the experience of the man who dreams and sees the brigthest plants and then hears a voice that tells him "thank you to coming to visit us, we like you" is a dream that I really had, and I really woke up and jumped out of my bed because it was an extremely strong experience. These experience among others, mine or those people I have met, I put together to bulid the general idea of this short film.

And, without leaving it aside, what motivated me to make this film is that I love cinema and music.

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

It took for me 3 months, but at the end of production in 2013 I had not done the color correction, which I finally did in this year 2023.

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

Dreamlike-Spiritual

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

First, to get the lenses and filters to get a dream look on the screen. The production, I mean the money, because it was a completely independent film.

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

It was really surprised, I wasn´t expecting too much, It was fantastic to listen to different people talk about the film, It was a great feedback and really valuable because it makes you grow. You hear dofferent perspectives on the work done and this is a great way to feel motivated to continue making more films.

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

When I was a child, at 13 years old, I felt attrackted for cinema and music.

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

David Lynch´s Mulholland Drive

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

Well, I find many authentic elements to develop this festival. What the staff of this festival does is an incredible job, I love all the videos they make to give feedback to each winning film and it is a fantastic job. They take advantage of digital platforms very well and that is great.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I have been very satisfied, FilmFreeaway allows you to do many jobs such as connecting with many media people on many levels. It allows you to create a main web page for your film to show at festivals and you can allow viewing to be public or private. I think it is an excellent platform with many possibilities. I am very happy and satisfied with this platform.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Ufff wow!! Salmon and typical Mexican food Chiles en Nogada.

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

Speaking about this, yes I have written some scripts and I want to work in new projects, new films as well play music.