“Free” is a short comedy about two immigrants who realize language barriers don’t have to be social barriers.

Interview with Writer/Director Miguel Romero

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

There is an animosity everywhere towards immigrants that the world hasn't seen in quite a while. I wanted this film to be a reminder that while we all have different backgrounds, there are things that are inherently human that everyone can relate to.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I think everybody needs to be reminded once in a while that language barriers don't have to be social barriers. That concept really drives this film.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The idea actually occurred to me when I drove past a Middle Eastern man eyeing a big screen TV on the side of the road, then shifting his gaze towards his tiny Geo Metro. I think most of us have been in a situation like that where you're pretty sure some large object will fit in your car but it really won't. I felt bad for the guy and wanted to help him but I thought of all the things that could go terribly wrong.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

The final product changed very little from its original concept. I hammered out a treatment that same evening I saw the man and the TV and developed the script shortly after. It's really satisfying, we barely had to compromise anything to let the script come to life. The only big thing that changed was the car. I really wanted an old Geo or Gremlin but we had to work with what we had available.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Everyone I've showed it to seems to like it. It definitely draws a few chuckles from the crowd and the message seems to communicate very well.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not particularly, but we're still pretty early in the festival game. If anything, producing this film has reinforced my point of view. I grew up in a Spanish speaking household in Texas and I wasn't fluent in English until I was about 7 or 8, so I can really relate to these characters on that level. Regardless, I was still able to make friends and have a great early childhood. Kids are cool like that, they don't have to speak the same language to be able to play and have fun.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

We are really hoping to network and meet fellow filmmakers and media covering film festivals.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I think if we could get the film in front of more audiences, be it by contacting more festival directors or media folks, we’d have have a much better chance of amplifying the film’s message.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I'd like for folks who watch "Free" to leave with an understanding that, while cultures and languages may not be the same, at the end of the day we are all more similar than different.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What keeps you from socializing with people who have a different cultural background or speak a different language?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We’re trying to raise funds for our next short film. We’re torn between two scripts, a comedy and a thriller.

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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FREE

Length: 4:32

Director: Miguel Romero

Producer: Miguel & Sandy Romero

Writer: Miguel Romero

About the writer, director and producer: Miguel and Sandy Romero are filmmakers from South Texas currently working on quality short films. “Free” is their first joint endeavor with their production company Lowlife Productions.

Key cast: Miguel Romero, Saif Qunaybi

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): film festival directors, journalists

Funders: Self-Funded

Release date: N/A