King and Queen are robbers, addicts and -above all- lovers. Together they form the center of the universe.

Interview with Director Alejandro Solórzano Garibaldi

and Producer Claudia Sánchez Espinoza

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Heroyna was made as a result of the hunger of creating a major film of our own. We were still in college when we shot it and, even though we knew the risks of producing a feature at such an early stage, there was something about this particular story that pushed us to make it happen.

The way our characters embrace their youth and see things as “now or never” really resonated with us. We wanted to bring to life a story that was played in our heads over and over again, as a way of reminding us of how we felt at the time.

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

The film explores the raw power of loving someone who makes you think you can rule the world together. King and Queen, our main couple, find strength and vulnerability in their addiction to each other. This makes them look for a way to escape and become something bigger. If you can relate to this feeling, you will see, and hopefully immerse into, our honest interpretation of it.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

We were very keen on wearing our hearts on our sleeves when dealing with personal themes; love and freedom being the most prominent. Our intention was for the film to work from the inside out, so the more our character’s emotions are authentic, the more they will appeal to a wider audience.

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

Alex (Director) wrote the script during a one year period. When we started working with our actors, we realized how having them develop and mold their characters was such an enriching addition. From the clothes they wore, to their vocabulary and mannerisms. He also encouraged them to improvise so that each scene would feel natural and adapt to our circumstances. This helped to the point where only the main structure remained and we were left with a vastly different film that kept its message but grew along the way.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We’ve been thrilled by all the positive feedback. So far we’ve been selected by 9 festivals and won the Best Picture award at the Mindie Film Festival. There’s been a lot of support from audiences who haven’t even seen it yet, which makes us even happier.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It’s always interesting to hear how people interpret certain aspects of the film that are mostly subjective or left to the imagination. The film is presented in a non-linear, experimental structure that plays with elements like color, music, editing and narration and leaves room for points of view that have certainly surprised us and made us re-think some aspects of it.

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

We felt honored to be approached by a project that supports indie filmmakers and helps them connect to audiences that are looking for passionate storytelling.

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

We’d like to reach out to film festivals and distributors. Our main goal is for audiences to follow the film and go see it once it comes out!

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

It would be great if people could find something in our story that truly speaks to them and makes them remember it. We hope they see the honesty and dedication that went into it.

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

How far would I go to reach the freedom these characters long for?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks to We Are Moving Stories! Please follow us on Facebook for updates on Heroyna.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Music videos, photography, our next script and getting this thing out there!

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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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Heroyna

Length: 70 minutes

Director: Alejandro Solórzano Garibaldi

Producer: Claudia Sánchez Espinoza

Writer: Alejandro Solórzano Garibaldi

About the writer, director and producer:

Alejandro Solórzano Garibaldi (Director, Writer)

Independent filmmaker and writer; Author of two poetry books “Histeria” and “Control”. Since 2011, he has directed, shot and edited several short films and music videos. Heroyna is his first feature film.

Claudia Sánchez Espinoza (Producer)

Independent producer. Heroyna is the first feature film Claudia has produced. She previously worked in film as part of the Art Department and as a Makeup Artist.

Key cast: Luis Enrique Calva Figueroa and Yara Lina Soto

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

Made in association with: Universidad Iberoamericana and Enoa Films

Release date: pending