Gunwalkers
A chronicle of the carnage resulting from the release of guns to criminals as part of a government sting.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Addison Sandoval
Watch Gunwalkers on Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The provenance of this film is operation Fast and Furious, a botched sting involving the Government’s release of more than 2,500 guns to known criminals. With the exception of the tragic loss of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, there exists virtually no record detailing the fatalities of walking guns.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Audiences should watch Gunwalkers because at its core, the film is a search for truth. It is the point where education and entertainment intersect.
Gunwalkers is set in 2009 Arizona in the unforgiving Sonoran Desert.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The America that existed in 2009, which is when them takes place, was very dystopian; only a year removed from the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression. This laid the groundwork for the perfect modern Film Noir journey. Blueprinted front and center into the narrative is an Arizona family’s vicissitudes of fortune. Led by a father whose love is so fierce, he ultimately becomes blinded by it in the wake of the carnage unleashed by walking guns.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script was initially written to have one protagonist. As productio evolved, I decided to rewrite several scenes to play to the strengths of the extremely talented cast we had. The result being that by journey's end, brotherhood becomes a central theme of the film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Gunwalkers has done amazingly well. It took home the Best Short Film award at the Independent Filmmakers Showcase and was selected to the Official Selections of the Burbank International Film Festival and the USC School of Cinematic Arts First Look Film Festival. Most recently, the film secured a worldwide broadcast distribution deal. Gunwalkers is also available to stream online on Amazon, Vimeo On Demand, Seed&Spark, and VetStreamTV.
A local gun store owner holds his ground.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The reception has been great. Many who watched the film said they came out feeling transformed. Others stated they thought they were watching a feature. The overall sentiment is that Gunwalkers represents everything people want to see in an action film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Ultimately, my hope is that audiences will reflect on this story as a triumph of the good fight; that in light of the revelations they will hold their loved ones a little closer, and that the spirit in which this film was crafted will endure.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I think it is important to stay vigilant and think critically; to analyze the information that's out there.
Why do some news stories get more focus than others?
Would you like to add anything else?
Verisimilitude is extremely important to me. I made it clear beforehand to every actor who appeared with a gun in the film that they would have to undergo weapon training. We brought in a U.S. Marine Master Sergeant and the experience was intense.
All hell breaks loose when militia and outlaws face off.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently in development on a crime-thriller entitled Firebrand. This is a gritty feature roject set in Oklahoma that I'm really looking forward to bringing to the silver screen.
Interview: July 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Gunwalkers
A chronicle of the carnage resulting from the release of guns to criminals as part of a government sting.
Length: 19 minutes
Director: Addison Sandoval
Producer: Addison Sandoval
Writer: Addison Sandoval
Bio:
ddison Sandoval is a native of Los Angeles. He has a M.F.A. degree in film and television production from the University of Southern California and dual B.A. degrees in film and media studies and political science from the University of California.
Key Cast:
Bill Kates, Cheyenne Watson, Blaine Campbell, Thaddeaus Ek, Dimitry Rozental, Edward Headington, Joseph Williams, Isaac Dean, Jordan Laesch, Larry Hopson, Benjamin Kim, Andrew Vela, Ron Sanders, Sarah Rebottaro, Kara McLaughli, Jennie Flloyd, Dennis Baker
Facebook: @gunwalkers
Twitter: @gunwalkers
Instagram: @gunwalkers
website: gunwalkers.com
Gunwalkers is currently available to stream on Amazon and Vimeo.