This is the story of an young man from Pedernales, Ecuador. His life changed profoundly on April 16th 2016 when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed his hometown.

Interview with Writer/Director Cláudio Cruz

Main photo: Edu rests at the skate park in Pedernales, one of the few spots that was not affected by the earthquake.

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

After a very hard time facing an abrupt loss in my personal life for the first time, I started travelling through South America. When I heard about the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Ecuador I decided to change my route and go there searching for a character that was going through a similar situation as me. This search brought me to Edu.

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

I believe that character driven documentaries are a powerful tool to help audiences experience aspects of life from someone else's perspective. Amplifying the understanding about the other and learning from it. That being said I think that Edu allows the audience to have a closer perception of the real impact that a tragedy can have on a person's life.

One of the many buildings that collapsed during the earthquake.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Death is the only assurance that we have. Sooner or later we will all have to face it. Edu touches this wound, reminding us that impermanence is an important part of the journey and that life is happening right now.

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

I had no script. I just knew which type of character I wanted. When I met Edu it was clear that he was the right one and everything started to flow.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback is very diverse. Some people feel sad about the story and all the death that happened after the earthquake. Others feel uplifted by the resilience of Edu.

Edu looks at the ocean from his family's street.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

No. My intention with the film was to bring the audience closer to the reality of facing an abrupt loss, creating a reflection around the theme. I feel that this objective was achieved.

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

I hope that a larger number of people get interested in the story of the film. After running the festival circuit I want to release it online and reach as many people as possible.

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

The goal is to show the film at film festivals this year and release it online next year. So I am in touch with some websites specialized in documentaries. Film festivals directors, programmers, journalists and everyone that is interested in character driven documentaries are welcome to get in touch with me.

Edu walks through the remains of a building destroyed by the earthquake.

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

When I approach Edu, shared my own story with him and told him why I wanted to tell his story in a film, he agreed and said that he hoped that people could be impacted in a positive way by it, appreciating more the simple things in life and the companion of family and friends. I couldn't agree more with him.

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

The film put us close to abrupt loss, pain, grief, change and resilience. By following Edu's journey we may reflect about our own and maybe remember what really matters.

Would you like to add anything else

I would like to thank you for the space to talk about the film.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Edu was created completely independently by me and my partner J'aime Leigh Gianopolous who is also a filmmaker. After Ecuador, we created films in Brazil, Peru and Canada. Right now we are working on the post production of our last film that follows the journey of a woman on her last day of pregnancy, through the natural birth process and giving birth to her first son.

Interview: June 2017

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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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Edu

This is the story of an young man from Pedernales, Ecuador. His life changed profoundly on April 16th 2016 when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed his hometown.

Length: 6'17

Director: Cláudio Cruz

Producer: Cláudio Cruz and Jaime Leigh Gianopolous

Writer: Cláudio Cruz

About the writer, director and producer:

Cláudio Cruz is a self taught photographer and director travelling the world working on independent character driven documentaries.

Jaime Leigh Gianopolous is a director and producer working on personal projects focused on women empowerment .

Key cast: -

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/claudio.cruz.virgilio

Instagram: @claudiocruz

Funders: Cláudio Cruz and Jaime Leigh Gianopolous

Where can I see it in the next month?

Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, July 10, 2017.