Fernando Cruz is The Allied King, a prestigious role in an indigenous dance called The Feather Dance.

Interview with Writer/Director//Producer Jason Outenreath

Watch The Allied King here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

When I was in college I read a historical novel called Aztec, which was about the Pre-Hispanic indigenous cultures of Mexico. At the time, I didn't think these cultures still existed. Then I came across the National Geographic Photographer Diego Huerta's work on Instagram, where he was in the process of documenting all of the indigenous cultures of Mexico that still lived and thrived throughout the entire country. I was immediately inspired to reach out, and find a way to collaborate. Indigenous cultures are underrepresented in film, and this was an opportunity to give them a voice to a wide, North American audience.

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

The Allied King is, at its heart, about recognition. It's essential to realize that these cultures exist, and to help preserve them. This film shows an often unseen part of Mexico and Mexican culture, and I think that's definitely worth watching and learning from.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

On a personal level, I feel a deep connection to Mexico, though I'm from the United States. I've spent years of my life living in Nicaragua and Mexico, and am constantly inspired by what I see. In this case, the chance to highlight indigenous rights, which are very much a universal theme that many countries should examine more closely.

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

The project began as a web series about various cultures. And that project is still in the process of being released on my Youtube channel. The Allied King though stood out to me as being better suited as a stand alone short documentary piece. It was the only footage that I shot exclusively in slow motion for example, due to the heavy wind at the location.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I'm especially pleased though that Fernando Cruz, the man in the film, was pleased with it.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I'm still awaiting more feedback, but so far no. A lot of people seem to agree that indigenous representation in film is a really important topic.

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

I hope people will watch it and take an interest in indigenous cultures in Mexico, and continue learning by watching the connected web series!

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

Getting additional film festivals to play The Allied King would be amazing. But I would be incredibly happy for it to be played at schools both in Mexico and the U.S. to share the message that Fernando shares with the audience.

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

I would like people to watch the film and be inspired to learn more about the indigenous cultures in Mexico and the U.S.

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

How do Indigenous populations deserve to be treated? It's a human rights issue of the utmost importance.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm currently finishing the web series, and developing a feature length narrative film based in Mexico.

Interview: April 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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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The Allied King

Fernando Cruz is The Allied King, a prestigious role in an indigenous dance called The Feather Dance.

Length: 8 minutes

Director: Jason Outenreath

Producer: Jason Outenreath & Diego Huerta

Writer: Jason Outenreath

About the writer, director and producer:

Jason Outenreath is a human rights filmmaker currently based in San Francisco, CA.

Key cast: Fernando Cruz & Diego Huerta

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): All of the above

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? On my youtube channel ElGueyFilmmaker