Angelica has spent her whole life escaping from her racial identity, but a family crisis forces her to look inside, and re-think her life.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Marisol Gomez-Mouakad

Watch Angelica on Vimeo on demand

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

These were issues that i witnessed first-hand having grown up in Puerto Rico. I felt a strong need to tell. I felt a need to tell a story that focused on the issues of race and gender within the context of the Caribbean. Issues that are often not addressed in our society. I was inspired by different writers from the Caribbean such as Jamaica Kincaid and Maryse Conde.

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

Angelica explores issues that have not been addressed represented in a film from Puerto Rico. These are issues that are very relevant and current. Furthermore, Angelica is a story that is told in a simple, straightforward way but belies very complex realities. Its characters are complex. it tells the story without falling into stereotypes.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I strongly believe that the personal and intimate are also universal. This is a story of Angelica and how she deals and confronts the racism and sexism that surrounds her not just in the public sphere but on a more personal level and within the nucleus of her own family.

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

There were around 20 versions of the script. We had the help of a script advisor that really helped in the story development. A script is an evolving document and a blueprint, and we incorporated suggestions from the actors and other members of the team. In the editing process, we also had to adjust to what worked best for the story we wanted to tell.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

It has been really heartwarming to see how the audience reacts to Angelica. Most moving has been when Afro-descendants from the Caribbean and Latino America tell me they can identify with the main character. In the Question and Answer sessions, the film has generated debate around these two issues.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It has surprised me how much humor the audience has actually found in the film. It isn't a comedy, but it does have some moments of irony and humor. There have been audience members who sometimes have a different take on what is portrayed in the film. When making a film I understand that what is portrayed is open to interpretation. I don't think there is a right or wrong way but different interpretations; each audience member brings their own conceptions and perceptions.

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

We would like to create awareness about Angelica 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?

We need either a distributor, buyers and definitely film festivals and journalists.

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

I would love for this film to get a discussion started about the subject matter. If we don't talk about these issues there is no possibility of change.

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

The key question would be how do each of us perpetuate racism and sexism in our daily lives?

Would you like to add anything else?

Watch the film!

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

Right now I (the director and screenwriter) am looking to raise development funds for a documentary.

Interview: May 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, 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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Angelica

Angelica has spent her whole life escaping from her racial identity, but a family crisis forces her to look inside, and re-think her life.

Length:107 min.

Director: Marisol Gomez-Mouakad

Producer: Marisol Gomez-Mouakad, Ignacio Decerega, and Rocio Zambrano

Writer: Marisol Gomez-Mouakad

About the writer, director, and producer:

Marisol Gomez- Mouakad is a filmmaker and artist from Puerto Rico. Her short films and Angelica, her first feature-length film, have premiered in various film festivals

Key cast: Angelica: Michelle Nono

Angeles: Johanna Rosaly

Wilfredo: Willie Denton

Jose: Yamil Collazo

Carlos: Rene Monclova

Juan: Modesto Lacen

Vanesa: Kisha Tikina Burgos

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

Social media handles:

Facebook: @angelicathemovie

Twitter: @AngelicaPeli

Instagram: angelicapelicula

Funders: Programa Ibermedia, Programa de PRIDCO, Departamento del Trabajo de Puerto Rico

Made in association with: Hormiga Cinema and Cuadrante Films

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Chicago Latino Film Festival.