Marfa Film Festival 2018 - Perdóname (Forgive Me)
A Catholic woman is put at odds with her faith when her cancer-afflicted sister asks her to commit the ultimate sin.
Interview with Writer/Director Tani Shukla
Watch Perdóname (Forgive Me) here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Perdóname (Forgive Me) comes from the conflicting ethical and religious beliefs I witnessed growing up in areas of Florida and Texas that were generally very Christian or Catholic. I wanted to tell this story, because I see faith as not so black and white. Familial love can sometimes test the boundaries of what you believe you’re capable of and it can even go so far as to change your beliefs all together. I hope that this film speaks to people who are going through rough times with their loved ones and urges them to be a little more selfless and empathetic of other’s points of view. Only then can we begin to move towards a greater universal understanding of one another
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Perdóname is a good conversation starter on ethical issues permeating our society. It’s a conversation where people can hopefully empathize with one another and begin to understand different points of view, within the family especially. Additionally, this film was helmed by a group of female forces. We had a lady producer, cinematographer, production designer, costume designer, and writer/director among other various female crew members. Lastly, we’re a student film shot on 16mm, which isn’t common to see presently. By watching this film, you’re supporting female filmmakers, latinx filmmakers, and student film.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Personally, this film explores the ethical question I’ve had circling in my mind for quite some time now – What do you do when a member of your family requests assisted suicide, but they need you to do it for them? Religious themes and conflicting faiths within the family have always interested me, as it’s something I’ve dealt with my whole life. This is absolutely a global theme in the sense of having empathy for one another. Stepping into their shoes for a moment. Looking at the world through their eyes. Listening.
Although it takes Isabel some time to fully understand why her sister Lupita would want to do such a thing as committing suicide, she has a moment where she sees it all from her sister’s perspective. That spurs Isabel to help give her sister what she wants.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script went through 11 drafts and up until casting, it was about a brother and sister. However, I could not find a strong enough male lead to play the brother who wouldn’t give me a sexual relationship vibe rather than a sibling relationship. So my casting director ended up suggesting we pair the two strongest females together and it ended up working out tremendously. It changed the tone of the film in such a positive way. In the script, there was also more of a focus on the Cancer subject, but through editing we came to find that it wasn’t as necessary to include that. So Lupe and her Cancer take a backseat in the narrative while the tension between Isabel and Lupe heightens, becoming a stronger focus.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Strongest feedback was from other individuals who’ve lived with people dying from cancer. Overall, they all related to the film and expressed its accuracy in tone and progression. I was honored to hear that, I would’ve hated to disappoint in that side of the research. Also, most people express how a story with this many layers hasn’t really been seen before… Mexican Catholicism, Assisted Suicide, Mexican immigrants, and Cancer. There is a lot going on and I’m proud that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Very much surprised me. I did not expect my film to reach so many people and touch so many hearts, especially for its extremely controversial subject matter. I was not expecting as many people to be okay with the whole assisted suicide part. I’m forever grateful for my cast and crew who made this all possible.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would love to get in contact with other producers to collaborate on some new projects. I’m itching to direct something new!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
More journalists who believe in the work we are doing who can help send the message of this film out would be immensely helpful.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I mainly want to start a conversation about some of these types of ethical questions and discuss how we can all further work towards a universal empathy. Understanding where one another are coming from and why they make the decisions they do. Without judgment.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Do you believe the narrative progression/pacing towards the final moments worked for this short film?
Would you like to add anything else?
With infinite gratitude, I appreciate the feedback, insight, criticism, and praise Perdóname has received. I only hope that this film leaves an audience feeling something… anything. I just want to make people feel.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Tani (Writer/Director) is writing two features based on her and her family’s life and a werewolf graphic novel while working as an assistant in Film/TV in Los Angeles.
Mariana (Cinematographer) is based out of Austin, shooting films and working in camera department on various indie projects.
Miguel (Producer) is working as a freelancer for a few productions in and around Austin, TX as well as volunteering as a screener for the film department of Austin Film Festival.
Interview: July 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, 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
Perdóname (Forgive Me)
A Catholic woman is put at odds with her faith when her cancer-afflicted sister asks her to commit the ultimate sin.
Length: 13:28 minutes
Director: Tani Shukla
Producer: Gabrielle Libretti / Miguel Valarino Salazar
Writer: Tani Shukla
About the writer, director and producer:
Writer/Director – Tani Shukla
Tani is a Southern gal kickin’ it in Los Angeles, working towards her goal of becoming a full-time director and beach bum.
Producer – Miguel Valarino Salazar
Miguel Valarino is a Venezuelan filmmaker based in Austin, TX. His main interests are producing Latin-American friendly content and working around film festival circuits.
Key cast: Jeannie Carter Cruz, Marcedalia Flores
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Producers, journalists, film festival directors
Social media handles:
Facebook: @perdonamefilm
Instagram: @perdonamefilm
Hashtags you use: #texasfilm #shortfilmtexas #shotonfilm #filmisnotdead #femalefilmmaker
Where was this filmed? Austin, TX
Funders: Austin Film Society, Women in Cinema (UT), Indie Grits, Kodak Motion Picture Film, Kodak Film Lab Atlanta
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? As of now, it’s next screening will be at Middle Coast Film Festival in Chicago in September!