Desertscape International Film Festival 2020 – Always
A man is terrorized as his diabetic symptoms manifest into real-life nightmares.
Interview with Writer/Producer Melissa J. Del Rosario and Director/Editor Sam A. Zapiain
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
SAM: The idea of the film declared a landmark that changed my life. It was learning to confront pain, and the inevitability of it becoming a scar that you would wear on you at all times. In this literal case, the symptoms of an uncontrolled disease. Often noted as the "invisible illness", Diabetes I debate, is real-life horror. A symbiote that controls the host. Letting it control your body, your feelings, your thoughts. Consuming you, like fear, if you allow it. Like Aliens. The Thing... But Real life.
MELISSA: Sam Zapiain, the director graciously approached me, the Director of Photography Ryan Galvan + Assistant Camera Traiana Nescheva, with this concept of a real-life horror story based on the symptoms of diabetes. I had no idea what he and millions of other diabetics deal with on a daily basis until he told me. From there, I drafted a script for him and we decided to make the film. The lead actor, David Kurtz drove in from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for our shoot dates. Truly, I am so thankful to all of our wonderful cast and crew who were all inspired and believed in Sam's story and embarked on making this film with us.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
SAM: I've had members of the audience resonate with the idea of it being relatable in more ways than anticipated. Living with your demons is an unpopular ideal, but undoubtedly unanimous in secrecy for everyone. For anybody, I say their individual perception is their own reality (i.e fears) and that, can be downright scary.
MELISSA: I recommend this film to everyone. If you decide to watch this film, you will be able to take something personal out of it; whether it shed some light on mental or physical illnesses or something you are working through. It has proven to be very cathartic for everyone on board and our audiences.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
SAM: Repetition was the key here. Suffer once and done and you'll remember it. Suffer for the same reason in a never-ending cycle: torment. Demon's knock on the door to remind you they are here to stay. Always.
MELISSA: I believe everyone can relate to the theme of appearance vs reality. This isn't your conventional horror film, not everything is how it seems. The same goes for real life. Not always are your internal struggles as apparent as they actually are, but sometimes they can also feel much more real than they appear.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
SAM: The logistical construction surprisingly took form within the course of one month. We treated the film as if challenged by an hourglass. The script was written in a matter of hours, engineered by the talented Melissa Del Rosario, who also produced the film. As I pioneered the project, the vision was then brilliantly carried through and through by Cinematographer, Ryan Galvan and Production Designer, Audrey Page.
It was a true trial and error project, attempting to use practical effects over minimal VFX in an attempt to convey feelings in a much more organic method. A real experimentation in short film work, the edit/final result was a superb soup with all the right seasonings from its wonderful crew.
MELISSA: The script and film evolved so quickly. One day we are having lunch talking about a concept, and that evening I'm writing the script. I sent the draft over, Sam loved it and we were off. I remember that month being non-stop. In between and late nights after paid work, Sam & I took our time to develop the film. Thanks to a fantastic team effort, all in all, it took about five production days, our only days off that month with some crew members double-booking themselves to help us make this film. We did change shooting locations on the first day of the script and changed a staircase sequence to a hallway sequence but we are very happy with how it all came together.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
SAM: Always took audiences for a thrill and challenged senses of filmmakers/audience alike over the past year. Overwhelming positive reaction over multiple screenings with different perceptions across the board. Mentioned as inspiring, and effective in its meaning, while others were quite disturbed by it. It took home a few awards, including Best Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Director honors.
MELISSA: I have received tons of positive feedback and I am beyond happy with the way it's been able to touch people. Many friends and filmmakers have suggested we continue and make another iteration of it and I would love to.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
SAM: It has. Initially, I had the intention of showcasing the literal aspect of Diabetes as the main conundrum, yet, I was getting feedback that it also derived ideas from darker areas of emotion; from depression, anxiety, and in some literal cases, separation, or divorce. It's all in the mindset and provoked results that experimental films come to desire.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
SAM; I want it to be a medium for debate, and perhaps bring awareness of shedding light to the idea of the "invisible illness". Mental health could easily be a discussion here as well. Real-life issues/horrors call for immediate attention and discussion.
MELISSA: I hope to be able to connect with more filmmakers and I hope that many people will be interested in seeing the film at Desertscape International Film Festival or reaching out to us privately thanks to wearemovingstories.com!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
MELISSA: We would love to invite anyone, producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists, and everyone who resonates with this story to come on board and amplify the film's message. We would appreciate any form of support and feel that this can be expanded into a very successful series or feature film that will make an impact on anyone who sees it.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
SAM: An impact that can resonate and create pathways to how people perceive health and even mental issues. Raising awareness. Doors to the idea that it is okay to speak up about your flaws. Everyone matters here.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
SAM: What does it take for one to find themselves at peace with what they cannot? How do we go about it? How do we open that door?
Would you like to add anything else?
SAM & MELISSA: Special Thanks to the entire cast and crew behind this team, we couldn't have made it without them!
Thank you for your time in reading this article! Please check out, get in touch, and support upcoming projects from Sazmatics Co. and Rose Ray Media!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
SAM & MELISSA: We are currently traveling the festival circuit with a feature film Melissa produced & Sam edited entitled: Take Out Girl which also has been covered by the wonderful people at We Are Moving Stories.
Also, in development on a special project entitled Fuel Slate which will be released very soon.
Interview: May 2020
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
Always
A man is terrorized as his diabetic symptoms manifest into real-life nightmares.
Length: 11:19
Director: Sam Zapiain
Producer: Melissa Del Rosario
Writer: Melissa Del Rosario
About the writer, director and producer:
SAM ZAPIAIN is a Director, Editor & DIT based out of Las Vegas, NV. As a UNLV Film Alumni, Sam spent the last decade in freelance production. He is currently the owner of Sazmatics Co., a film production company that specializes in post-production work in Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, NV. A few notable accolades Sam has received: People's Choice Award for Adobe's Creative Jam, and Best Director from Sin City Horror Film Fest.
MELISSA DEL ROSARIO is a Producer, Director, & Writer in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is the owner of the production company Rose Ray Media LLC. Melissa also specializes in Script Supervising, Production Coordinator, Location Manager, and Talent Liaison work. Her work has been official winners at various film competitions, along with official selections at film festivals around the world including Cannes Film Festival, Cinequest Film & Creativity Film Festival, Ashland Independent Film Festival, and more.
Key cast: David Kurtz (Alex)
Looking for: sales agents, distributors, journalists, film festival directors, buyers, producers
Facebook: MJ Del Rosario, Sam Zapiain
Twitter: @roseraymedia
Instagram: @roseraymedia, @sazmatics_co
Hashtags used: #always
Made in association with: Sazmatics Co + Rose Ray Media
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Desertscape International Film Festival/St. George Utah - July 29th through Aug 1st