A young boy faces the feat of saving his sickly grandfather during the ravages of Hurricane Maria.

Interview with Writer/Director Alejandra López

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

On September 20th 2017, Hurricane Maria landed on the shores of Puerto Rico. Destroying everything that crossed its path. Doctors cared for the sick. Chefs cooked for the homeless. How can I, as a storyteller, help my island?

A study led by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health puts Puerto Rico's death toll in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria to 4,565. As a Puerto Rican filmmaker, it is my duty to tell these stories. And with the existence of The Blue Cape, I am at peace. Only 4,564 stories to go.

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

Because in less than five minutes, I'm going to take you on an emotional journey.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

They are the fuel. The base of the story. The reason I want to share the film with the world.

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

I'm blessed to say that the script and, hence, the film is exactly how I envisioned it. Working with the cast and crew solidified it. Each scene in the script was inspired by a true story. So I made sure the film will be as authentic and raw as possible.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Beautiful and poignant. Captivating shots with talented actors. A stunning film.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I'm amazed by how the audience yearns simple narratives. I seem to portray the reality without being over dramatic. Definitely challenges me to keep telling political and social stories, which is my voice as a filmmaker.

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

To keep sharing with the world the truth about what happened in Puerto Rico.

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

Everyone that wants to help.

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

To open eyes, mind and heart.

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

What does the blue cape symbolize?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks so much for the opportunity!

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

Writing a pilot and two feature films.

Interview: August 2019

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

The Blue Cape

A young boy faces the feat of saving his sickly grandfather during the ravages of Hurricane Maria.

Length: 5:00

Director: Alejandra López

Producer: María José Delgado

Writer: Alejandra López

About the writer, director and producer:

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. ALEJANDRA LÓPEZ was the Assistant to the Director and a Staff Writer on Crackle's original series Startup. Her short film The Blue Cape, which had its California premiere in the renowned Palm Springs International Short Film Festival, is in the festival circuit. She’s the first grand prize winner of “Voces Nuevas”, a short film contest by Cine Sony and NALIP.

Key cast: Yanniel A. Arce Rivera (Junior), Dolores Pedro (Mother)

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

Facebook: Alejandra López

Instagram: @miss_alepanda

Hashtags used: #lacapaazul

Other: IMDb

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Salute Your Shorts Film Festival/Los Angeles - August 18th; Oaxaca Film Fest/Mexico - October; Seoul international Extreme-Short Image & Film Festival/South Korea - September; Detroit Shetown Film Festival/Detroit - September; Puerto Madryn MAFICI International Film Festival/Argentina - September, New Orleans Film Festival in October.