5Q's w/Enrique Rico Diaz "Jeremy" Director

SUNDAY BLOCK K | 3:30 pm

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 280 characters?

A battle scarred Marine Sergeant struggles to balance his devotion to daughter and his commitment to his military combat service. The purpose of this short film is to bring awareness to the general public of the mental anguish many veterans suffer.

#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?

It is our hope that we have conveyed the pain of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) in a realistic way to help one understand the challenges military personnel undergo while deployed. Combat veterans have difficulty returning to "normal" life. Many feel guilt and shame for returning for what people perceive as unscathed, in other words without obvious physical wounds. They have difficulty connecting with friends and family and feel the need to return to the combat zone.

#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.

I served as a Captain from the United States Marine Corps and earned a combat action ribbon while serving with a special operations unit. As a result of this service, I was disabled for a few years. I persevered through painful surgeries and innovative therapies to complete my film education at the University of California, Los Angeles.

As director and/or producer my films have been accepted into many top festivals including Cannes, South by Southwest, LA Shorts Fest, and Palm Springs International ShortFest. The films I have directed have also won several awards including Best Short. As a producer, my short "DeKalb Elementary" was nominated for the 2018 Oscar for Best Live Action Short.

#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?

Have a detailed plan for incorporating a Skype call scene into your movie. Consider the frame rates of the camera and the computer and ensure they are in synch prior to filming. Additionally, consider the quality of the speakers on the computer and how it might affect the clarity of the sound in the editing.

#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?

Producers – Josh Barsell, Cori Diaz, and myself are developing this short into feature and have already received partial funding. It is our hope that we complete production and post within the next two years.

In addition to this project, I am currently in pre-production to direct of my first feature this calendar year. This project is 50% funded and is seeking further funding for post-production and marketing.