5Q's w/Eladio Arvelo "Vietnam: Fast Forward" Director

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 140 characters?

A look at Vietnam today, having withstood years of war and occupation, the new generation pushes past challenges to pursue their dreams.

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

Filled with refreshing candor and wit, this uplifting documentary showcases remarkable life stories whose universally inspiring themes will likely re-energize your own soul.

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

I am an eternal optimist who loves to create uplifting documentaries that resonate with global audiences looking to build a better world. I worked as an engineer for almost 20 years, learning photography on the side, before finally taking a leap of faith to pursue a new career in filmmaking. My debut on the film festival circuit came in 2016 with “Voyage to the Sea of Cortez,” a short film showcasing the underwater world. In 2018, I premiered my first documentary short “Jewel of the Pacific”, which was later adapted for KPBS TV in San Diego. This year, I’m excited to release my first documentary feature “Vietnam: Fast Forward.”

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

While growing up, I only heard about Vietnam in reference to war, so I was really intrigued when my film co-producer, Shareef Haq, showed me photos of bustling cities in Vietnam and described the energy of the people he had met throughout the country. After filming on location, I left inspired by the country and its people. Having grown up in a developing country myself, I was delighted to witness real people overcome remarkable challenges through hard work and dedication. "Vietnam: Fast Forward" captures the human element of Vietnam's resurgence while showcasing uplifting stories that could apply to anyone regardless of their country of origin.

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

I am very happy to finally be able to screen “Vietnam: Fast Forward” to live audiences, following a digital release of the film on multiple streaming platforms in early 2021 due to the pandemic. I hope that our live audiences will enjoy the film and spread the word to family, friends, and colleagues to watch it again online after the festival. As for myself, I’m preparing to film my next uplifting documentary in early 2022, this time focused on the remarkable efforts of an inspiring group of women leaders striving to protect the world’s second largest coral reef system. For details, visit www.unbelizeablue.org