Short Films
Program 5 – “Lone Star Stories”
Join us for a collection of short films made by some of the brightest and upcoming Texas filmmakers.
Filmmakers will be in attendance for a post screening discussion.
Esmeralda
USA / 2022 / 9 min / Drama / Texas Premiere
Synopsis
Esmeralda, an observant dry cleaner by day and amateur sleuth by night, suspects that one of her customers may be involved in a local arson case in small-town Texas. She has 24 hours to uncover the truth.
About the Director
Sabrina Ehlert is passionate about telling stories that explore themes of identity and belonging. She is a versatile writer-director-producer with an MFA in film and television production from USC and a BA in business administration. Sabrina applies her knowledge in marketing strategy and media development to produce entertaining content that has a lasting impact. Her work as a producer includes a USC Thesis Film entitled For Rosa, which is currently distributed by HBO Max. Most recently, Sabrina was chosen as a 2021 PGA Create Fellow. Sabrina is the Co-Writer, Producer, and Director of an original story selected for The Short Film Project, sponsored by Google and the PGA.
Grilled Queso
USA / 2021 / 13 min / Documentary / Houston Premiere
Synopsis
A night in the life of Ruth and Isaac, a couple working in a food truck in the busiest area in Austin, and the story of how they arrived from Mexico.
About the Director
Sergio Eduardo Muñoz Esquer is a filmmaker born in Delicias, Chihuahua, México. He lives in Austin, TX, where he studies his MFA in Film Production at the University of Texas. He has worked with different companies in El Paso, Texas, such as DoubleScope Films and PBS. In addition, he worked for Lincoln Square Production and ABC News in New York City. His short films have been selected and awarded at different festivals around the world.
Lilith
Ahora Vuelvo
USA / 2021 / 17 min / Horror / Houston Premiere
Synopsis
Bent on promiscuity, an eager gentleman named Seth learns the hard way about the dangers of his actions when he comes face to face with the Queen of Hell.
About the Director
Danny Geraldo Martinez is a filmmaker and screenwriter born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. An artist by nature, Danny learned how to play the drums at thirteen, resulting in the discovery of lyric and song writing shortly after. Exploring the art of music bled into the discovery and passion for filmmaking at the age of sixteen after meeting fellow St. Anthony Catholic High School alumni and San Antonio director, Robert Rodriguez. Danny has collaborated with various directors and writers throughout his artistic career, assisting as a screenwriter on short films or as a production assistant on indie features.
Ghost on the Dance Floor
USA / 2022 / 13 min / Coming of Age / Houston Premiere
Synopsis
Anthony, an awkward Latino teen, stands quietly against the wall of a lively party when he notices an equally lonely girl across the room, Emily. Shortly after being approached by her, he is quickly swept off to the dance floor. Years later, on Día-de-Los-Muertos, Anthony, now in his 20s, is on a date with a new girl named Autumn. But throughout the date, Anthony struggles to let go of the memories of his ex, Emily.
About the Director
Edwin is a Latino filmmaker based out of Austin, TX,and a recent graduate of the University of Texas. From his past films, he’s won various awards such as: “Best Documentary”, “Best Student Short”, and the “Latino Media Arts and Studies Award”. He works as a freelance editor, videographer, and VFX artist and has done work for various companies and startups. Edwin prides himself in being a small-town Texan and has a passion for creating films with more Latino/a representation
BENNY: Our Musical Lineage
USA / 2022 / 17 min / Documentary / Texas Premiere
Synopsis
Three generations, spanning 70 years, sharing their passion for music, family and purpose.
About the Director
Dave Garcia is an award-winning filmmaker in Texas. He has worked primarily in post-production on multiple award-winning productions, including shorts, independent features, documentaries, music videos, commercials and training videos; and thoroughly enjoys every aspect of the craft of making films.
Green Water
USA / 2021 / 17 min / Drama / Texas Premiere
Synopsis
College-bound Erik must figure out what to do with his younger sister Nora after their undocumented mother goes missing.
About the Director
Carlos is an award-winning southern filmmaker based in Austin, Texas, whose personal work centers on providing a voice to Latinx-American stories. He is a 2022 ASC Heritage Award nominee for his work as a cinematographer on “El Fantasma.” His work has been featured at EnergaCAMERIMAGE, PBS’ Reel South, NPR’s Studio 360, Palm Springs ShortsFest, Indie Grits, and Film Shortage. His work in both fiction and documentary make him a versatile visual storyteller with a focus always on the emotions within the story. Carlos is a graduate of the MFA program in Film & Media Production at The University of Texas at Austin.
