El Talismán: A Supernatural Horror NYU Thesis Film

The Deadline for This Fundraiser has been extended to March 10th, 2024.

Hello, my name is Amanda Rodriguez, and I am a senior at New York University’s Tisch School of Television and Film. I am asking for your support to help me fund my senior Thesis film project. This project is extremely important to me as it represents the culmination of the long hours I have put into learning the art of filmmaking. I’ve been working tirelessly to improve my craft over the last four years at NYU. This would be the biggest project I’ve made so far. Speaking frankly, I am both nervous and excited about the journey ahead. Mostly, however, I am intent on seeing this important project come to life. I would be deeply appreciative of any contribution you can offer, however big or small, to bring me one step closer to my goal of becoming a filmmaker. Continue reading below for more information about my film. Thank you in advance for your support!

Story synopsis: Alba and Lilia return to their grandmother’s home after the funeral. Tensions rise between the sisters when Lilia questions Alba’s reasons for returning home after being away for so long. Alba, troubled by a secret she is harboring, struggles to break through her sister’s contempt. As the sisters navigate their tense relationship, they fortuitously find an ancient Aztec talisman that starts to invade and torment Alba’s unconscious mind but also serves to shine light on the importance of connectedness. The sisters move toward reconciliation but for Alba the process comes too late and with dire consequences.

Amanda is a writer, director, and editor, of Mexican and Peruvian descent. She has an interest in telling stories representative of Latin American culture through the horror genre. She has worked on various film projects filling different roles such as 1st & 2nd Assistant Camera, Script Supervisor, and Production Assistant.

Mame Astou Toure is a Senegalese-American born and raised in NYC. She currently studies film at NYU and has an interest in writing, history, and editing. She has presented works in various Film Festivals including TFI’s my city, and Astoria’s Film Festival. She is focused on revitalizing history into film to dissect societal structures of racism, homophobia, and misogyny.

When I think of how this film looks visually, I think of Picasso’s blue period. The colors capture so clearly the emotional state of Alba and Lilia who are not only grieving over their grandmother in different ways, but struggling to piece together their broken relationship.

Some film comparables are Pan's Labyrinth, Hereditary, and Talk to Me. Each of these films delve into familial matters in dark and horrific ways, much like El Talismán.

We will be using social media as our main marketing strategy to reach our target audience. We are creating official Instagram and Tiktok accounts for the film. The completed film will eventually be posted on Youtube. We will be submitting to film festivals that showcase stories pertaining to Latinx communities, women, and the horror genre.

Director's Statement: My interest in the arts began with my desire to be an actress. As I studied acting throughout my childhood and adolescence, I gradually navigated away from it and toward cinema and discovered a passion for the work that occurs behind the scenes. I was introduced to the horror genre from a young age because of my mother who loves it. I’ve always been inspired by its ability to evoke strong emotions; namely, fear. With “El Talisman”, I want to take on the challenge of using the horror genre to showcase aspects of the rich culture I have grown up in, especially the importance of family. When I think of my childhood, the first person that comes to mind is my sister. She played such an important role in those formative years. However, as we grew up, I noticed that life began to pull us in different directions. I realized that our bond, which once came so naturally to us, had to be preserved. This caused me to question how important family really is to me. Family can be frustrating and sometimes you can feel like giving up on them, but there is something so tragic about doing that. This film demonstrates the fear of losing a loved one, whether that be in the form of death or estrangement. Additionally, the magical realism found at the center of Latin American literature heavily influenced my formulation of this idea. I hope this film captures the interest of a wide audience and inspires them to nurture and hold on to the things they love and care about.

To my family and friends who have supported me on this journey: thank you and I love you all!

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