Support CONTIGO's Journey to Film Festivals

About the Filmmaker and Project

Hi, I’m Rodrigo Perez, a recent graduate from Ringling College of Art and Design with a BFA in Film. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team to bring CONTIGO to life. It’s an action-thriller short that I directed and co-wrote with Tan Kitapli, who also served as the film’s cinematographer and editor.

Set in Venezuela, where I was born, CONTIGO draws some inspiration from the country’s real political turmoil and emotional unrest. The story follows Jade, a young woman who returns to the site of a secret government experiment in search of answers about her past, forcing her to confront the man behind it all and the dark truth that awaits.

CONTIGO was also the first action film produced at Ringling College. But more importantly, it gave students the chance to work at a professional level rarely seen in undergraduate productions. By bringing in Hollywood stunt actors/performers and coordinating high-intensity fight choreography, our crew was able to gain hands-on experience with industry standard action design.

At its core, CONTIGO is about reclaiming agency, confronting buried trauma, and redefining one’s identity. Our goal wasn’t just to tell a gripping story — we set out to challenge the emotional and narrative expectations of the action genre.

Bringing CONTIGO to life took months of development, production, and post, with a team of passionate collaborators who poured everything into this film. From our cast and crew to our composer and sound designers, this was a true collective effort — and we’re incredibly proud of what we created together. But completing the film is only the beginning.

What the Funds Will Support

We’re now raising support to help CONTIGO reach its audience on the festival circuit and beyond. Contributions will go toward:

Your support will help CONTIGO be seen at festivals where bold, independent stories are celebrated, and where emerging filmmakers can begin building lasting connections in the industry.

Why It Matters

Festivals aren’t just screenings — they’re a launchpad. They offer the chance to meet industry professionals, network with fellow filmmakers, and open doors for future creative opportunities. Supporting CONTIGO means uplifting a team of recent graduates who’ve poured their time and talent into telling this story.

Other Ways to Help

If you're unable to donate, you can still support the film by:

Thank you for taking the time to read, share, or donate. Your support truly means the world, and we can’t wait for you to experience CONTIGO.

— Rodrigo Perez

Director & Co-Writer of CONTIGO