Hello! My name is Elo Santa Maria, and I am raising funds for the upcoming production of my 2nd year film at NYU. I am currently pursuing an MFA in film directing from NYU, and it has been both a difficult and beautiful journey. 

As many of you know, I spent many years working on my fellow filmmakers projects as a camera assistant, production designer, gaffer, camera operator...you name it. But I always knew I wanted to make my own films.

It has been an incredible gift to be part of this program. I’ve met incredibly talented collaborators from all over the world and have made 3 films in the span of 1 year. 


Now, I am in pre-production for my 2nd year film and I am in need of funds. Production dates are in late January.

I've decided to shoot my 2nd year film in Texas; specifically in the small town my grandfather, Lorenzo B. Taylor, called home while he was alive. My grandfather was very supportive when he was alive and I want to take my filmmaking back to his home, and film in the landscape he watched over. 


My grandfather's land sits in Sublime, TX. It is a beautiful landscape with all kinds of mystery and beautiful light.

My story is a personal one that has stuck with me over through the years. 

The script is based on an experience I had while hitchhiking. I spent a lot of my early 20's traveling around meeting different people and one woman in particular has always stood out to me. I don't remember her name and I barely remember what she looked like, I just remember very specific details;  the creases around her red and puffy eyes from hours of crying, her grey roots peeking out from bright red hair dye, the chain smoking, the hospital bracelets, the flip phone that incessantly vibrated, and the terrifying swerves of the car. It turned from a scary ride to a very sweet and heavy one.

I have had my own struggles with grief, and what we grasp onto for comfort can be surprising. To be part of this strangers grieving process was strange and beautiful, and I want to pay homage to this stranger and the magic of the road.

I am also excited to explore a story that involves two generations of people. An older woman and a young person, connecting. 

Photos from various possible shooting locations, some on 35mm, in Hallettsville, TX and Sublime, TX:


The money that I need now is to help bring this film to the screen. We are shooting in Texas tentatively from January 16-23 on 16mm film (that was given to me from NYU). I have wonderful crew members who have rallied around me, from NYU and from Texas, who are as passionate about this story as I am. 

Things that are expensive in the movie making process, but are less glamorous, are car rentals, lighting rentals, food, gas, permit fees, insurance fees etc. etc. It’s these places where you’re money will go.

It is so important for me to share this film because I will be showcasing this kind of experience of the American South, Texas, and the relationship with two people: a hitchhiker and a kind woman who would pick one up. Hitchhiking taught me a lot about people and how we are all just trying to get through each day. Loneliness is a feeling we can all relate to, and it's a feeling that can only be remedied by other people. Sometimes we find comfort in unlikely places. 

The visual inspiration comes from another film shot in Texas by one of my favorite filmmakers, Wim Wenders. Paris, Texas. The color palette of the Texas landscape mixed with bright pops of reds and oranges. Other films include; Stranger Than Paradise, Vagabond, American Honey, and Thelma & Louise. 



Thank you for reading this. Every dollar counts. You are not only supporting a film, but you are supporting my future as a filmmaker making work in Texas and other places that are not necessarily seen through the eyes of people from there.

Thank you so much,

Elo (hello)