SUMMARY

With the help of USC's Latino Film Club (LatiFAM), our team is setting out to create a short film that highlights Latiné voices by positioning more POC creators in front of and behind the camera. That short film, Mofongo, is a story that follows three Latiné friends, home from a college break, as a debate about the best Thanksgiving side dish becomes an introspective look into culture, identity and how families show their love through food.

THE IMPACT

It's no secret that Hollywood is in desperate need of more Latiné representation and stories, this film is only one step in a long journey that needs to be taken to see real change! However, on a smaller scale, this production was brought formulated to create community through providing the opportunity to be on set to a variety of Latiné, POC and other student filmmakers who rarely are rarely allowed. This is a production where we've encouraged those who may not have the years long resumes to create with us. Led by experts, we're looking to not only create a great film, but so together in a non-competitive environment, filled with learning opportunity!

WHAT WE NEED

We need your kindness and support to help take care of our team, bring this vision to life! Funding will go to needed equipment, food for our cast and crew, props, and post-production! You can find our estimated breakdowns below!

FOOD ($350 - Includes two shoot days for 15 cast/crew members each)

EQUIPMENT ($150 - Includes two shoot days, equipment on top of what can be provided by crew members and partners)

PRODUCTION DESIGN / WARDROBE ($100 - Includes two dressed sets over two shoot days)

TRANSPORTATION ($250 - Includes two shoot days for 15 crew members each)

MISC ($100 - A little bit breathing room to cover any surprise expenses)

THE TEAM

Danny Chicon - Director

Danny Chicon is a Latino screenwriter, director, and actor who tells stories about "characters finding their identity and community in strange places". Using his signature brand of comedy surrealism, Danny explores themes of cultural identity, hypermasculinity, and familial relationships inspired by his upbringing in the Lower East Side of New York City. He has been selected to fellowships within Hook Arts Media, FabNYC and. Concept Factory and his most recent short film, The Good, The Bad & Tio Umberto premiered at the Warner Bros New York Latino Film Festival.

Above all, Danny looks to connect audiences through laughter, tell stories of shared human experience, and create better representation for Latiné and other minority communities. He has a B.A in Media Studies from Hunter College and is currently enrolled at the University of Southern California to get his MFA in Writing for Screen & Television.

Frankie Alvarez - Writer

Frankie grew up in Jacksonville, Florida with two immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic. Frankie has always been inspired by Latino art and media and has always wanted to contribute his own stories. He wanted to primarily focus on the stories that haven't been told yet, and wants to showcase that although Latinos are filled with rich culture and traditions, they can also just be college kids talking about life and their favorite side dish at Thanksgiving.

Frankie is currently serving as the Co-student Director for the Latine Student Association and the Director of University Relations for LatiFAM. He is also serving as the Assistant Director for The Suspenders Sketch Comedy Group in which he both writes and performs sketches every semester.

He is very excited for this story to be told and is extremely thankful for all the people responsible for making it happen. Special thank you to the people who inspired the characters, you know who you are.

Alex Cardona - Producer

Alex Cardona is a writer and creative producer with experience in film, television, and theater. Currently pursuing a degree in Narrative Studies with a minor in Screenwriting at the University of Southern California, Alex has worked in development, acquisitions, and talent representation at ATB Talent Agency, Highland Film Group, and Silk Mass Production. Their background includes script coverage, marketing strategy, talent coordination, and project evaluation. Alongside hands-on roles in film and theater production, Alex’s storytelling extends to play direction, short films, and mentorship through Young Storytellers. Their writing has been published in The Maine Review.

Jefferson Hernandez Segovia - Associate Producer

Jefferson is currently a sophomore majoring in Business of Cinematic Arts with a Screenwriting minor. He started to get into film during the pandemic, growing fond of films like Lady Bird and Parasite. He loves going to art museums and exploring different restaurants around LA.

Giullia Porter - Director of Photography

Giullia Porter is a Brazilian-American filmmaker majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Cinematic Arts. One of her greatest passions is shedding light on untold stories from underrepresented communities through the arts.