ABALONE: SHORT FILM

Help raise funds to cover the production cost of the short student film Abalone, written and directed by Tomas Talamantes.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The film’s goal is to tell a story about how we may harm others because we ourselves are hurting. Every person affects those around them, for better or for worse. By creating a film that highlights this human conundrum, Tomas hopes to remind both himself and others that love, forgiveness, and understanding is the best way to find peace and harmony with others.

CONCEPT:

The film tells the story of a woman, Alma, and her young son, Alvaro, as they navigate an afternoon in the city. Alma works as a nurse for a woman who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. Having just immigrated to the United States from Mexico seeking asylum, she does everything for her son and loves him more than the world, but the weight of all she must do to take care of him means she shows it in less obvious ways than Alvaro may wish. Alvaro is a kind boy who loves the hustle and bustle of the city and takes an interest in every part of it. On this particular afternoon, Alvaro winds up lost in a dream-like world that is equally marvelous as it is terrifying.

DEVELOPMENT:

Director Tomas Talamantes has been chewing on, writing, and editing this story for over a year. The idea for the film started with a boy who wonders why his mother is upset with him on the train ride home and blossomed into its final form after Tomas spent time volunteering with organizations that help Mexican asylum seekers in New York City. There are many negative narratives going around in the media about these people, and Tomas wanted to tell a story about them that focused on one thing: humanity. Tomas has always been fascinated by humans and their stories, and he hopes that making this one will remind people that tapping into compassion and empathy helps break cycles of petty resentment and frustration.

WHY DONATE?

Tomas seeks to create a film that will highlight a story that is common in the real world but is overlooked in media representations of New York City. Tomas as well as the crew are students who have agreed to work for free in order to save funds for those who need it. We must pay the actors as well location rentals, set dressings, props, and other special equipment. Most of the equipment such as cameras, lenses, and lights will be provided for free by Pratt Institute where Tomas and much of the crew attend.

In order to keep everyone in the cast and crew fed, we need to raise $2,000 by October 31st. Filming will take place the last few weeks of October, so we need to raise funds to cover expenses before then!

Thank you so much for reading, and we hope you will help us make this dream a reality!