Short film - Pie Mojado, Pie Seco
Donation protected
My name is Anthony Soto and I am a Cuban-American filmmaker originally from Miami, Florida. I have avidly been following the issues and atrocities that have been going on in Cuba since I was old enough to remember. Personally, I have been directly affected by the regime and it’s totalitarian way of ruling over a beautiful Island and its people for 60+ years. A family member of mine was executed when Castro first took over.
The time is NOW to show the world what really goes on in Cuba and the sacrifices so many make on their journey to freedom. I moved to Los Angeles a year ago in pursuit of making films focusing on the Cuban/ Cuban American plight and struggles that our fellow Cubans have dealt with for 60+ years. My goal is to bring these stories to the big screen and hopefully have an impact on the much-needed change we need to see. I’ve been monitoring the situation in Cuba, which inspired me to write a films showcasing the sacrifice our Cuban people face in their pursuit of freedom.Director's note: Pie Mojado, Pie Seco is a film that originated out of love for my family and for
those families who had to go through these drastic measures to escape persecution. Growing up in a home where my grandparents immigrated from Cuba in the sixties with my parents, I feel an innate responsibility to show the world the true side of Cuba many have not seen before. This film is about sacrifice and appreciating what you have before it’s taken from you in the blink of an eye. It’s a celebration of life but also an acknowledgment that for some individuals to gain freedom, the ultimate sacrifice sometimes must be paid; death.
Synopsis: In the middle of the Straits of Florida, a brother and sister drift aimlessly seeking refuge after escaping their home island of Cuba. Caridad (Kaelyn Gonzalez): reluctant to leave her homeland which she views naively as the status quo; and Antonio (Jeffry Batista): a wanted man for outwardly opposing ongoing oppression and the communist regime. After four days adrift with little food or water, Antonio rapidly falls ill from an injury and severe dehydration. Meanwhile, Caridad sits and waits praying for help until one fateful morning brings them the salvation they desperately need. What follows is a journey uncovering the realities of what they face when their livelihood depends on the actions of four strangers. In the end, freedom may end costing one of them their lives, as Caridad comes to the shocking realization about the truth of her nation and what sacrifice really means. Pie Mojado, Pie Seco will also capture the essence of Miami and the strong sense of community that is felt throughout. There is no other place in the world like Miami, Florida from the warm waters to the tropical breeze that itself has a unique smell. The Cuban community in Miami is like no other; always standing by their family ninety miles away and wanting to help any way they can. We want to portray a side of Miami many have not been able to see through the artistic medium of film. This film will show Miami beyond the drugs, drinking, and jet-setter lifestyle. We want to show people the sense of community felt throughout Miami while capturing beautiful visuals of Stiltsville, Downtown Miami and other areas.
Director of photography: Robin Webster started out his career with film, photography, and graphic design. Robin cut his teeth in the industry as a camera assistant in London, working on a variety of projects from Star Wars to commercials for Chanel and The British Royal Marines. Robin has a passion for creating striking cinematic imagery born out of engaging stories and strong collaborations.
Producer: Frida Sellar Is the owner of In & Out Productions and a finance graduate of the University of Miami. She changed her career when she interned at Univision Network in the promotions department, again when she moved to T.V., and yet again after moving into the world of advertising .
Frida has worked for many production companies as well as advertising agencies. Twenty years later, Frida has produced all over the world and for many advertising markets. She is always looking forward to the next challenge.
Producer: Sofi Sellar is a passionate storyteller with production experience working in advertising, documentaries, and television. Dedicated to improving LatinX representation/portrayal and sharing stories of underrepresented people in all forms of media.
Timeline and Logistics: We plan to film this project between October and November of 2021. The three locations we are filming at are Stiltvillle, which we are waiting for our permit approval, a dock on the Island of Key Biscayne, and a beach on Virginia Key that allows us to film our open ocean raft scenes safely. We are looking to film for 2 to 3 days at these locations with a crew of about 20 people.
Partners: It is extremely important to me that not only the story be told in a city that has been vital to the Cuban community but to also collaborate with Hispanic/Latin film producers, actors, editors ect. In and Out productions, a female latino owned production company based in bothL.A. and Miami will be the production company attached to the project.Request to you: Our goal is to go into the film festival circuit and secure distribution with a major distribution company; we have our eyes on HBO streaming platform due to personal
connections.
The time is NOW to show the world what really goes on in Cuba and the sacrifices so many make on their journey to freedom. I moved to Los Angeles a year ago in pursuit of making films focusing on the Cuban/ Cuban American plight and struggles that our fellow Cubans have dealt with for 60+ years. My goal is to bring these stories to the big screen and hopefully have an impact on the much-needed change we need to see. I’ve been monitoring the situation in Cuba, which inspired me to write a films showcasing the sacrifice our Cuban people face in their pursuit of freedom.Director's note: Pie Mojado, Pie Seco is a film that originated out of love for my family and for
those families who had to go through these drastic measures to escape persecution. Growing up in a home where my grandparents immigrated from Cuba in the sixties with my parents, I feel an innate responsibility to show the world the true side of Cuba many have not seen before. This film is about sacrifice and appreciating what you have before it’s taken from you in the blink of an eye. It’s a celebration of life but also an acknowledgment that for some individuals to gain freedom, the ultimate sacrifice sometimes must be paid; death.
Synopsis: In the middle of the Straits of Florida, a brother and sister drift aimlessly seeking refuge after escaping their home island of Cuba. Caridad (Kaelyn Gonzalez): reluctant to leave her homeland which she views naively as the status quo; and Antonio (Jeffry Batista): a wanted man for outwardly opposing ongoing oppression and the communist regime. After four days adrift with little food or water, Antonio rapidly falls ill from an injury and severe dehydration. Meanwhile, Caridad sits and waits praying for help until one fateful morning brings them the salvation they desperately need. What follows is a journey uncovering the realities of what they face when their livelihood depends on the actions of four strangers. In the end, freedom may end costing one of them their lives, as Caridad comes to the shocking realization about the truth of her nation and what sacrifice really means. Pie Mojado, Pie Seco will also capture the essence of Miami and the strong sense of community that is felt throughout. There is no other place in the world like Miami, Florida from the warm waters to the tropical breeze that itself has a unique smell. The Cuban community in Miami is like no other; always standing by their family ninety miles away and wanting to help any way they can. We want to portray a side of Miami many have not been able to see through the artistic medium of film. This film will show Miami beyond the drugs, drinking, and jet-setter lifestyle. We want to show people the sense of community felt throughout Miami while capturing beautiful visuals of Stiltsville, Downtown Miami and other areas.
Director of photography: Robin Webster started out his career with film, photography, and graphic design. Robin cut his teeth in the industry as a camera assistant in London, working on a variety of projects from Star Wars to commercials for Chanel and The British Royal Marines. Robin has a passion for creating striking cinematic imagery born out of engaging stories and strong collaborations.
Producer: Frida Sellar Is the owner of In & Out Productions and a finance graduate of the University of Miami. She changed her career when she interned at Univision Network in the promotions department, again when she moved to T.V., and yet again after moving into the world of advertising .
Frida has worked for many production companies as well as advertising agencies. Twenty years later, Frida has produced all over the world and for many advertising markets. She is always looking forward to the next challenge.
Producer: Sofi Sellar is a passionate storyteller with production experience working in advertising, documentaries, and television. Dedicated to improving LatinX representation/portrayal and sharing stories of underrepresented people in all forms of media.
Timeline and Logistics: We plan to film this project between October and November of 2021. The three locations we are filming at are Stiltvillle, which we are waiting for our permit approval, a dock on the Island of Key Biscayne, and a beach on Virginia Key that allows us to film our open ocean raft scenes safely. We are looking to film for 2 to 3 days at these locations with a crew of about 20 people.
Partners: It is extremely important to me that not only the story be told in a city that has been vital to the Cuban community but to also collaborate with Hispanic/Latin film producers, actors, editors ect. In and Out productions, a female latino owned production company based in bothL.A. and Miami will be the production company attached to the project.Request to you: Our goal is to go into the film festival circuit and secure distribution with a major distribution company; we have our eyes on HBO streaming platform due to personal
connections.
Organizer
Anthony Soto
Organizer
Miami, FL