"The Undrowning of Jay Díaz" Latino Short Film I Fundraiser

In mid-1990s suburbia, a hardened and traumatized Mexican teen faces expulsion unless he tutors his estranged former best friend.

In Spanish, “to vent” translates to “desahogar,” which literally means: to undrown.

In Hispanic culture and many other immigrant/ethnic cultures, boys are often punished for expressing emotion. I see Latino mothers and fathers who pass down rage to their sons and daughters. Yet, at the same time, I see beauty, hard work, and love passed down as well.

I often see the men around me struggle to be authentic and feel safe in their emotions. Male mental health is often rarely discussed or represented in film - especially for Latinos, who account for just 4% of lead or co-lead roles in American films.

The Undrowning of Jay Díaz is set 30 years ago. An entire generation. At its core, it is about a young Hispanic boy learning how to ask for help and break generational cycles.

Through this film, I want to impact those who struggle with mental health issues and men of color. I seek to explore the fear of asking for help, the complexities of Latino families, the beauty of discomfort, the relief of crying on a friends shoulder, and the universal human experience of seeking solace in vulnerability.

Like Jay Díaz, we all have the need to undrown.