In this powerful episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with acclaimed Dominican filmmaker Jose Maria Cabral to explore his groundbreaking hybrid documentary 42nd Street. The film showcases a grassroots art and music movement born out of the Capotillo neighborhood—a community stigmatized by violence but transformed through relentless creativity and self-expression. From razor blade dances to government crackdowns, this episode dives into the story of a 24/7 street party that became a symbol of survival and resistance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How 42nd Street captures a real-time cultural revolution in Capotillo
• The power of art as survival in marginalized communities
• Why Jose lived in Capotillo during the writing of the film
• How to approach hybrid documentaries with both realism and care
• Jose’s advice for aspiring documentarians

Key Moments:

• 00:28 – Geoffrey welcomes Jose Maria Cabral to the podcast
• 01:08 – The origins of the 42nd Street movement and its defiance of government control
• 05:11 – The razor blade dance and its symbolism of survival
• 09:49 – How creating the documentary changed Jose personally and creatively
• 14:22 – Jose’s unique tip: filming a “research documentary” before production

About the Guest:
Jose Maria Cabral is an award-winning Dominican filmmaker known for his bold storytelling and social commentary. His latest hybrid documentary 42nd Street has received multiple screenings at South by Southwest, highlighting a vibrant underground movement in Capotillo. Jose’s commitment to authenticity and immersive filmmaking continues to shine a light on unheard voices.

About the Host:
With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• 42nd Street Documentary
• The Guide for Every Screenwriter

Connect with the Guest:

• Instagram – @josemariacabral
• IMDb – Jose Maria Cabral

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Podcast Website
• Instagram @screenwriterpod
• TikTok @screenwriterpod

Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Share this with a filmmaker or screenwriter who needs to hear Jose’s incredible story of art through adversity.

#42ndStreetFilm #JoseMariaCabral #Capotillo #SXSW2025 #HybridDocumentary #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #GeoffreyDCalhoun #IndieFilm #DocLife #StreetArt #CreativeResistance #PartyThatNeverStops

🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!