In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Alejandra Martinez, Austin's top-voted film critic of 2024! Ever wonder how someone makes watching and writing about movies the main focus of their profession? Alejandra gives us the lowdown on her journey, from humble beginnings to the world of film festivals. She also shares some learnings from her time at Sundance, where she was part of the 2024 Press Inclusion Initiative. Expect laughs, insider tips, and plenty of movie chat with Alejandra!

About Alejandra:

Alejandra Martinez is an award-winning Tejana writer, film critic, and archivist based in Austin, TX. She has been a member of the Austin Film Critics Association since 2022 and her writing has been published in multiple outlets including The Austin Chronicle, The Wrap, RogerEbert.com, and Letterboxd Journal.

Follow her on Instagram: @mtzxale

Follow her on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mtzxale/

Her website: https://www.martinezalejandra.info/

Texas Film in Focus Podcast Links:

Follow the Texas Film in Focus podcast on TikTok and Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tfif_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of Texas Film in Focus, we have Bolivian filmmaker Maria Mealla discussing her return to Austin and her experience navigating the film scene.

Maria shares her journey, revealing the rich tapestry of community and cross-craft collaboration that defines Austin's creative landscape. Her story takes us from the theater communities of Austin to the bustling film scene in San Francisco and back again, illuminating the contrasts and challenges along the way. She also takes us to the behind-the-scenes creation of LA MACANA, now streaming on Max. We also get a sneak peek at her next project JUANA PELOS filming in May!

Follow Maria on Instagram: @maria_mealla

https://www.mariamealla.com/

Maria's Bio:

MARIA MEALLA was raised in La Paz, Bolivia on a healthy balance of cultural folklore and Catholic superstition. She moved to Austin, TX where she studied Theater Arts before moving to the Bay Area, where she ventured into filmmaking and taught herself the craft through work-trade. She is Head of Production at Glass and Marker, a full-service creative studio in Oakland, California. 

Mealla was selected to participate in the 2019 Artist in Residency program at the Napa Film Festival with her feature debut, BRING ME AN AVOCADO, a Cinequest Audience Award winner streaming on Amazon Prime. She is a 2022 Sidewalk Narrative Labs Fellow. Her latest project in development, BODY SHOP, was selected as a finalist in the 2023 Tribeca Untold Stories competition and pitched live during the festival. Her short film LA MACANA, won HBO's 2023 Pa'lante Competition and is currently streaming on Max. 

Most recently, Maria was selected as a Latino Public Broadcasting grantee for her short film JUANA PELOS which will be going into production in Spring 2024.

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Maria likes to think of her stories as the arroz con huevo of films: Comforting, unassuming, simple in their magic, and easy to digest. 

Texas Film in Focus Podcast Links:

Follow the Texas Film in Focus podcast on TikTok and Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tfif_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Tom Copeland | The Austin Chronicle : https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2024-04-10/tom-copeland-behind-the-scenes-powerhouse-of-texas-film-dies/

The last episode of the Samdance series is hitting the airwaves today! Live from Slamdance 2024, E’an Verdugo and Caleb Davis, the maverick duo behind the award– winning series talk about their project “Restorage.” E’an and Caleb share their journey from a chance meeting at UNT to creating a series with a punk-rock twist, proving that a mix of comedy, drama, and friendship can forge a unique path in cinema. Discover how their storage unit set became a portal for storytelling and why choosing the road less traveled can lead to the most fulfilling destinations in independent television. Our infectious conversation will inspire you to embrace creativity and humor, no matter how unconventional the route.

Follow Caleb - @calebkeithdavis

Follow E'an - @eanverdugo

Texas Film in Focus Podcast Links:

Follow the Texas Film in Focus podcast on TikTok and Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tfif_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Follow Host Samantha Rae Lopez on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Hey y'all! Welcome back to Texas Film in Focus! This is the third installment of the Samdance Series! Today, we've got a real treat for you – an exclusive chat with Houston filmmaker, Olivia Kuan. We're diving deep into the story behind her awesome documentary, "The Herricanes," which made its splash at SXSW winning several awards and rocked the screens at Slamdance in 2024. Join us as Olivia reflects on what inspired her to create her most personal project yet.

Olivia brings a special touch to her storytelling, and "The Herricanes" is no exception. We're going behind the scenes to uncover the heart and soul of this film, exploring themes of resilience, community, and the powerful Texan spirit in the face of life's curveballs.

The Herricanes Film Website

Follow The Herricanes film on Instagram @theherricanes

Follow Olivia Kuan on Instagram @wilderkuan

Texas Film in Focus Podcast Links:

Follow the Texas Film in Focus podcast on TikTok and Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@tfif_podcast⁠⁠⁠

⁠Texas Film in Focus on YouTube⁠

Follow Host Samantha Rae Lopez on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Step into the shadows with the latest episode of Texas Film in Focus, where the amazing Afro-Latina filmmaker, Cynthia Garcia-Williams, takes us behind the scenes of the mysterious world of her short film, "Legend of El Cucuy." Prepare to be inspired and thoroughly entertained as we delve into the depths of this boogeyman-inspired cinematic adventure.
Live from Slamdance 2024, Cynthia shares how she brought the legendary El Cucuy to life on the big screen. She also shares how her identity shaped the creation of the project and how her authentic casting is an integral component of the film.

Watch Legend of El Cucuy Trailer on YouTube

Follow Legend of El Cucuy on Instagram @legendofelcucuy

Follow Cynthia Garcia-Williams on Instagram @cynthiagwilliams

Texas Film in Focus Podcast Links:

Follow the Texas Film in Focus podcast on TikTok and Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@tfif_podcast⁠⁠

Texas Film in Focus on YouTube

Follow Host Samantha Rae Lopez on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠

The film industry's representation of disability is a vital topic, and in this episode, we shed light on the film industry's evolving representation of disability through our spotlight on 'Daruma.' Hear from the talents behind the scenes, like director Alexander Yellen and writer-producer Kelli McNeil Yellen, and their dedication to making a splash at the festival. We also delve into the tenacious advocacy of John Lawson's consistent dedication to inclusive storytelling.

Links:

Daruma Movie: https://www.darumamovie.com/

Daruma (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/DarumaMovie/

Slamdance Daruma article: https://www.filminquiry.com/slamdance-ff-2024-daruma-interview/

Follow the Texas Film in Focus podcast on TikTok and Instagram ⁠⁠@tfif_podcast⁠

Follow Sam on ⁠Instagram⁠

Episode 18 Show Notes & Transcript can be found here:

⁠https://bit.ly/TFIFep15

Today's episode is another crossover episode with the TIF Voices podcast, an audio outlet for Tejanas in Film, a collective that aims to empower Latina filmmakers in Texas.

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🔥🔥🔥Get ready for an extra picante new episode of TIF Voices! This week, three Tejanas in Film members deliver a scorching review of the film "Flamin' Hot" directed by Corpus Christi native Eva Longoria. Join us as we explore the flavors, the drama, and the behind-the-scenes heat that went into creating this cinematic treat. We bring our personal stories and a few crunch-tastic sounds to the airwaves for your listening pleasure.

👑 Your hosts are Tejanas in Film members Sharon Arteaga (⁠⁠@sharonarte⁠⁠) , Cristina Gonzalez (⁠⁠@cinecristina⁠⁠) and Priscilla Gutierrez (⁠⁠@sunshinesmileluv)

From the fiery performances to the bold storytelling, we leave no page unturned in our discussion of "Flamin' Hot." Our passionate panel of filmmakers explores the cultural impact of "Flamin' Hot" and how it has left its mark on the film industry and in our hearts. Is it a spicy success or a lukewarm attempt? Tune in to TIF Voices to find out!

✨ Rate, Review, and Subscribe to TIF Voices! Let's amplify diverse voices and celebrate the magic of storytelling together! 🎉

Today's episode is a crossover episode with the TIF Voices podcast, an audio outlet for Tejanas in Film, a collective that aims to empower Latina filmmakers in Texas.

After a long hiatus, TIF Voices is back with this episode focused on a cultural icon, Barbie. Sparked by Greta Gerwig's smash summer blockbuster, we embark on a journey into the pink world of Barbie through a Latina lens. Join our insightful discussion as we explore Barbie's impact on our young minds and its representation of Latina culture. Our hosts share personal anecdotes and reflections, adding depth to the conversation about the impact of popular culture on shaping societal perceptions.

From the Dreamhouse to the big screen, Barbie has been a symbol of aspiration for generations. But what does this mean for Latina audiences? Our hosts delve into the movie's themes, characters, and narratives, examining how Barbie's world intersects with and reflects the experiences of Latina individuals.

👑 Your hosts are Tejanas in Film members Sharon Arteaga (⁠⁠@sharonarte⁠⁠) , Cristina Gonzalez (⁠⁠@cinecristina⁠⁠) and Samantha Rae Lopez (⁠⁠@sraelopez⁠⁠)

🌟 Whether you grew up with Barbie or are discovering her world for the first time, this episode promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of identity, representation, and the power of storytelling. Join us as we unpack the layers of the Barbie movie through the vibrant tapestry of the Latina experience.

✨ Rate, Review, and Subscribe to TIF Voices! Let's amplify diverse voices and celebrate the magic of storytelling together! 🎉

Settle in for this lively episode of Texas Film in Focus featuring the incredibly talented April M. Sanchez! In this edition, April spills the beans on her journey from filling in Mad Libs as a child to crafting screenplays that captivate audiences.

Join the laughter of this lively interview as April shares her early writing escapades, where the rich tapestry of her Latina roots began weaving its way into her stories. From childhood musings to the world of screenwriting classes and fellowships, discover the twists and turns that shaped her path.

But that's not all – April brings her vibrant cultural perspective to the forefront, highlighting her focus on cultural work as a Latina woman in the world of storytelling. Learn how her heritage influences her narratives, adding a colorful layer to her scripts that resonate with audiences far and wide.

The fun doesn't stop there! April outlines her latest escapade – dipping her toes into the pixelated universe of video game writing. Join us for a playful discussion on the challenges and joys of crafting interactive narratives that reflect the diverse stories of our world.

See more of April's work here: www.amsanchezmedia.com

Follow the Texas Film in Focus podcast on Tik Tok and Instagram ⁠@tfif_podcast

Episode 15 Show Notes & Transcript can be found here:

https://bit.ly/TFIFep15

Fantastic Fest attracts film aficionados of the weirdest, wildest kind to Austin, TX each fall. I got the chance to sit down with two short filmmakers who were part of the festival to cover a wide range of topics, from using practical effects for horror to starting your career during a double union strike.

Find Chris McInroy's work on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/chrismcinroy

Follow Andrew Parkerton on Instagram: @andrewparkerton

Follow the Texas Film in Focus podcast on Tik Tok and Instagram @tfif_podcast

Episode 14 Show Notes & Transcript can be found here:

https://bit.ly/TFIF14