Diandra Interviews Arilyn Martinez: Changing How We See Film-making
In this world, especially now, it can feel too hard to have a “can do” attitude, especially when you can have a million trial and errors before you land in the correct place. Yet, when you are a Latinx, particularly in the entertainment industry, it can feel like a hundred of us need to try just for one of us to be able to do. Our representation, in all sectors, is struggling, particularly in terms of power. Yet, for Arilyn Martinez, the founder of the Latino Film Market, happening virtually from July 27 to August 2, our struggles for power does not mean we are not powerful. Our art is to be cherished, especially in terms of film. It is for this reason that she creates a festival that helps young Latinx Filmmakers learn the ins and outs of cinema, get in touch with the movers and shakers, and gain possible distribution.
Diandra: Describe the first time you dreamed of creating this film market.
Arilyn: Around 2014-2016 I saw the need because I had the blessed opportunity to intern in many places, and I saw that I was probably the only black latina in the place and, when I speak up, they still let us out.
Latino Film Market – Virtual Film Festival
Diandra: Describe the first moment you knew you wanted to be a filmmaker.
Arilyn: That happened in Puerto Rico, while I was study ing a career in theater, I took a course, like an after school program in the town of Las Piedras with Taller Cinematic, and I decided to finish my career and then do film.
Diandra: What was your favorite childhood film? Why?
Arilyn: It was going to the movies every time Disney release a new film. Like Small Soldiers, and now, I go back, and I am like that movie wasn’t for kids.
Reminder to myself: to rewatch Small Soldiers!
Diandra: An expert in the process of film-making, what is one common misconception, about the full process, that you wish people understood better?
Latino Film Market 2017 Highlights with Arilyn Martinez Cora | The Spotlight
Arilyn: Distribution. I think Film Schools should fix their curriculum and teach ways to learn about finance, marketing, and distribution. That is the only way you will be able to survive the business: expending and getting that revenue back.
Budget
Distribution
Research
Team
Me: SO TRUE!
Diandra: Having lived in New York for nearly a decade, what are the changes you have seen in the city?
Arilyn: I see that their are many opportunities that NYC bring us but we have to be on the loop and the events here cost a lot of money. (NYC Film incentives) / grants
Diandra: Born and raised in Puerto Rico, what aspects of its culture and art do you feel fuse into your own art?
Arilyn: I am from a small town called Guayama and we are mix. We have white and we have black people, and, as much as you can, you will allows see a black person on everything that I do. (la importancia afro-puertorriqueña)
Diandra: What are the films inspired you to become a filmmaker and why?
Arilyn: From US: Sofia Coppola (Francis Coppola) & Ava Duvernay PR: Luis Molina & Jacobo Morales. Spain: Almodovar
Diandra: Films are all about one’s perspective of the world. What do you feel your films show about your own perspective?
Arilyn: I can say my own perspective but also the community perspective. Teaching in schools, you have to allow the students come up with their own projects and being able to see and understand their vision and help them to become life is magic, specially, with students that feel that they can’t achieve anything.
Diandra: What is the most frustrating part about getting one’s film distributed and what is your advice?
Arilyn: It is not hard research, but you have to understand that when your film is distributed, you still have to do your part. (promotion and marketing specially if you don’t have an A Cast) (distribution is not hard is getting paid that is hard as a filmmaker)
Diandra: What are the films that you have seen, through Latino Film Market, the most moved you?
Arilyn: Historias de mujeres, de la comunidad LGBT e historias de suspenso.
Diandra: What do you feel America needs to understand and do to elevate Latinos in entertainment?
Arilyn: I feel it is actually on us. We have to be the ones supporting each other and creating production companies to obtain the incentives and ensure that we can benefit from that. We have to understand that gaining audience takes time but we have to keep pushing. The Latino companies that are doing well invest in us. Instead of paying all the money to the IRS, invest in the community. Like a domino effect I gain but you also can gain.
Diandra: What do you hope Latino Film Market achieves for Latino filmmakers?
Arilyn: We want to more people to watch the films, meet the filmmakers, the artists, enjoy our culture, and educate themselves and the community; understanding that there are resources we have to brief, jump on it, and do the work.
