De La Luz
“No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.”
Warsan Shire
De La Luz is what happens when artists, writers, videographers and actors are looking for a way to combat a hate filled national rhetoric with truth and emotion. The story is a common theme in modernity, one of struggle. A young family is willing to risk everything to build a better life in the United States and the journey is one that is documented and dramatized to show audiences what people will brave in order to even have a slightly better chance at prosperity, security, and freedom.
The writers, producers, actors and crew are all tied to the borderlands and have experienced the story of the immigrant in one way or another through deep personal connections. This story is about showcasing that humanity, showing the desperation of what an immigrant goes through and a hope that art can change hearts. The writer, director and cinematographer are all NMSU Creative Media graduates and have created this project in search of answers. What they have found was a story that created more questions and deepened the ties to the border region. This film isn’t about just two nations but it’s about what happens when people experience desperation and what they will face in order to save their families from it.
The creators behind the project have their own varied stories themselves and deeply related to the borderlands. Alfonso Loya is a filmmaker and singer/songwriter born and raised in Cuidad Juarez, Mexico. At the age of 12 he moved to the United States and at the age of 17 he started writing songs and playing guitar, piano, harmonica, violin and drums. He has studied at NMSU where he directed and scored a few short films, graduating in 2016 with a Bachelors Degree in Digital Filmmaking. He has since started a production company named In Cadence Films with fellow filmmaker and actor Tony Marquez, The production company focuses on music video production and short films. He is currently working on his first feature film titled Mia Bennet.
Tony Marquez is a cinematographer, director and actor born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He has a varied background including but not limited to short films, feature films, music videos, and commercials. Tony also studied at New Mexico State University and earned his degree in Digital Filmmaking as well.
Julian Nunez is a filmmaker and marketing specialist from border town Columbus, New Mexico. He also graduated with a degree in Creative Media and Digital Filmmaking. He has experience with projects such as documentary films, real estate, digital marketing and managing a country music band. The borderlands have influenced his artistic creativity and business acumen. It has helped develop his compelling stories and work that are begging to be told. Julian is the writer and executive producer of the film De La Luz.
Feel free to visit the site for the film to learn more about it at DeLaLuzFilm.com. You can also support it on Kickstarter. The teaser trailer is below. Support the arts and the film if you feel so inclined, please and thank you.