Ricardo final project Roberto Bustamente was a smash hit at the InFocus Film School Film Production Program graduation screening and took home the Audience Choice Award. Less than a month after graduating, the same film is now nominated for Best Student Film at the International Indie Film and Screenplay Festival in Vienna. We spoke with Ricardo about the project.
Clip from ‘Roberto Bustamante’
Congratulations on your film Roberto Bustamente being nominated for a film festival award in Vienna! How does it feel knowing you’re already getting some recognition so soon after graduating?
Thank you so much! Well it is honestly mind blowing for me getting this kind of recognition of my work, it makes me feel super happy and it is truly motivating. When I was writing the script I wanted to tell a story about reminiscence, nostalgia and memory in a way that I could relate to and I am so glad and happy that people find it interesting.
Can you share the story of your film in your own words? What’s at its heart?
Roberto Bustamante is a story about how difficult it is to try to reconnect with someone or something that is no longer there, in this case Maria’s dad, Roberto. Her mom, Rosie, tries to make her feel better about the situation by telling her the same story she used to tell her when she was 8 but it’s not fun anymore. Maria is 14 now and she no longer wants to hear a kid’s fairytale story. Maria is old enough and at this point she thinks that the story that her mom is telling her it’s fake.
It’s a story about how hard it is to let go, to acknowledge difficult situations and be brave enough to embrace them, allowing yourself to move on while holding onto the good memories. It’s about missing someone or something so deeply that you can still feel their presence around you.
Being able to bring this story to life was very meaningful to me because I wanted to tell a story that could resonate with the audience and remind me of home. There was no better way to do that than by using mariachi music, a genre that originated in Guadalajara, Mexico, my hometown and the birthplace and heart of this tradition. I wanted to create something that truly felt like home.
The marionette is such a striking symbol. What does it represent to the characters, and to you as the storyteller?
For Rosie (the mom), it’s the only way she finds to connect with her daughter, that’s why she hasn’t got rid of it. For Maria, it used to be her father figure, now it’s just a memory she can’t bring to life. For me, the marionette it’s a great symbol but also a striking metaphor. It represents holding on to something that is no longer there. It represents nostalgia and memory…
Marionette from ‘Roberto Bustamante’
How did you approach blending reality with dreamlike moments while keeping the audience emotionally grounded?
My short film was inspired by the movie “Big Fish” by Tim Burton, and I wanted to create something that could make the audience feel the same way I felt when I watched that movie. I wanted to make the audience empathize with my characters while telling a dreamy and even childish story but with powerful meaning but also adding traditional music and performance, that’s what mariachi music was created for, it’s music with so much emotional connection.
What do you hope audiences feel or think about after watching this film?
I hope the audience really dives into this dreamy, musical story and feels those goosebumps when the music and stories hit them deep.
You made this film during your time at InFocus. How did the program prepare you to bring it to life? Were there specific lessons, techniques, or feedback from instructors that made a big difference in shaping this project?
This program taught me everything I know about directing, and David Michán did an incredible job supporting me throughout the entire year, he taught me how to be a better storyteller. I come from a photography background, and Chris Joys helped me polish my skills as a cinematographer. Duane Adler also helped me shape my script, making it more impactful and crafting the proper arc for my characters.
Not only were the teachers incredibly supportive throughout this whole process, but my classmates were as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better team, they truly put their heart and effort into this project, and I’m deeply thankful for all of them.
You were awarded the $10,000 scholarship a year ago. How did winning that scholarship shape your journey as a student and filmmaker?
Winning that scholarship was very motivating for me to not give up on this dream to become a filmmaker, being an international student can be very expensive and the school helping me with a scholarship by recognizing my work was truly meaningful and I wanted to make the most out of it.
How has your vision of yourself as a filmmaker changed since making this project?
Creating this film reminded me of how beautiful things can turn out when you put the effort and passion into something. I’m proud of myself and the hard work I put into this project and I can’t wait to create more.
What’s next?
I’m aiming high, baby, the sky’s the limit. I’m working on some projects I can’t wait to share with everyone, and I’m determined to become a great artist.