This year’s Cine las Americas International Film Festival was again host to the Hecho en Tejas Shorts Competition. The Audience Award winner is Tejano Night from Director Alexander Rosales, a Texas resident and an alumnus of the University of Texas. The following phone interview is edited for clarity and length.
Q – AFS Travel grant program (recent), next to Short Film Grants
Alex – Tejano Night will be at the Palm Springs FF at the end of the month – qualifying[?]; good to get the grant for traveling (have to apply for a specific fest and inform them with specifics for films).
The Palm Springs International Short Fest 2022- Awards and cash prizes worth $25,000, including five Academy Award-qualifying awards, will be announced on Sunday, June 26. The Best of the Fest shorts will screen on the final day, Monday, June 27. Designated by AMPAS, BAFTA, BIFA and Goya Awards as an award-qualifying festival, and accredited by the International Short Film Conference, the Palm Springs International ShortFest & Short Film Market is one of the most acclaimed short film showcases in the world.
https://www.psfilmfest.org/2022-shortfest/about-shortfest
Q – What was the reason/idea for the film?
Alex – This film is the pre -thesis film in the grad program. Some people focus on identity, themselves/story. When started [thinking?] filmmaker/human – Latino, struggled with it – some resentment through identity. In high school, identity was American rather than Latino. Don’t know why, started to think – I started to watch what I grew up on. Lots of stories are stereotypical. I didn’t identify. My grandmother was born in Colorado – family here forever. Also, I don’t relate to immigration stories and didn’t speak Spanish.
While writing the script – identified this – knew the kid in the film would end up dancing. Can’t learn Spanish overnight. If you dance like no one is watching, you will be accepted. Going to the bar was really fun. Tejano Night came from Sunday night at a Country Western bar.
I screened the film at the Cine Festival in San Antonio last year. Others came to me (after the film). The tamale scene was a real experience. I said “carne guisada” with an English accent. Mexican family and friends still mock me.
I wanted to make something multi – dimensional and more nuanced portrayal of Latino identity. Some viewers – more nuanced – avoid stereotypes and people don’t think about it.
NOTE: South Texas International Film Festival – he recommends it [under 10 years] – filmmakers really like the experience.
Q – Challenges
Alex – Before I went to grad school, I took off and worked as a crew member in the industry. Didn’t just want to be a 1st Assistant – went back to school – struggled with the academic world {there] – not lots of practical experience. I would do different. In school I felt I was being pushed to do in a way [not ? to?]. I wanted to do my voice/creator. Who am I? Make it the way I want to – scared if too assertive – not following instructions. Felt like school wanted X and I wanted to do it [my way], make mistakes.
Challenge = best way to do it my voice – to be Alexander Rosales. I think is most successful. Now almost have had 40 screenings so far – a testament to fight for self – to be my own advocate. Good goal – film and reception of it is good and fighting for my voice.
Hard to feel supported – especially at school – had to stick with it- then saw the footage and good support [then].
Q – Talk about filming details [when, where]
Alex – The principal production was mid – December 2019. 95% of the film was pre -pandemic. Realized I was missing a scene – the bathroom scene – 8 months later. I approached ATMC in October 2019 – asked them about a film about being Tejano (my experience). My Dad was Tejano and liked Jay Perez, etc. Dad died in 2012 – couldn’t ask him, so asked ATMC. I didn’t know the nuance of this community. I had to partner with someone who knew them. They were happy I was a Latino/Tejano at UT grad school.
They were instrumental – couldn’t do this without them – they got the Texas Club – access was so helpful. The crew walked in and they were mesmerized. It was so inherently done. Actors felt like they were in a real space.
Q – I don’t know why they didn’t say anything before.
Alex – They probably didn’t know the level of production (I have been doing this since I was 16). They didn’t have a clear picture and was probably my fault. Once it was in many festivals, Gloria started talking about it. Aggie and her husband too – real advocates – access to the location/owner. They were my rock – so successful.
Q – editing
Alex – feel like some scenes didn’t make the final cut. Had to cut characters – for pacing and some were repetitive. One of the [?] thing at UT – very smart people – I’m not – and put this project in front, had to hear feedback. I didn’t want it, but feedback was necessary. At first, wasn’t working – had many revisions – relentless in finding the right tone. Even revised after in the festival run. Know when it feels right – go with my gut – is a trying [?] process[?]. it’s easy to be discouraged, but had to keep going.
Q – I was told that Johnny Limon was in the film, but I didn’t see him in the film.
Alex – I am thankful I met him. My family is from Austin. Met him at ATMC. He was [?] me. I asked for history – he spoke up about start, went on, re: instruments. Gracious/generous with his knowledge. I don’t think the footage made it to the film, but he was on set. He was very willing to help with what is needed. There was a lot of press coverage of his passing – extremely proud to have him as part of the project. The project benefited from him. Led to where we are now and Austin liked the film.
Q –
Alex – Our family was discouraged from speaking Spanish at school. I am the result of that history. Feels very [disconnected?] from behavior/culture of my family. Growing up -was asked why didn’t I speak Spanish. DAD had to learn Spanish from his grandmother. My mom grew up in Utah. Her parents didn’t teach her Spanish because of not facing discrimination. I am a result of having Spanish stripped from us – spanning decades, laid the path for my own [? Dream]. I got an understanding of empathy and forgiveness of self- was doing of others.
I did not grow up in the film industry. If yes, maybe meet more to help. Important to share my story – Latinos need to know having a good successful career is possible. Most of us don’t grow up with connections. We need to share. I want to be able to help younger story tellers – to help them enter.