Selene Montijo
Selene Montijo, is a person who has love for the arts, ever since her high school days. She fell in love with the craft of filmmaking as an actress, then decided to challenge herself and take her talents to new heights when she began sitting in the directors chair in 2020.
With her professionalism and her razor sharp focus when it comes to directing actors and taking charge on set she proves, not just with herself but with her filmmaking peers, that she can dominate just as well as the men can in such a male dominated space.
Other actors, producers, crew members and even other directors that she worked with or is working with currently will say, she is one of the best and that she deeply cares for the art of filmmaking.
Her goal is to take on bigger projects while continuing to show that she has what it takes to direct a good show.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28374385/
www.thisiscarlostorres.net
What is the story behind your film?
Expiation is a a story about a vivid case of infidelity and betrayal that causes a Wife to issue out capital punishment which leads to deadly consequences.
With her professionalism and her razor sharp focus when it comes to directing actors and taking charge on set she proves, not just with herself but with her filmmaking peers, that she can dominate just as well as the men can in such a male dominated space.
Other actors, producers, crew members and even other directors that she worked with or is working with currently will say, she is one of the best and that she deeply cares for the art of filmmaking.
Her goal is to take on bigger projects while continuing to show that she has what it takes to direct a good show.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28374385/
www.thisiscarlostorres.net
What is the story behind your film?
Expiation is a a story about a vivid case of infidelity and betrayal that causes a Wife to issue out capital punishment which leads to deadly consequences.
What should people take away, gain, realize after watching your film?
What the audience should realize, is that, if someone is not happy or has the urge to want to step out in their marriage, they should communicate with their partner that, they're not happy and try to come to a positive resolution.
Do you think that films can change people for the better or for the worse?
I strongly believe films can make you more of who you already are as a person. Because, if someone is watching a film that triggers a certain emotion, it will validate that person's decision to do or say what they saw on screen. And it will make that person feel like they're not alone in their feelings and that, a piece of art spoke to them in a motivating way.
What creation style did you use in the production of your project? What cameraman elements did you use.
I wanted to tell the story through action instead of dialogue in the art form of a silent film. The cinematographer said it would be a good idea to tell the story through black and white with a dark element.
How did you select the actors for your project?
Katelyn Lane, Andrew Clancey and Daisy Hernandez are actors that I've always wanted to work with. I am very familiar with their work and when it comes to bringing a character to life, they do such an astounding job and I am forever grateful for them.
Why do you think your film should appeal to distributors?
A: I always say, "anybody can write a script but not everyone can tell a story." And a good story is what sells. And a product that can sell, that's what distributors love. I strongly believe that can appeal to distributors.
At which festival has your film been screened?
Expiation has not been screened to the public as of yet. Due to the finishing of the film just two months prior.
How did your acquaintances react when they first saw the film?
Their reactions were priceless. With it only being a short film, they demanded that it becomes a feature film to have more of a backstory of the characters.
If you could change something in your film, what would it be?
I would definitely change the script to make it longer.
Which movies are your favorites and why?
A: It changes everyday. So I can only speak for right now. But currently I would say the John Wick movies. I love the action and the storytelling as well as the suspense.
What topics do you like to address in your stories?
I love topics that deal with the brain in the forum of making decisions and how the mind reacts to time, places and things. Because it all starts with a character's mental state.
What is your motivation in making films?
Making films is very therapeutic and to create a film that makes people have such a chain reaction and can definitely sit back and enjoy. Is such a wonderful feeling that makes me want to keep going.
Which contemporary filmmakers motivate you the most?
Currently right now, I would say Zack Snyder. I love his writing as well as his ability to garner the audience attention with just his name being on screen and the fans love it.
What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?
A: I definitely want to start doing thrillers as well as horror. I want to continue to challenge myself to do other genres.