STAR, 13min., USA
Directed by Selena Alvarez
Estrella (Spanish for “Star”) follows the journey of a young woman navigating the weight of adulthood, identity, and self-acceptance. As a child, Estrella is nurtured by her mother’s belief that she is destined for greatness — her pastel pink-colored world is one of safety, hope, and limitless dreams. But as she grows, the color fades into darkness, symbolizing the harsh realities of pressure, depression, and self-doubt.

https://instagram.com/ninamoonlove

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Dance was my first love, I started off as a dancer before becoming a filmmaker. I only started filming dance because I didn't know anyone who could capture my dancing on camera the way I envisioned it. I've been filming dance visuals since 2018, immediately after graduating college (entirely self-taught). I've been grateful for the opportunity to create and collaborate with various choreographers, performers, and dance studios/companies to bring their visions to life. I had NO idea that Dance Festivals existed until pretty recently. I was a bit intimidated at first because I've been a one-woman production team for all these years, but I knew it was time to challenge myself.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took a total of 2 years to create ESTRELLA. From writing the script and creating the concept to filming with a cast of 30 people to editing the final product. As I mentioned before, I am a one-woman production, so I ran most of the creative process, including all the choreography.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

"Inner Child"

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

At the beginning of making this film, I wasn't fully aware that I couldn't use copyrighted music. As a dancer, I fall in love with the music first; the concept comes second. I made the brave decision to film with actual music then assembled a team of musicians to replace the entire soundtrack with original compositions. This also led me to sing the finale song for my own film. Let's just say I conquered a lot of my fears for this project (I've never sung in front of an audience).

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

To be completely honest, When I received the email about the feedback, I was so scared that it sat in my inbox for 9 days. It's always been just me on my production team, so the thought of receiving any kind of feedback about something I made was very foreign and scary. When I finally opened the email, it was very emotional to hear the amazing compliments and learn that my film was selected for an award. I'm still in complete SHOCK and awe. Beyond grateful to be part of this experience - as my FIRST festival experience ever.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I'm obsessed with the idea of feeling like capturing film or videos is the perfect way to freeze time. My biggest fear in life is running out of time and seeing my loved ones grow old, a common concern for many people. Film is my way of making memories and achieving immortality. Another aspect is I love to surround myself with open-minded creatives across the entire spectrum. I'm talking poets, figure skaters, musicians, athletes—all of the above. As a dancer, I wanted to challenge myself to share the beauty of dance through film with people who don't understand that world.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

I LOVE FILMS. And I like a wide range of things. I can be a horror fan for the sake of adrenaline, yet I love indie films for how well they capture the beauty without the pressure of needing to perform in the industry. Most importantly, I need to FEEL something when watching a film. My most seen film has to be "Call Me By Your Name", not for the storyline or the plot, but for the feeling of being in the same environment with the characters in Northern Italy.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

This is my first film festival experience. Therefore, I am here for the ride and am open to receiving whatever is meant for me.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

FilmFreeway has been SO easy to navigate and has truly opened me up to brand new experiences that I never knew I was able to achieve. Beyond grateful for the platform.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love a good home-cooked meal. I am 100% Puerto Rican, so give me rice and beans with a little chicken drumstick on the side and call it a day. Maybe even throw in a slice of avocado. I'm a simple girl.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I love to challenge myself by doing things I've never done before. I do see myself making another dance film—perhaps adding a horror aspect, something eerie and grungy—completely outside my comfort zone. But I'm allowing inspiration to come to me. I've tried forcing it in the past and my brain just doesn't work that way.