CAPTURADA, 10min., USA
A Film By Sophie Gould, Bela Paião, and Ryan Rivera

A grandmother, Alma, secretly explores a new relationship online, rediscovering her identity beyond the roles of mother and grandmother. When her hidden life collides with her family, Alma faces a transformative journey of self-love, desire, and liberation.

Get to know filmmakers Bela Paião, and Ryan Rivera:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Bela: This film was inspired by my grandmother's story. After my grandfather passed away, she fell into a really dark place. She stopped talking, eating, and even walking. We all thought she wouldn't make it much longer. But then something unexpected happened: she discovered Facebook. Through connecting with people online and even falling in love again, she found a new sense of life. She started learning English and going to the gym, and she had a reason to wake up every day.

It really moved me to see how love, desire, and human connection can literally bring someone back to life. That's what inspired me to tell this story. When I shared it with Sophie and Ryan, they immediately connected with it, and we decided to create something that was both fictional and deeply personal, a film about the power of love and desire to keep us alive.

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

Ryan: It roughly took 5 months to create the finished product. We first talked about this idea in December and then throughout the first half of the year we worked to bring the story to life!

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

Ryan: Unexpectedly heartfelt

Bela: Homely and Dynamic

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

Ryan: The biggest obstacle was finding the cast as this was our first time recruiting a lead actor that was not a student. Throughout my time making films, I usually would call up a friend I knew and ask if they wanted to be in my project. This time it was different because our lead had to be a hispanic grandmother. It was a role we couldn't fill from our immediate circle, and I was initially unsure how to approach it since we had no prior experience casting outside our community.

I spent time researching casting platforms and reaching out beyond our typical channels. Thankfully, the effort paid off! I found a group of actors who not only fit the roles but genuinely looked and felt like a real family. I'm incredibly grateful they believed in the project and dedicated their time to help bring the story to life.

Bela: It was definitely casting. We lost our main actress just two days before the shoot. It was a really stressful moment, but with a mix of miracle and hard work, Ryan found Sandra and honestly, she was meant to play that role the whole time.

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

Bela: I felt so honored. Time is so valuable, and seeing that people took time out of their lives not only to watch the film but also to share their thoughts about it was the greatest honor.

Ryan: Watching the video showed me just how genuinely people are responding to the project. When I submit to festivals, the most I usually receive is a congratulatory email, so actually seeing audience members' feedback was a complete game changer for me.

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

Bela: Growing up, I always made movies for my friends to act in. I never saw it as a hobby or a passion; it was just something I did without thinking much about it. When it was time to choose a major, the same thing happened again. I imagined myself in all kinds of professions: a doctor, a lawyer, an architect, a cook, a teacher... and in every one of those highly detailed fictional scenarios, I was miserable. When I tried picturing myself working with film, nothing came to mind. At the time, that mystery was enough to make me want to pursue it. Now, thinking about it, I realize it might have been because, just like when I was little, filmmaking wasn't something separate for me to picture. It was already part of who I was.

Ryan: As a kid, I always loved creating stories, and taking filmmaking classes in high school gave me a glimpse into a world I wanted to keep exploring. I enjoy piecing together a story through a series of shots and bringing them to life through editing.

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

Ryan: The film I have seen the most is Inside Out. The story in that film is such an important coming of age story that most people can relate to.

Bela: The Hangover. The day that movie stops being funny to me is the day I'll start to worry about my future.

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

Ryan: I think more festivals should provide more feedback on the films. I really love how this festival provided feedback and constant communication with the filmmakers. I loved hearing from the audience what resonated with them.

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

Ryan: This platform site is crucial in promoting independent filmmakers who don't have a lot of access to big name distributors. I really appreciate the student discount the site offers as many of us do not have enough money to submit to festivals that charge a lot for their submissions.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Ryan: My favorite meal is pizza!

Bela: Anything cooked by Sophie

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

Ryan: Lately, I've been focusing on creating more short-form social media videos. As I transition into a post-grad environment, I'm shifting toward visually-driven concepts rather than in-depth narrative pieces. I am trying to grow my portfolio as much as possible!

Bela: I'm currently working as a director at a production company in Brazil called Chucky Jason. Hopefully, during this time, I'll be able to create work that I'm truly proud of and continue growing as a filmmaker.