Los Courage Camps: Creando Olas, 9min., USA
Directed by Yesenia De Casas
One wave can change it all. A small courage revolution has been rising in unexpected areas of LA. Meet some of the familias who have embarked on the journey to reconnect with the ocean through Los Courage Camps - a homegrown organization that teaches free surf lessons each summer and introduces children to a sport they never knew was possible for them. Follow the stories of Los Courage Camps’ founder, community, young surfers and witness healing and courage return after generations of fearing a thing we all connect to and learn from - the ocean.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CuuegDkxbcs

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The motivation behind this film was about capturing the healing nature of the ocean through a gentle yet radical community shift. For the latino and innercity community, With healthcare and extracurriculares becoming increasingly inaccessible to inner city kids, public trust resources such as the ocean make.

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

I believe the idea started seven years ago with the inception of the program, but this film took about 2 years from start to finish.

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

“Cleansing tears”

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

The biggest obstacle I faced in completing this film was making it happen with literally zero dollars. Just kidding- I forgot I almost died twice in the conception of this piece. Once on the first day of filming when two lifeguards had to pull me to shore from a rip current; And second, when I totaled my car in the middle of picking up a Bluetooth call. (Don’t take post-pro meetings in your car kids.) My poor DP was there for both of them- a terrible trauma he’s had to come to terms with. I’ve pondered the meaning of this and can only just wonder if that third strike will come about now that the film has premiered. “Can Yessi continue a career sound from supernatural activity, or is there no escaping the thrillers?“

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

My initial reaction when watching the audience talk about our film in the feedback video was a feeling of unity. Just about everyone who watches it can connect with a part of our movement, and it's something we don’t take for granted. Courage is best found together :)

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

I realized I wanted to make films in the middle of watching Star Trek (2009) in theaters. Ten year old me was infatuated with the intergalactic power struggle

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

The film I’ve probably seen the most in my life is probably E.T… I’m a sucker for sentient alien telepathy, Halloween nostalgia, and the awe wonderment factor.

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

I believe having some sort of gathering for the filmmakers always creates a stronger association between the creator and the work.

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

Filmfreeway is great. Love that we are reached out to individually after getting accepted.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is soup.

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

What’s next for me is a development of more narrative pieces of work where characters explore what connects ancient wisdom and traditions to a future where mother earth is slowly reclaiming and humbling the structures that stand. These stories will move the collective imagination towards developing eco-modernism, in an industrial world.