Sensus Mori, 8min., USA
Directed by Sydney Rincón
When an elusive society agrees to be interviewed, a journalist must contend with their ideologies or risk falling prey herself.

https://instagram.com/sensusmori

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Sensus Mori actually originated from a political science paper I wrote in university on idealogical conditioning and social influence on identity.

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

My undergrad thesis program was 1 year but I think I started workshopping 8 months prior to that— I couldn't wait to start. The character masks alone took me 5 months to construct.

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

A lot.

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

Definitely the time constraints of being a student, working, and directing; having a tight schedule meant every moment was precious when it came to giving Sensus Mori the attention it deserved. My cast and crew were incredibly savvy when it came to working around the quick deadline.

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

I had a pen and paper ready to take notes. It's a bit nerve wracking watching someone react to the project you put so much life into. But hearing people connect to the art and message of the film? That lets me know I did my job as a director.

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

I was an actor first actually, I studied theatre for four years before pursuing film— so I wanted to see a film project from the very first draft to the big screen and directing gave me that opportunity. It's like playing pretend professionally.

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

Probably Fantastic Mr. Fox. The Family Stone is a close second.

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'm very appreciative of the support I have received for my film, I hope moving forward I'm able to attend more festivals and connect directly with audiences and fellows creatives, making festivals accessible is always a plus.

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

The opportunities are almost overwhelming, having a distribution team has made a world of difference and FilmFreeway makes navigating festival entries easy.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My mom's tacos, there's nothing like them.

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

Since graduating, I've performed in an upcoming short film, Brain Spiders (2026), and I will be starting pre-production for my next film this coming spring. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as they've enjoyed Sensus Mori.