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As an actor, it is a joy to work on a film that you love, which eventually is accepted and enjoyed by its audiences. That holds true for COYOTE, a small film with a big heart that speaks volumes to festival audiences worldwide.
COYOTE holds a special place in my heart because I feel it sheds a new light on the humanity behind the immigration issue. This issue is important to me because my parents came to the U.S. from Mexico, where my dad started as a migrant worker. I grew up very aware of this issue and have always looked for ways to share the stories I heard growing up.
Growing up in South Texas, I remember hearing in school about “wetbacks” and “illegals” being caught and sent back to Mexico. As an 8-year old, the thought of having my family ripped apart was unsettling to say the least. I would hound my poor mom endlessly for proof that they would not be taken away. She always reassured me that they had papers and permission to live in the states. This is where I learned of the intricacies involved in permissions, governments and paperwork in order to chase the American dream.
Eventually, my heart went out to those who didn’t have the means to proper channels and risked everything to make a better life for themselves and their families. I thank Brian and Brett for giving me the opportunity to bring to the screen a story and character that tells of these sacrifices, hopes, fears and dreams.
As proud as I am of my parents, I am proud to be part of a film that tells an American story that transcends to a worldwide audience. And, not only has it been well attended at festivals — it has gone on to win Best Feature and Audience Awards at festivals in California, Colorado and Italy!
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Along the way, we always hear from audiences how much they related to the characters and story. We have won over fans at every festival where we have been invited to screen COYOTE. One of those fans was Matt Jenkins, whom we met at the Los Angeles Film Festival screening in June of this year. He introduced himself and told us that he was a programmer for a film festival in his hometown of Ft. Collins, Colorado called the TriMedia Film Festival. Before we knew it, we got a call asking COYOTE to be the opening night film for the festival. We were all very excited, especially since they requested that the cast attend as well.
The Ft. Collins opening night audience was incredibly warm and welcoming of COYOTE. We received our first standing ovation, which was a pleasant surprise. Ft. Collins proved itself to have a sophisticated audience and appreciation for the arts, which was reflected in the festival’s line up. The festival directors, Francie Glycenfer and Carol Van Natta, did a fantastic job in organizing the festival and programming the films and theatre showcased that weekend.
It was especially exciting for me because the TriMedia Film Festival also hosted the screening of my short film, Vamonos. It is my producing and screenwriting debut, and TriMedia Film Festival is the first festival to host both of my films. I thank Francie and Carol for the opportunity to be part of the opening night film, as well as for having my short film play alongside some of this year’s best shorts from festivals like Sundance.
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The Coyote family also had the opportunity to explore Ft. Collins on Saturday, and found ourselves very much at home in the heart of Old Town. We are convinced that Carley Adams made up half the sales for the weekend at the local Goodwill, where she found some amazing vintage dresses. Devin Colvin and Dave Thompson checked out free bikes at the local bike library (how cool, huh?). And Brett Spackman woke up EARLY to be at the opening ceremonies for the New Belgium Brewing Company’s (Fat Tire brew) Tour de Fat festival, which consists of 8000+ cyclists in costume riding through Old Town Ft. Collins. The parade of bikes ended at a field where we enjoyed musical acts, food vendors, some vaudevillian performances and even NINJAS!! The ninja show was fantastic, check them out at NANDATOWN.COM.
Then it was back to the festival Saturday evening for the screening of THE COLLECTIVE, a feature by my friends Judson Pearce Morgan and his wife, Kelly Overton, and the short film, OUTSOURCE, directed by Dan Trezise, both great films and winners at the festival.
We also made new friends along the way in Ron Noble, director of HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL; Sol Tryon, director of THE LIVING WAKE; David Schock, director of WHO KILLED JANET CHANDLER? and Susie Watson, director of SMALL DARK PLACES – all great films and once again –- festival winners.
Lastly, I am proud to say that COYOTE also won, Best of Festival – Audience Award!! Kudos to everyone on a job well done and continued success!!! Thank you Ft. Collins, Carol, Francie, Matt and all the wonderful volunteers and festival supporters for a wonderful weekend and festival experience.
One Response to “Vamonos a Fort Collins”
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Nikki
Posted: Dec 17th, 2008 at 4:47 pm1Reply to this comment.I saw the movie at Bear Tooth in Anchorage AK but left before I had the chance to Thank You for making/being a part of such an amazing film!
It really touched my heart and hope to see take off and reach a larger audience once it hits the shelves! Good luck to you and everyone else involved and thanks again!
