We recently connected with David Rodríguez Estrada and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, David thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In the year 2004, I had just celebrated my sixteenth birthday, and I felt a strong sense of readiness, or so I believed, to embark on the pursuit of my dreams with unwavering determination. My dream, which had crystallized into a life-defining mission, revolved around a career in filmmaking. Crafting films held paramount significance in my life, and I was prepared to confront any obstacle in its pursuit. However, a significant hindrance loomed on my path: I resided in Durango, a relatively small city in the northern region of Mexico, devoid of any tangible connections within the realm of filmmaking. Consequently, I recognized from a young age that my aspirations would necessitate immigration. My birthplace was Texas, while my sister hailed from Los Angeles, and both of my parents were immigrants, originating from Durango and frequently traversing the border between two countries.

My decision to depart for Los Angeles to acquire a film education was met with mixed responses within my family. While my father harbored reservations, possibly perceiving it as a substantial risk, my mother extended her steadfast support throughout my journey through film school. I vividly recall the day I left the comfort of my familial home. My mother held my hands, and together, we offered a prayer to invoke divine blessings upon my mission. Thus, I left behind my family, friends, and the familiar environs of my city, boldly venturing into a new and unfamiliar world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in filmmaking from the Art Institute of CA – Los Angeles, a for-profit private art school that has since vanished. My time there afforded me the opportunity to produce two short films that garnered substantial acclaim. “Suripanta” represented a poignant exploration of the American dream. This evocative work not only earned a coveted nomination for an Imagen Award in 2008 but also received recognition as an official selection at Frameline 33, the largest LGBTQI film festival in the United States.

Similarly, “¿Existes?” delved into profound and multifaceted themes, encompassing the dynamics of orgasm, notions of divinity, the human experience of onanism, and the existential essence of life. The film artfully wove a tapestry of diverse individuals embarking on intensely personal sexual journeys across various global metropolises. This thought-provoking work made its world premiere at the Palm Springs International Shorts Fest in June of 2009.

I have actively participated as a Film Independent Project: Involve fellow. Furthermore, I have recently been honored with the prestigious 2023 Sundance Latine Collab Scholarship.

My most recent endeavor, “El Tesoro,” features a distinguished ensemble cast, including Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza, Roberto Sosa, and Mónica Huarte and is produced under the expert guidance of renowned Mexican director Patricia Riggen. This Mexican-American short film aims to shed light on the tragic plight of the more than 100,000 disappeared individuals in Mexico.

Currently, I am in the process of developing my inaugural screenplay, “Trip.” This coming-of-age road trip drama revolves around Maria Sabina, a celebrated shaman located in Oaxaca, Mexico, and her pivotal role in the countercultural psychedelic movement.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a filmmaker and artist, my mission centers on contributing to accurate and authentic representations of various minority groups, with a particular focus on Latinos in the US and worldwide. I firmly believe that representation is paramount when striving to engage audiences on a deeper level. Witnessing one’s own story on the big screen carries a certain magical quality.

That being said it’s all about the stories. Story is what ultimately inspires audiences and story is what drives you and pushes you forward as an artist. You give part of life in order to tell a story. So make it worth.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

While it may initially come across as self-centered, the truth is, as a storyteller, your primary audience should be yourself. Your creative process must begin with an inner sense of passion, engagement, personal entertainment, anticipation, and the element of surprise about the story you’re crafting. It’s only when you’ve successfully accomplished this initial step that you can genuinely share your creation with the world. The ultimate rewards come when people express how profoundly your film and story have moved them, how deeply it has impacted their lives, and the extent to which it has left a lasting impression.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.davidrodriguezcine.com
• Instagram: rodriguezfilm
• Facebook: rodriguezfilm
• Twitter: directrodriguez
• Youtube: teoremacolectivo

Image Credits
-León Alvarado for “El Siglo de Durango” -Carlos Golo -JC Olivera for LALIFF