EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Borderland filmmakers invite the community to the premiere of their first film, looking to inspire local filmmakers to shoot their own film.
KFOX14/CBS4 spoke with the director of “Sunset Memory,” Pedro Antonio Espinoza and the movie’s lead actress, Asia Espinoza, about the red carpet premiere and the struggles of making their first film.
Asia and Pedro Espinoza, lead actress and director of “Sunset Memory,” premiering at the cinema inside Basset Mall on Nov. 7. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
Pedro explained that ever since he was 12, he wanted to learn about how to make movies. He started watching YouTube tutorials and eventually ended up studying film and broadcasting at New Mexico State University.
However, after graduating and while working two jobs, Pedro said he found it hard to get on a set.
But Pedro said he found the silver lining in his troubles, saying that his struggles became the basis for the story of “Sunset Memory.”
Pedro said that he noticed that people he had met in El Paso and college had a similar experience, adding that they were in their 20s but were living with a lot of regret.
“So I wanted to make my first film very relatable to that,” Pedro said.
Behind-the-scenes video of the making of “Sunset Memory.” Credit: Run Productions
Like Pedro, Asia had a penchant for filmmaking but found it difficult with a nine-to-five job to find the time to flex her creative muscles.
Nonetheless, feeling the urge and looking for an outlet for expression, Asia said she started taking acting lessons online.
After six months, Asia said she had built enough confidence to do her first in-person audition.
“I cried really hard,” Asia said, talking about her experience. “I was super anxious.”
Asia explained that she was grateful when Pedro reached out to her, looking to work together.
“He kind of just took a chance on me,” Asia said. “I was like, ‘Sir, you’ve never seen me really act or anything like that.'”
Behind-the-scenes video of the making of “Sunset Memory.” Credit: Run Productions
But Asia described that after reading the script a couple of times, she realized that her character and herself were the same person.
“He didn’t even know me when he wrote her,” Asia said. “So it kind of just feels like one of those things that’s meant to be.”
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Sunset Memory will premiere on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the El Paso Premiere LUX Cine 17 inside Bassett Place Mall.
Pedro said the red carpet will start at 6 p.m. and wants the El Paso community to show up, not only so they can watch his film but also to inspire others to follow in his footsteps and brave the elements and make their own movie.
“I think if the community were to show up for this premiere, it would really make its mark in… El Paso film history,” Pedro said. “I want a lot of the local filmmakers to know that it is possible,”
“It’s something that’s just really important for representation, Asia said. “It celebrates that it’s El Paso.”
Poster for “Sunset Memory.” Credit: Run Productions
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