I’m thrilled to share that the Austin International Art Festival has just sent its certificate, confirming that my debut film, Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads, has won Best LGBT Short at the festival this past November!
Austin International Art Festival
For those unfamiliar with the festival, the Austin International Art Festival is an IMDb-qualified film festival that embraces a diverse range of films, both short and feature-length. What sets it apart is its focus on artistic merit, welcoming submissions from filmmakers around the globe. The festival is structured to prioritize creativity, offering filmmakers the chance to have their work evaluated by an esteemed jury of experts from various corners of the film world. The best films are selected for seasonal screenings, with winners promoted on social media and awarded certificates, making it a truly special platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike.
Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads is a beautifully crafted story delving into tales on life, love, and the enduring power of friendship, offering a touching tribute to those who navigate the crossroads of life with grace and courage.
Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads – More than a Film
This win feels especially meaningful because Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads is more than just a film—it’s the intersection of several creative projects that have been a part of my artistic journey. The film is part of a series of vignettes that emerged from the merging of my album Nostalgia and my book Santa Fe & Esmeralda. These works have come together to create standalone film vignettes—each one a brief yet evocative scene rich in imagery, capturing a singular moment or emotion. These vignettes not only complement the themes in both my music and my storytelling, but they also invite the viewer to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in their layered meanings.
Vignettes
The first vignette in this series, Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads, marks my debut as a filmmaker, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished. The story of Santa Fe and Esmeralda chronicles the profound and enduring friendship between Kita, a young Dutch woman, and Lorenzo, the gay son of a prominent Argentine family, in the transformative backdrop of Argentina’s evolving democracy and vibrant art scene from 1987 to 1996. United by their love for music, they navigate complex family dynamics and the harsh realities of AIDS, with Kita becoming Lorenzo’s caregiver and preserving their bond through storytelling after his death, celebrating a love that transcends boundaries.
Awards
This recognition builds on Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads‘s previous successes, including Best Story at the Toronto LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Best Music at the London Women’s Film Festival, and multiple wins at San Diego’s Best Short Competition. While each of these accolades has been incredibly rewarding, the Best LGBT Short award from the Austin International Art Festival feels particularly meaningful, as it celebrates the film’s artistic vision and emotional depth.
As this project continues to gain recognition, I’m excited about the future of the Santa Fe & Esmeralda series. There are more vignettes in the works, and I look forward to sharing them with you all. Whether through music, literature, or film, I remain dedicated to telling stories that explore the intersections of love, identity, and transformation.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this film, and to those who continue to inspire me. Your encouragement and belief in my work make all the difference. Stay tuned for more updates, upcoming screenings, and future releases!